Authors: Rami Mossad Ibrahim, MD, Elisabeth Lauritzen, MD, Frederik Gulmark Hansen med.stud., Magnus Balslev Avnstorp, MD and Rikke Holmgaard, Consultant, Burns Specialist, MD, PhD

When calculating the size of the burn in % of TBSA, only 2^nd and 3^rd degree burns are included (1). In adults, the Wallace rule of nines (fig. 1) may be applied to determine the total percentage of area burned for each major section of the body (2). 

The patient’s palm can serve as a reference point, roughly equivalent to 1% of TBSA. For children and infants, the Lund and Browder chart is used to assess the TBSA (3). In children, it is important to remember that the relative combined surface area of the head and neck compared to the surface area of the limbs is typically larger.

Another feasible and easy way to estimate burn size is the Burn Size Calculator. Our “Burn Size Calculator”, also known as “Burn Assessment Tool”, is an excellent tool to quickly estimate the size (%) of the burn area and to calculate the fluid resuscitation to be administered in the first 24 hours hours of treatment using the Parkland Formula.

Link to Burn Size Calculator

Figure 2 | How to use the Burn Size Calculator in steps

Acknowledgements

Illustrations: Caroline Lilja, med.stud.