It was initially developed on the basis of skin color to measure the correct dose of uva for puva therapy. Employed by skin specialists for a generation, the fitzpatrick skin type fst scale was developed by harvard university dermatologist thomas b. Fitzpatrick, the fitzpatrick scale is a skin classification system for human skin color. Fitzpatrick skin type worksheet circle the answer to each questions and write the corresponding number 04 in the box on the left.
The fitzpatrick scale is a numerical classification schema for human skin color. Their skin sometimes burns and may tan to a light bronze, but their risk for skin cancer remains higher than average. Inverse relationship seen with fitzpatrick skin types iiii for radiance measures. It is today used by many health professions to determine how a patient will respond to facial treatments. You can use this skintype chart for selfassessment, by adding up the score for each of the questions youve answered. Fitzpatrick skin phototype is an independent predictor of squamous cell carcinoma risk after solid organ transplantation. Your risk of sun damage is also higher if you live near the equator. Skin types are traditionally classified into the following fitzpatrick categories, based on an individuals tendency to tan, burn, or both see the table below. It is important to know your skin type and sensitivity as you can use this piece of information to help you decide which products and peels would be best for your skin type. The validity and practicality of sunreactive skin types i through vi. The fitzpatrick classification scale for skin types. Following the scale is an explanation of each of the skin types.
White skin very sensitive skin, burns easily, tans minimally example. The fitzpatrick scale classifies patients skin type and thus the ability to burn and tan when exposed to the sun or uv radiation. Reddish very pale pale with beige tint light brown dark brown how many freckles on unexposed skin areas. Always burns, never tans, sensitive to ultraviolet uv exposure. Skin type is often categorized according to the fitzpatrick skin type scale, which ranges from very fair skin type 1 to very dark skin type 6. Avoiding sun damage helps to reduce the risk of skin cancer. Those with skin types i and ii are at a higher risk of photoaging skin diseases, including cancer. Various lasers have been developed for epilation of unwanted hair. Jan 18, 2018 fitzpatrick skin types are a useful way of assessing skin type in order to understand the best way to protect skin from the sun. Skin type is typically classified by the fitzpatrick score on the predicted reaction of skin to sunlight and ultraviolet radiation 6.
Skin type score skin type score fitzpatrick skin type 07 i 816 ii 1725 iii 2530 iv over 30 iv dab 102511. What are the fitzpatrick categories of skin types and how are. Fitzpatrick skin type quiz this information will help our office better evaluate your skin type so the laser treatment will be more effective. When you are done add up the numbers to get your final score. The objective assessment of fitzpatrick skin types can be done by a device dermatone skin analyzerz, which gives accurate analysis of skin tones based on. Fitzpatrick skin type iii skin type three skin type 3. The reliability of fitzpatrick skin type chart comparing to mexameter mx 18 in measuring skin color among first trimester pregnant mothers in petaling district, malaysia. Fitzpatrick skin chart types 16 reflections center.
It was developed as a means to estimate the response of varying skin types to ultraviolet light. Eilers et al assess whether selfreport of fitzpatrick skin phototypes fst or dermatologistdetermined fst is more accurate in identifying a participants fst for fst i through vi and assess the relevance of the burning and tanning measures for a range of skin types among ethnically diverse. Movingtoadifferentclimate or experiencing marked stress fluctuations, pregnancy,menopause,orothersignificantexogenous and endogenous events can engender skin type changes. Fitzpatrick, md, phd, in 1975 to assess the propensity of the skin to burn during phototherapy. Fitzpatrick skin types iiii show significant differences in burn times med as they relate to uv exposure times uv burn time fitzpatrick skin type i fitzpatrick skin type ii fitzpatrick skin type iii avg sec 14. Two wellstudied products that can be titrated to produce superficial to moderatedepth peels, and are safe for fitzpatrick i to iv skin types see table 2, 3 include glycolic acid ga and trichloroacetic acid tca. Take the quiz below to discover your skin type skin types range from very fair type i to very dark type vi, and then read the analysis for some sun safety advice. Developed in 1975 by harvard medical school dermatologist thomas b.
The fitzpatrick scale is used by dermatologists, estheticians, and scientists to determine potential reactions to products or treatment procedures. Fitzpatrick skin type test not just faces medical aesthetics. To evaluate the longterm efficacy and safety of a 3msec 755 nm alexandrite laser equipped with a cryogen cooling device for patients with fitzpatrick skin types iv. Tanning beds and other artificial tanning machines are harmful for everyone, regardless of skin type.
The manner in which skin types v and vi were added established a precedent for grouping all people of a similar ethnic group into a single category of the fitzpatrick skin phototype fst, which introduced potential bias into the assessment of fst by investigators. E 10 fitzpatrick classification questionnaire score 0 1 2 3 4 what is the natural color of your hair. Fitzpatrick skin type the surgeon generals call to action to prevent. This scale is used by dermatologists and aesthetic medicine practitioners to determine which treatments are best suited for different skin types. It is today used by many health professions to determine how a patient will respond to. While initially developed on the basis of segmenting by skin and eye color, the current fitzpatrick scale classifies skin types into six categories according to how they react to the sun uv exposure. Delaying skin aging in fitzpatrick skin types i through v. The system ranges from type i very fairskinned to type vi very dark skin. Painful redness, blistering, peeling blistering followed by peeling burns, sometimes followed by peeling rarely burns. At the end there is a scale providing a range for each of the six skin type categories. Variability is a key concept underlying the questionnaire and accurately identifying skin type. Characterization of fitzpatrick skin types iiii for uv. Sep, 2018 certain types of skin are at greater risk for developing sun damage and skin cancer.
The fitzpatrick scale is a numerical classification for human skin color in a scale of ivi, with the amount of melanin in the skin indicating the type of skin, its susceptibility to burns and. Alexandrite laser hair removal is safe for fitzpatrick. Fitzpatrick as a way to estimate the response of different types of skin to ultraviolet uv light. Types of peels there are a multitude of chemical peels available commercially. The test is based on your reaction to sun exposure and genetic disposition. Then compare it with the chart at the end to get your fitzpatrick skin type. Type iv, v, and vi should only be treated by a licensed medical professional that would be considered experienced in treating those skin types. It has been most commonly used to analyze the sun sensitivity in populationbased and casecontrol studies related to cause of. It measures the skins tolerance to sunlight specifically, the skins tendency to tan or burn.
The fitzpatrick skin type is a skin classification system used for most applications involving response to sunlight or artificial uv lights, and in evaluating skin cancer risks. Many several few incidental none what happens when you are in the sun too long without sunblock. Delaying skin aging with forever young bbltmin patients with fitzpatrick skin types i through v patrick bitter jr. Jan 02, 2019 knowing your fitzpatrick skin type wont help you find the right shade of foundation, but it will help you protect your skin from harmful rays. Fitzpatrick skin phototypes were developed by thomas b. Fitzpatrick skin type fst was developed to assess the propensity of the skin to burn during phototherapy, but it also is commonly used by providers as a means of describing constitutive skin color and ethnicity. Fitzpatrick, the fitzpatrick scale is a useful classification system for skin complexions and their reactions to cosmetics treatments and sun exposure. The first advantage is a fast, onesecond pulse rate with a large spot size up to 15 x. In 1975 dr thomas fitzpatrick developed a system to evaluate a patients response to ultraviolet uv exposure in terms of the degree of burning and tanning.
Note that people with photosensitivity may burn easily on exposure to the sun due to a disease, condition, or medication. The fitzpatrick scale is often misinterpreted as a way to measure a persons skin color, however, the true definition includes the skin s reactivity to the sun when exposed. The majority of the asian population has relatively darker skin, usually type iv and above table 9. Care should be taken with all skin types, but the higher fitzpatrick skin types have a greater chance of hyper pigmentation and other complications. Evanston, il 60201 847 3322772 fitzpatrick skin type worksheet name. Some research trusted source suggests that people who use tanning machines before age 35 years are 75 times more likely to develop melanoma in their lifetime. The fitzpatrick skin type scale is a popular skin type classification system. Request pdf alexandrite laser hair removal is safe for fitzpatrick skin types iv. Guide to fitzpatrick skin types and implications for. For example, a person may have an olive toned skin in the winter, but can tan quickly in the summer. In the laser hair removal community, skin types are often discussed in terms of the fitzpatrick chart, a classification system based on the skin s response to sun exposure. Pdf the reliability of fitzpatrick skin type chart. Skin types are traditionally classified into the following fitzpatrick categories, based on an individuals tendency to tan.
Lighterskinned individuals are affected more frequently and severely. Its helpful to know what type you are, and compare it to your hair type, in order to determine how effective laser hair removal will be for you. The fst scales numerical classification schema measures several components as a means to classify the response of different skin types to uv light. Skin type score fitzpatrick skin type 07 i 816 ii 1725 iii 2530 iv over 30 v vi. A soft and smooth b dry in spots, but fine everywhere else c tight and dry all over. Racial limitations of fitzpatrick skin type mdedge dermatology. Represented in roman numerals from i to vi, type i is the fairest complexion and type vi is the darkest complexion. What do you know about this scale and how it works. The current fitzpatrick skin type classification4 denotes six different skin types, skin color, and reaction to sun exposure which ranges from very fair skin type.
Fitzpatrick skin types iiii from nj significantly differ in their ability to tolerate uv light representative fitzpatrick skin types iiii differ in their crows feet aging in terms of deep wrinkles, surface area and texture. May 24, 2019 fitzpatrick skin type classification chart. Vi run a greater risk of potential epidermal adverse events, such as dyspigmentation, blistering, crusting, edema, and subsequent scarring with laser hair removal. Table 3, fitzpatrick skin type the surgeon generals call to action to prevent skin. Fitzpatrick, a harvard dermatologist, as a way to classify the typical response of different types of skin to ultraviolet light, t he fitzpatrick scale remains a recognized tool for dermatological research into human skin pigmentation.
Fitzpatrick scale is widely accepted to assess the patients skin type. Originally developed by thomas fitzpatrick in 1975, md of harvard medical school. See tables 3 and 4 these products can be combined with botulinum toxin and fillers in order. How to find your skin type pick the most correct answer, then go back and see which letter either a, b, c, or d you choose most frequently. Alexandrite laser hair removal is safe for fitzpatrick skin.
Racial limitations of fitzpatrick skin type mdedge. Furthermore, there are distinct differences between different ethnic groups in asia. Most people are aware that certain typeshues of skin are at greater risk for sun damage and developing skin cancer. The fitzpatrick skin phototype is a commonly used system to describe a persons skin type in terms of response to ultraviolet radiation uvr exposure. Although the bulk of experience with bbl for the correction of common skin conditions has been in skin types i through iii, forever young bbl is proving to be safe and efficacious in skin types iv and v 5,6. It is influenced by genes related to skin color, eye color, and hair feature, and is associated with your risk for vitamin d deficiency and skin cancer. Yag laser for hair removal in fitzpatrick skin types v to vi, 808nm diode laser with linear scanning of hair removal in fitzpatrick skin type iv or less, 1550nm erbiumdoped nonablative fractional laser for acne scarring in fitzpatrick skin types iv to vi, and lowpower diode. The fitzpatrick scale is used by dermatologists, estheticians, and scientists to determine potential reactions to products or. Fitzpatrick in 1975, is a numerical classification schema for identifying human skin colour accurately. F itzpatrick skin type fst is the most commonly used classification system in dermatologic practice. Fitzpatrick skin type iii people with skin type iii have sensitive skin and although their skin is still white, it is slightly darker than those with skin types i and ii. Take the following quiz and well be able to find out together. The fitzpatrick skin type fst scale categorizes patients on the basis of skin color and response to sun exposure and has been used in the evaluation of photoaging, skin cancer risk assessment, and laser hair treatment fitzpatrick, 1988, roberts, 2009, sachdeva, 2009.
Fitzpatrick skin type v skin types 5 skin type five. Patient name fitzpatrick skin type form score 0 1 2 3 4 what color are your eyes. The authors conducted an anonymous survey of dermatologists and dermatology trainees to evaluate how providers use fst in their clinical practice. Fitzpatrick skin type worksheet egea spa 1521 sherman ave. You can quickly and easily determine which skin type you are. Fitzpatrick skin phototype is a constitutional characteristic present at birth. Since the fitzpatrick classification of skin type has been used world wide to estimate the risk of skin cancer basal cell carcinoma. When researching aesthetic medicine and especially aesthetic skin lasers, youve likely heard the term, the fitzpatrick scale. The two main factors that influence skin type and the.
Individuals with skin types i and ii face the highest risk of developing skin cancer, while types v and vi are at the lowest risk. The fitzpatrick skin type chart please circle the appropriate number on the charts below. Table 3, fitzpatrick skin type the surgeon generals. The fitzpatrick scale also fitzpatrick skin typing test. At the end there is a scale providing a range for each of the six skintype categories. At the end of the quiz, add up all the numbers and determine the corresponding skin type. It measures the skin s tolerance to sunlight specifically, the skin s tendency to tan or burn. What are the fitzpatrick categories of skin types and how. There are six skin phototypes, going from light to dark. Though subjective, fitzpatrick skin typing has a proven diagnostic and therapeutic value. Association of ethnicity, fitzpatrick skin type, and. Nonablative fractional laser resurfacing for acne scarring in patients with fitzpatrick skin phototypes iv.
The fitzpatrick skin type is a skin classification system first developed in 1975 by thomas fitzpatrick, md, of harvard medical school. Skin types that are particularly sensitive to uvr, and therefore at an increased risk of developing kc, are the fitzpatrick skin types i, ii, and iii. Fitzpatrick scale virginia dermatology and skin cancer. Fitzpatrick skin phototype is an independent predictor of. Light blue, gray or green blue, gray or green blue dark brown brownish. You can use this skin type chart for selfassessment, by adding up the score for each of the questions youve answered. The validity and practicality of sunreactive skin types i. Fitzpatrick skin type worksheet circle the answer to each. Fitzpatrick, a harvard dermatologist, as a way to classify the typical response of different types of skin to ultraviolet light, t he fitzpatrick scale remains a recognized tool for dermatological research into human skin pigmentation take the quiz below to discover what your type is. Fitzpatrick in 1975 based on a person s skin color and responses to sun exposure in terms of degree of burning and tanning. Aesthetics speaks to practitioners about how best to treat pigmentation caused by uv exposure in the different fitzpatrick skin types. The fitzpatrick skin type chart you can use this skin type chart for selfassessment, by adding up the score for each of the questions youve answered. This study aimed to evaluate the internal consistency reliability and construct validity of the fitzpatrick skin type scale during. Knowing your fitzpatrick skin type wont help you find the right shade of foundation, but it will help you protect your skin from harmful rays.
11 1414 55 1074 220 1223 1274 1239 1412 439 689 1316 607 1137 1185 699 1379 1310 774 612 1281 569 972 385 1364 844 1268 38 967 1280 1491 1466 611 1532 1528 319 1110 1178 692 1472 123 601 880 723 323 273 823 1285 731