Correlation Between Objective Skin Pigment Measurement and Fitzpatrick Skin Type

Correlation Between Objective Skin Pigment Measurement and Fitzpatrick Skin Type

The purpose of this study is to correlate subjective skin pigment measurements as reported by patient-responses to the Fitzpatrick Skin Type Scale versus objective classification of skin pigment utilizing Individual Typology Angle (ITA) measurements.

The Fitzpatrick scale is a numerical classification for human skin color developed in 1975 as a way to estimate the response of different types of skin to UV light. It is used by dermatologists to classify skin tone and assess the risk of skin cancer.

The Fitzpatrick scale encompasses six gradings, from I to VI. However, this does not include all skin tones, as there are significantly more not encompassed within the scale. The aim of this study is to incorporate objective measurements when identifying a patient's Fitzpatrick skin type.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Male and females that are 18 years of age and older
• Subjects with all Fitzpatrick skin types I-VI One-third of subjects will be Fitzpatrick I or II skin types, one-third of subjects will be III or IV, and one-third will have V and VI.

Exclusion Criteria:

• Individuals who are pregnant or breastfeeding.
• Prisoners
• Adults unable to consent
• Individuals with open wounds on the nondominant upper inner arm
• Individuals with fibrotic skin disease or other skin conditions or hair growth on the nondominant upper inner arm that could affect skin measurements in the opinion of the investigator
• Individuals with tattoos that cover the site on the nondominant upper inner arm
• Individuals with post-inflammatory hypopigmentation or hyperpigmentation
• Individuals with vitiligo
• Individuals who have used self-tanning products or tanning beds in the last two weeks.