1. What is Body Surface Percentage?

The Body Surface Percentage (%BSA) is a medical measurement that estimates the percentage of a person's total skin surface area that is affected by burns, wounds, or other conditions. It's commonly used in burn assessment.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the palm method:

Where:

• 1 palm ≈ 1% of total body surface area
• Additional percentage can be added for areas not easily measured by palms

Explanation: The palm of the patient's hand (including fingers) represents approximately 1% of their total body surface area.

3. Importance of BSA Calculation

Details: Accurate BSA estimation is crucial for determining burn severity, guiding fluid resuscitation, and assessing prognosis in burn patients.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Count the number of palm-sized areas affected (can use fractions like 0.5 for half-palm). Add any additional percentage that may not be palm-sized.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: How accurate is the palm method?
A: It's a quick estimation method. For precise measurements, the Lund-Browder chart (accounting for age) or Rule of Nines is preferred.

Q2: What's considered a major burn?
A: Typically >10% BSA in children or elderly, >15% in adults, or any burn involving face, hands, feet, or genitals.

Q3: Does this work for children?
A: The palm method is reasonably accurate for all ages since it scales with body size, but Lund-Browder is better for precise pediatric measurements.

Q4: What about very small burns?
A: For burns smaller than a palm, estimate fractions (e.g., 0.25 for quarter-palm) or use the patient's entire palm as 1% reference.

Q5: When should I use Rule of Nines instead?
A: Rule of Nines is better for quick initial assessment of large burns, while palm method is better for smaller or irregular burns.