1. What is Body Surface Area Percentage?

Definition: BSA percentage estimates the proportion of total body surface area affected by burns, rashes, or other conditions.

Purpose: It helps medical professionals assess injury severity, determine treatment needs, and calculate medication dosages.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the Rule of Nines and palm method:

Where:

• Head: ~9% of total BSA
• Torso (front and back): ~36% (18% each)
• Arms: ~9% each (4.5% front and back)
• Legs: ~18% each (9% front and back)
• Genitalia: ~1%
• 1 palm ≈ 1% of BSA

Explanation: The calculator sums percentages from all affected body parts. For bilateral parts (arms, legs), multiply by 2 if both are affected.

3. Importance of BSA Calculation

Details: Accurate BSA estimation is crucial for burn management, fluid resuscitation, and determining prognosis.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter the percentage affected for each body region. For bilateral parts, enter the percentage for one side - the calculator automatically doubles it.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What's the difference between Rule of Nines and Lund-Browder chart?
A: Rule of Nines is simpler (fixed percentages), while Lund-Browder adjusts for age (more accurate for children).

Q2: How accurate is the palm method?
A: The patient's palm (excluding fingers) ≈ 0.5% BSA, entire hand ≈ 1%. Useful for smaller, scattered burns.

Q3: How does this differ for children?
A: Children have proportionally larger heads (up to 18%) and smaller legs. Use age-specific charts for precise calculations.

Q4: When is BSA calculation most important?
A: Critical for burns >10% BSA in adults or >5% in children, when systemic effects are likely.

Q5: What about obese or very thin patients?
A: BSA calculations may need adjustment as fat distribution affects surface area proportions.