A study found that a picture-based scorecard incorporating multiple skin tones improved the assessment of atopic dermatitis (AD) in infants. The scorecard aimed to address the challenges of diagnosing AD across diverse skin tones, potentially preventing related conditions like peanut allergy. The study involved 13 infants and included photographs from various ethnic backgrounds. Dermatologists assessed the severity of AD in these photos, leading to a validated tool that was tested by 159 pediatricians. Among the respondents, 53.7% found the scorecard “very” or “extremely” helpful, and 35.5% said it moderately improved their ability to diagnose and categorize AD.

The survey results highlighted that the scorecard was particularly beneficial for timely diagnosis and treatment, which could improve the quality of life for infants with AD by reducing risks of food allergies, environmental allergies, and asthma. Pediatricians using the scorecard reported better diagnostic accuracy, which aligns with the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases’ recommendation for early peanut introduction to infants with severe eczema to prevent peanut allergy. The study underscores the importance of tools that consider skin tone diversity in improving health outcomes in pediatric populations.

Reference: Gawel R. Scorecard improves atopic dermatitis identification in varied skin tones among infants. Healio. Published July 08, 2024. Accessed August 19, 2024. https://www.healio.com/news/allergy-asthma/20240708/scorecard-improves-atopic-dermatitis-identification-in-varied-skin-tones-among-infants?utm_source=selligent&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=news