Total Body Surface Area

The extent of injury is best described using the percentage of the total body surface area that affected by a burn.

The measurement of burn surface area is important during the initial management of people with burns for estimating fluid requirements and determining need for transfer to a burns service.

Erythema (superficial burn) should not be included when calculating burn area.

There are several methods that provide a reproducible estimation of the area of surface area burns. Several studies have compared the various methods of estimating burn surface. The Lund Browder charts are more accurate than either the Rule of Nines or palm size in identifying TBSA. The Rule of Nines is faster and more convenient to use for adult burn patients in emergency situations, however, it is not accurate for children or for obese people.