Burn Percentage Calculator

Burn Percentage Formula:

\[ \text{Burn \%} = \left( \frac{\text{Affected Area}}{\text{Total Body Surface Area}} \right) \times 100 \]

Burn Percentage:

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1. What is Burn Percentage?

Burn percentage is a medical assessment that estimates the total body surface area affected by burns. It is crucial for determining burn severity, guiding treatment decisions, and predicting patient outcomes.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the burn percentage formula:

\[ \text{Burn \%} = \left( \frac{\text{Affected Area}}{\text{Total Body Surface Area}} \right) \times 100 \]

Where:

\( \text{Affected Area} \) — Percentage of body surface area with burns
\( \text{Total Body Surface Area} \) — Total body surface area (typically 100%)

Explanation: This formula calculates the percentage of total body surface area affected by burns, which helps in assessing burn severity using methods like the rule of nines or Lund-Browder chart.

3. Importance of Burn Percentage Calculation

Details: Accurate burn percentage assessment is essential for determining fluid resuscitation needs, guiding surgical interventions, predicting complications, and classifying burn severity (minor, moderate, major).

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter the affected area percentage and total body surface area percentage. The total body surface area is typically 100% for adults. Values must be valid (affected area ≤ total area, both > 0).

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What is the rule of nines?
A: The rule of nines divides the body into sections representing 9% or multiples of 9% of total body surface area for quick burn assessment in adults.

Q2: How does burn percentage affect treatment?
A: Burn percentage determines fluid resuscitation volumes (Parkland formula), need for referral to burn centers, and overall treatment strategy.

Q3: What are the burn severity classifications?
A: Minor burns: <10% TBSA; Moderate burns: 10-20% TBSA; Major burns: >20% TBSA (varies by age and burn location).

Q4: Are there different methods for children?
A: Yes, the Lund-Browder chart is more accurate for children as it accounts for age-related changes in body proportions.

Q5: When is burn percentage most critical?
A: Most critical in the first 24 hours for fluid management and in determining the need for specialized burn care.