Semiquantitative scoring in children under treatment for atopic dermatitis.

Background: Atopic dermatitis is the most frequently seen childhood allergic disease in outpatient clinics. Improvement, exacerbation, and response to treatment are typically assessed subjectively and occasionally inaccurately.

Methods: The authors developed two forms for scoring of dermal manifestations and used them to assess 56 children. The correlation between two pediatricians' scores and correspondence to established categories (mild, moderate, and severe) were determined.

Result: The two physicians' scores for the children correlated well for both forms of scoring. Correspondence of scores as 'mild' and 'moderate' categories were significant (few children participating were 'severe').

Conclusion: Use of well-constructed scoring forms should improve clinical assessment of patient course and treatment response.