SCORAD

SCORAD (SCORing Atopic Dermatitis) is a clinical tool used to assess the extent and severity of eczema (atopic dermatitis). It was developed by the European Task Force on Atopic Dermatitis in 1993 to standardize the assessment of eczema in clinical trials. The SCORAD index is a composite score that includes the extent of skin involvement, the intensity of individual clinical signs, and the subjective symptoms of itch and sleeplessness.

Calculation

The SCORAD index is calculated using a formula that takes into account the extent of skin involvement, the intensity of individual clinical signs, and the subjective symptoms of itch and sleeplessness. The extent is assessed by determining the percentage of skin affected, the intensity is assessed by scoring six clinical signs (erythema, edema/papulation, oozing/crust, excoriation, lichenification, and dryness), and the subjective symptoms are assessed by the patient's (or parent's) evaluation of itch and sleeplessness on a visual analog scale.

Use

The SCORAD index is used in both clinical practice and research to assess the severity of atopic dermatitis. It is also used to monitor the progress of the disease and the effectiveness of treatments. Despite its widespread use, the SCORAD index has been criticized for its complexity and the subjectivity of some of its components. Several simplified versions of the SCORAD index have been proposed, but none have been universally accepted.

See also

• Atopic dermatitis
• Eczema
• Clinical trial