Doshi et al proposed the Global Acne Grading System (GAGS) to describe the severity of a patient's acne. This can be used to monitor the patient's response to therapy. The authors are from Massachusetts General Hospital.
Zones:
(1) forehead
(2) left cheek
(3) right cheek
(4) nose
(5) chin
(6) chest and upper back
Zone
Factor
nose or chin
1
forehead, left cheek or right cheek
2
chest or upper back
3
Acne Description
Grade
no lesions in zone
0
1 or more comedones
1
1 or more papules
2
1 or more pustules
3
1 or more nodules
4
points for zone =
= (factor for zone) * (grade for zone)
total score =
= SUM(points for all 6 zones)
Interpretation:
• minimum score: 0
• maximum score: 44
• The higher the score the more severe the acne.
Total Score
Acne Severity
0
none
1 to 18
mild
19 to 30
moderate
31 to 38
severe
39 to 44
very severe
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