Estimation of Burn Area:
The estimation of the extent of burn area expressed as the percentage of the surface area of the skin burnt to the total body surface area (TBSA) is important, not only for giving treatment but also as a prognostic indicator.
Rule of Nines:
The conventional "Rule of Nines" first devised by pulaski and tennison and popularised by wallace is applicable only to children above 10 years of age. The body surface is divided into areas representing 9 per cent or multiples of 9 per cent. The head and neck constitutes 9 per cent; anterior trunk 2 x 9 or 18 per cent; posterior trunk 19 per cent; each lower extremity 18 per cent; each upper extremity 9 per cent; and the perineum 1 per cent.
Rule of Five:
It is convenient, easy and quick method of estimation of surface area of burns in young children as shown in fig. Scattered areas of damage can be calculated using the knowledge that the palmer surface of one's own hand with fingers and thumb by the side constitute approximately 1.0 percent of the body surface.