What is Fitzpatrick skin type used for?

The Fitzpatrick skin type system can help predict who is at risk of sunburn by categorizing skin according to how much melanin is present. Skin with very little melanin has little protection from the sun’s UV rays and is likely to burn quickly. When the skin burns, it increases the risk of skin cancer.

What is Fitzpatrick skin types I to IV?

Type I (scores 0–6) always burns, never tans (palest; freckles) Type II (scores 7–13) usually burns, tans minimally (light colored but darker than fair) Type III (scores 14–20) sometimes mild burn, tans uniformly (golden honey or olive) Type IV (scores 21–27) burns minimally, always tans well (moderate brown)

What is the Fitzpatrick classification system?

About the Fitzpatrick scale Developed in 1975, the system classifies skin type according to the amount of pigment your skin has and your skin’s reaction to sun exposure. This information can help predict your overall risk of sun damage and skin cancer.

What is Fitzpatrick 2 skin type?

Skin Type 2 If you have Type 2 skin, you probably have blue, gray or green eyes and naturally blonde hair or brown hair. Your skin is fairly light but may build a tan with repeated exposure to the sun. It’s more likely to burn and then peel away, and you may notice freckles if you spend too much time outdoors.

Is the Fitzpatrick scale still used?

[3] Though widely used throughout dermatology, plastic surgery, surgical oncology, and other specialties, the Fitzpatrick skin types are not without controversy.

Is the Fitzpatrick scale accurate?

Even when the FST classification scale is used as intended, there are inconsistencies with its accuracy; for example, self-reported FSTs have correlated poorly with sunburn risk as well as physician-reported FSTs.

What is Fitzpatrick skin type1?

Skin Type 1 You may be Type 1 if you have pale skin that always burns and never tans. You probably have light blue, gray or green eyes and your hair is naturally blonde or red. The main challenge with this type of skin is sun damage, from seasonal burns to developing signs of aging from sun damage faster.

Why is Fitzpatrick scale important?

“The Fitzpatrick scale allows dermatologists to make an assessment of skin cancer risk,” explains Mahto. “But it’s also useful for assessing the risk of premature skin ageing due to the sun, and for estimating the safe dose of UV light in patients receiving light therapy for conditions such as psoriasis.”

How do I tell what my skin type is?

Gently pat a blotting paper on the different areas of your face. Hold the sheet up to the light to determine how much oil is visible. If the sheet picked up little to no oil, you most likely have dry skin. If the blotting sheet reveals oil from the forehead and nose areas, your skin is combination.

What type of skin is prone to blackheads?

Blackheads are one of the most common forms of acne. Although people who have oily skin are more vulnerable to blackheads, anyone can get them. They form when pores become clogged with a combination of dead skin cells and excess oil (sebum) from your sebaceous glands.