Development and evaluation of a Global Acne Severity Scale (GEA Scale) suitable for France and Europe

J Eur Acad Dermatol Venereol. 2011 Jan;25(1):43-8. doi: 10.1111/j.1468-3083.2010.03685.x.

Abstract

Background and objective: Many acne grading methods exist; however, there is no agreed-upon standard. Our objective was to create and validate a reproducible acne assessment scale for rating the severity of juvenile facial acne suitable for use in France and Europe.

Methods: The scale we created described the different types of acne lesions in a manner similar to global assessment scales used in clinical trials. The scale was then validated by seven expert dermatologists in the field of acne [the Global Evaluation Acne (GEA) group] first on 34 photographic cases of Caucasian acne patients and second by clinical examination of 22 acne patients.

Results: There was good agreement in Investigators' assessments of acne both on photographs and patients (R = 0.8057; P < 0.0001, and R = 0.8437; P = 0.0015).

Conclusion: The GEA Scale is a global scale validated both on photographs and acne patients which can be used either in clinical research or by the dermatologist in his office.

Publication types

  • Validation Study

MeSH terms

  • Acne Vulgaris / pathology*
  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Europe
  • France
  • Humans
  • Severity of Illness Index*
  • Young Adult