Assessment of minor burns
Accurate assessment of a burn ensures the patient receives appropriate management. Patients that meet criteria in Criteria for referral of a burn to a specialist centre require referral to a specialist centre—contact the referral centre to discuss appropriate treatment or dressings for transfer.
Determine the percentage of total body surface area affected and burn depth (see #lwg2-c05-s3__tlwg2-c05-tbl2). For a structured wound assessment, see Assessing patients with an ulcer or wound.
For adults or children over 10 years old, the Wallace Rule of Nines (see Wallace Rule of Nines for burns assessment in patients over 10 years old) can be used to estimate the total body surface area affected. For children younger than 10 years old, the modified Lund and Browder chart is recommended. Both these tools are available online. For patients of any age, the surface area of their palm and fingers is approximately 1% of total body surface area.
Discuss how the burn occurred. Consider if the burn is self-inflicted or the result of neglect or abuse.
