Fitzpatrick Skin Type Matrix
In 1975, Thomas B. Fitzpatrick, MD, PhD, of Harvard Medical School, developed a classification system for skin typing. This system was based on a person's complexion and responses to sun exposure. Today, this classification system is also used to aid practitioners in the care of their patients. For successful laser and light therapy, it is necessary to determine your correct skin type.
One of the important parameters for the success of your treatment is the correct typing of your skin. Skin type is often categorized according to the Fitzpatrick skin type scale which ranges from very fair (skin type I) to very dark (skin type VI). The two main factors that influence skin type and the treatment program devised by your doctor are:
• Genetic disposition
• Reaction to sun exposure and tanning habits
Skin type is determined genetically and is one of the many aspects of your overall appearance, which also includes color of eyes, hair, etc. The way your skin reacts to sun exposure is another important factor in correctly assessing your skin type. Recent tanning (sun bathing, artificial tanning or tanning creams) have a major impact on the evaluation of your skin color.
Genetic Disposition
What are the color of your eyes? |
Light blue, Gray, Green |
Blue, Gray or Green |
Blue |
Dark Brown |
Brownish Black |
What is the natural color of your hair? |
Sandy Red |
Blond |
Chestnut/Dark Blond |
Dark Brown |
Black |
What is the color of your skin (non exposed areas)? |
Reddish |
Very Pale |
Pale with Beige tint |
Light Brown |
Dark Brown |
Do you have freckles on unexposed areas? |
Many |
Several |
Few |
Incidental |
none |
Total score for Genetic Disposition: ______
Reaction to Sun Exposure
What happens when you stay in the sun too long? |
Painful redness, blistering, peeling |
Blistering followed by peeling |
Burns sometimes followed by peeling |
Rare burns |
Never had burns |
To What degree do you turn brown? |
Hardly or not at all |
Light color tan |
Reasonable tan |
Tan very easy |
Turn dark brown quickly |
Do you turn brown within several hours after sun exposure? |
Never |
Seldom |
Sometimes |
Often |
Always |
How does your face react to the sun? |
Very sensitive |
Sensitive |
Normal |
Very resistant |
Never had a problem |
Total score for Reaction to Sun Exposure: _____
Tanning Habits
When did you last expose your body to sun (or artificial sunlamp/tanning cream)? |
More than 3 months ago |
2-3 months ago |
1-2 months ago |
Less than a month ago |
Less than 2 weeks ago |
Did you expose the area to be treated to the sun? |
Never |
Hardly ever |
Sometimes |
Often |
Always |
Total score for Tanning Habits: _____
Add up the total scores for each of the three sections for your Skin Type Score.
0-7 |
I |
8-16 |
II |
17-25 |
III |
25-30 |
IV |
over 30 |
V-VI |
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