Fitzpatrick scale
The Fitzpatrick scale (also Fitzpatrick skin typing test, or Fitzpatrick phototyping scale) is a numerical classification schema for human skin color. It was developed in 1975 by Thomas B. Fitzpatrick, a Harvard dermatologist, as a way to classify the typical response of different types of skin to ultraviolet (UV) light.[1] Later, it was updated to also contain a wider range of skin types.[2][3] The Fitzpatrick scale remains a recognized tool for dermatological research into human skin pigmentation.
Scale
The Fitzpatrick scale:[4][5]
- Type I (scores 0–6) Pale white; blond or red hair; blue eyes; freckles — Always burns, never tans
- Type II (scores 7–13) White; fair; blond or red hair; blue, green, or hazel eyes — Usually burns, tans minimally
- Type III (scores 14–20) Cream white; fair with any hair or eye color; quite common — Sometimes mild burn, tans uniformly
- Type IV (scores 21–27) Moderate brown; typical Mediterranean skin tone — Rarely burns, always tans well
- Type V (scores 28–34) Dark brown; Middle Eastern skin types — Very rarely burns, tans very easily
- Type VI (scores 35+) Deeply pigmented dark brown to black — Never burns, tans very easily
References
- ↑ Fitzpatrick, T. B. (1975). "Soleil et peau" [Sun and skin]. Journal de Médecine Esthétique (in French) (2): 33–34
- ↑ Pathak, M. A.; Jimbow, K.; Szabo, G.; Fitzpatrick, T. B. (1976). "Sunlight and melanin pigmentation". In Smith, K. C. (ed.): Photochemical and photobiological reviews, Plenum Press, New York, 1976: 211-239
- ↑ Fitzpatrick, T. B. (1986). "Ultraviolet-induced pigmentary changes: Benefits and hazards", Therapeutic Photomedicine, Karger, vol. 15 of "Current Problems in Dermatology", 1986: 25-38
- ↑ "The Fitzpatrick Skin Type Classification Scale". Skin Inc. (November 2007). Retrieved 7 January 2014.
- ↑ "Fitzpatrick Skin Type" (PDF). Australian Radiation Protection and Nuclear Safety Agency. Retrieved 7 January 2014.