A New Acne Grading System
A new and reproducible grading system has been reported in the Journal of Dermatology, (2008:35:255-260).
The reaserchers have demonstrated that the grading system can be reproduced by numerous independant observers 80-89% of the time.
The grading system is useful when discussing acne severity, and when comparing treatments. The classification is based on the
number of acne eruptions on half of the face. Eruptions included white heads, inflammatory eruptions (papules and pustules),
and severe eruptions (cysts and nodules).
The grading system is as follows:
Mild acne: 1-5 eruptions on half of the face.
Moderate acne: 6-20.
Severe acne: 21-50.
Very severe acne: >50.