Fitzpatrick skin type

Fitzpatrick skin type

(Redirected from Fitzpatrick scale)

Fitzpatrick devised a description of skin types known as the Fitzpatrick skin type classification. [1] This classification denotes 6 different skin types, skin color, and reaction to sun exposure.

  • Type I (very white or freckled) – Always burn
  • Type II (white) – Usually burn
  • Type III (white to olive) – Sometimes burn
  • Type IV (brown) – Rarely burn
  • Type V (dark brown) – Very rarely burn
  • Type VI (black) – Never burn

The higher the type and the degree of pigmentation, the greater the risk of postinflammatory hyperpigmentation. However, persons who have minimal pigmentation or light skin can develop prolonged postoperative erythema but are less likely to develop the pigmentary sequelae.

References

  1. Fitzpatrick TB: The validity and practicality of sun-reactive skin types I through VI. Arch Dermatol 1988 Jun; 124(6): 869-71.

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