The Six Area, Six Sign Atopic Dermatitis (SASSAD) severity score is a method for monitoring the severity of atopic dermatitis. The score can be followed over time to determine the effectiveness of interventions. The author is from Coventry, England.
6 Areas:
(1) head and neck
(2) trunk
(3) arms
(4) hands
(5) legs
(6) feet
6 Signs:
(1) erythema: red or occasionally blue color of the skin due to dilated capillaries. This may not be detectable in dark-colored persons.
(2) exudation: presence of serum or dried serum (crust) on the skin surface
(3) excoriation: any damage to the skin caused by scratching
(4) dryness: dry appearance often accompanied by scaling and roughness
(5) cracking: linear break in the continuity of the epidermis, including fissures and erosions
(6) lichenification: exaggeration or coarsening of the skin markings, which may progress to gross thickening with hyperkeratosis
Severity
Points
absent
0
mild
1
moderate
2
severe
3
score for each area =
= SUM(points for each sign in area)
total body score =
= SUM(points for all 6 signs at all 6 sites)
Interpretation:
• minimum score: 0
• maximum area subscore: 18
• maximum total body score: 108 (6 * 6 * 3)
• The higher the score, the more severe the atopic dermatitis.
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