1. What is Body Surface Area Calculator (Palm Method)?

Definition: This calculator estimates the percentage of total body surface area (%BSA) using the palm method, where one palm represents approximately 1% of BSA.

Purpose: It helps medical professionals quickly assess burn size or skin involvement in various conditions when more precise tools aren't available.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the formula:

Where:

• \( \%BSA \) — Percentage of total body surface area
• \( \text{Number of Palms} \) — Count of patient's palm areas affected

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

3. Importance of BSA Calculation

Details: Accurate BSA estimation is crucial for burn management, medication dosing, and assessing conditions like psoriasis or toxic epidermal necrolysis.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Simply count how many palm-sized areas are affected and enter this number. The patient's own palm should be used for measurement.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: How accurate is the palm method?
A: It provides a quick estimate (within 10-20% accuracy) and is most useful for smaller or scattered burns/lesions.

Q2: What counts as one "palm"?
A: The entire palmar surface of the patient's hand including fingers (approximately 0.5% per finger if counted separately).

Q3: When shouldn't I use this method?
A: For large contiguous burns, use the Rule of Nines instead. Also not suitable for pediatric patients.

Q4: Does this work for all body sizes?
A: Yes, because it uses the patient's own palm as reference, making it self-proportional.

Q5: How does this compare to other BSA methods?
A: More accurate than Rule of Nines for small burns, less precise than Lund-Browder charts or digital tools.