SCORAD Calculator

Standardised model for assessing the severity of atopic dermatitis lesions.

About the SCORAD

SCORAD was developed by the European Task Force on Atopic Dermatitis to aid the standardization of clinical evaluation of atopic patients. The SCORAD calculator comprises of three sections which are then integrated in a formula.

The eczema affected area section refers to the extent of body surface area affected:

Head and neck (up to 9%);

Upper extremities (up to 18% each);

Anterior trunk (up to 18%);

Back (up to 18%);

Lower extremities (up to 18% each);

Genitals (up to 1%).

The possible maximum score for this section is 100%.

The intensity section consists in six clinical signs that assess the intensity of the condition:

Redness;

Swelling;

Oozing / Crusting;

Scratch marks;

Skin thickening (excoriations, lichenification);

Dryness (independent of any inflammation present).

Each of the signs above are awarded a number of points, dependent on their perceived severity, on the following scale:

None (0);

Mild (1);

Moderate (2);

Severe (3).

The minimum score for the intensity section is 0 and the maximum score is 18.

The subjective symptoms section consists in 2 items:

Prurit (itch);

Insomnia (sleeplessness).

These two are evaluated (by patient or a relative) based on quality of life in the three days before the evaluation. A visual analogue scale is used, with 0 for no symptoms and 10, most severe symptoms. The minimum score for the subjective symptoms section is 0 and the maximum score is 20.

To compute the SCORAD result, use the following formula:

SCORAD = Affected area score / 5 + 7 x Intensity score / 2 + Subjective symptoms score

SCORAD results range from 0 and 103. The extent of the lesions and subjective symptoms account for around 20% of the total score each, while the intensity items account for the rest of 60%.