What key factor differentiates mild from severe atopic dermatitis according to SCORAD?

The key factor that differentiates mild from severe atopic dermatitis according to SCORAD is the magnitude of skin involvement and symptom intensity. The SCORAD (SCORing Atopic Dermatitis) index is specifically designed to quantitatively assess the severity of atopic dermatitis by evaluating both the extent of skin area affected and the severity of the symptoms, which includes factors such as itching, redness, and thickness of the skin.

Mild atopic dermatitis typically presents with a lower percentage of body surface area involvement and milder symptoms, whereas severe atopic dermatitis is characterized by extensive skin involvement and more intense symptoms. This distinction is crucial for guiding treatment decisions and managing the condition effectively. The SCORAD score takes into account both aspects, making it a comprehensive tool for evaluating severity based on these parameters.