The size of a burn can be quickly estimated by using the "rule of nines." This method divides the body's surface area into percentages.
The front and back of the head and neck equal 9% of the body's surface area.
The front and back of each arm and hand equal 9% of the body's surface area.
The chest equals 9% and the stomach equals 9% of the body's surface area.
The upper back equals 9% and the lower back equals 9% of the body's surface area.
The front and back of each leg and foot equal 18% of the body's surface area.
The genital area equals 1% of the body's surface area.
Current as of: June 26, 2019
Author: Healthwise Staff Medical Review: William H. Blahd Jr. MD, FACEP - Emergency Medicine Adam Husney MD - Family Medicine Kathleen Romito MD - Family Medicine H. Michael O'Connor MD - Emergency Medicine Martin J. Gabica MD - Family Medicine
Medical Review:William H. Blahd Jr. MD, FACEP - Emergency Medicine & Adam Husney MD - Family Medicine & Kathleen Romito MD - Family Medicine & H. Michael O'Connor MD - Emergency Medicine & Martin J. Gabica MD - Family Medicine
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