1. What is Body Surface Percentage Calculator?

Definition: This calculator estimates the percentage of body surface area affected based on the "rule of palms" method.

Purpose: It helps medical professionals and first responders quickly assess burn injuries or other conditions affecting body surface area.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the simple formula:

Where:

• \( \%BSA \) — Percentage of body surface area affected
• Each palm represents approximately 1% of body surface area

Explanation: The patient's palm (including fingers) represents about 1% of their total body surface area. The affected areas are estimated by counting how many palm-sized areas are involved.

3. Importance of BSA Calculation

Details: Accurate BSA estimation is crucial for determining burn severity, fluid resuscitation needs, and treatment planning in emergency medicine.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Simply count how many palm-sized areas are affected by burns or other conditions and enter that number. The result shows the estimated percentage of total body surface area affected.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: How accurate is the palm method?
A: It provides a quick estimate (within 1-2% accuracy) and is most reliable for smaller, scattered burns rather than large contiguous areas.

Q2: What about children or infants?
A: The palm method still applies as it's relative to the patient's own body size (their palm represents ~1% of their BSA).

Q3: When should I use more precise methods?
A: For large burns (>15% BSA) or when precise calculation is needed, use the Lund-Browder chart or Rule of Nines.

Q4: Does this include both front and back of hands?
A: No, only the palm side (including fingers) counts as 1%. The back of the hand is not included in this method.

Q5: How does this relate to total body surface area?
A: The total adult body surface area is approximately 100 palms (100%), though actual surface area varies by individual size.