Evaluation of a novel skin tone meter and the correlation between Fitzpatrick skin type and skin color
-
Caerwyn Ash
,
Godfrey Town
Abstract
Background and objective:
To evaluate a novel skin tone meter (STM) to categorize skin tones into one of the six categories of the Fitzpatrick skin type (FST) classification system, thus optimizing safety in light-based dermatological procedures. This numerical classification method measures several components; principally the reaction of human skin to ultraviolet (UV) light exposure, which is used to help predict skin response in laser and intense pulsed light (IPL) treatments.
Materials and methods:
Two-hundred twenty volunteers of varying ethnic origin, age and gender were enrolled in a preliminary study. The subjects’ Fitzpatrick skin type was ascertained by a standardized questionnaire that determined their reaction to significant sunlight exposure. A calibrated prototype STM device (consisting of an optical head at 460 nm, detector, microprocessor, and a liquid crystal display) was used to measure the subjects’ inner arm skin; which typically has little UV exposure and minimal hair, and compared the obtained value with measurements taken from a skin color chart and digital photographs. To evaluate device performance (within subject) across different skin states, a section of skin from the inner arm of a sub-group of eight volunteers was marked into test areas using a template. The skin in each area was then prepared (i) with a control area, (ii) by degreasing with acetone for 1 min to represent dry skin, (iii) with a fine layer of coupling gel to represent hydrated skin, (iv) with a thin layer of petrolatum (Vaseline) to represent oily skin, and (v) with saline solution applied then dried to represent dried perspiration.
Results:
There was a consistent trend between the STM prototype and the assessed skin tone derived from a proprietary skin color chart against the measurement on skin across a range of skin conditions.
Conclusion:
The presented preliminary study demonstrated the subjective nature of the FST classification system and the weakness of skin tone self-assessment by an individual, as judged by expert assessors. The FST classification requires an objective measurement to replace the textual description for each skin tone. It may significantly decrease the risk of potential side effects through overtreatment, and extend treatment to a wider patient population with light-based dermatological procedures.
Zusammenfassung
Hintergrund und Ziel:
Evaluation eines neuen Hautton-Meters (skin tone meter, STM) zur Klassifizierung von Hauttönen in eine der sechs Hauttypen nach Fitzpatrick mit dem Ziel, die Sicherheit von lichtbasierten dermatologischen Verfahren zu verbessern. Dieses numerische Klassifikationsverfahren misst mehrere Komponenten – hauptsächlich die Reaktion der menschlichen Haut auf UV-Licht, die verwendet wird, um die zu erwartenden Hautreaktionen nach Laser- oder Intensed Pulsed Light (IPL)-Behandlung vorherzusagen.
Material und Methoden:
An der Vorstudie nahmen 220 Freiwillige von unterschiedlicher ethnischer Herkunft, Alter und Geschlecht teil. Der Fitzpatrick-Hauttyp jedes Probanden wurde zunächst anhand eines standardisierten Fragebogens, mit dem die Hautreaktion auf Sonneneinstrahlung bestimmt wird, ermittelt. Ein kalibrierter STM-Prototyp, bestehend aus einem optischen Kopf mit einer 460 nm-Lichtquelle, Detektor, Mikroprozessor und einer Flüssigkristallanzeige, wurde verwendet, um die Haut am Innenarm der Probanden zu vermessen. Der Innenarm wurde ausgewählt, da dieser Hautbereich typischerweise der UV-Strahlung nur geringfügig ausgesetzt und wenig behaart ist. Die Messwerte wurden mit denen verglichen, die anhand einer Hautfarbkarte und digitalen Fotos gewonnen wurden. Um die Funktionsfähigkeit des Prototyps bei verschiedenen Hautzuständen zu bewerten, wurde die Haut des Innenarms bei einer Untergruppe von acht Probanden mit Hilfe einer Schablone verschiedenartig präpariert: (i) Kontrollbereich (unbelassene Haut), (ii) trockene Haut durch Entfetten mit Aceton für 1 min, (iii) feuchte Haut durch Auftrag einer dünnen Schicht Koppelgel, (iv) leicht fettige Haut durch Auftrag einer dünnen Schicht Vaseline, und (v) Aufbringen von Kochsalzlösung und anschließende Trocknung, um getrockneten Schweiß zu simulieren.
Ergebnisse:
Es zeigte sich ein einheitlicher Trend zwischen den Messwerten des STM-Prototyps und der Hautfarbe, wie sie anhand einer Hautfarbkarte für verschiedene Hautzustände abgeleitet wurde.
Fazit:
Die präsentierte Vorstudie macht die Subjektivität des Fitzpatrick-Klassifikationssystems und die Schwächen einer Hautton-Selbsteinschätzung deutlich. Eine Hauttyp-Bestimmung erfordert eine objektive Messung, um die Texturbeschreibung für jede Hautfarbe zu ersetzen. Dies kann das Risiko möglicher Nebenwirkungen durch Überbehandlung erheblich verringern und die Behandlung mit lichtbasierten dermatologischen Verfahren einer breiteren Patientenpopulation öffnen.
Acknowledgments
We are grateful to Dr. Aled Jones for his assistance in following guidelines for this research involving human subjects at Swansea University and the approval of this study. We kindly acknowledge the assistance of Dr. Richard Hugtenburg, and Dr. Susanna Town, University of Calgary, Canada, in the preparation of this manuscript. The development of a prototype device was assisted by CyDen Ltd.
Conflicts of interest statement: Caerwyn Ash received travel expenses from Swansea University, and salary from CyDen Ltd. Godfrey Town receives salary and travel grants from CyDen Ltd., Swansea, SA1 8PH, UK and Unilever, Trumball, CT 06611, USA. Peter Bjerring received consultancy fees from CyDen Ltd., Swansea, SA1 8PH, UK. Samuel Webster has no disclosures.
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©2015 Walter de Gruyter GmbH, Berlin/Boston
Articles in the same Issue
- Frontmatter
- Editorial
- Sensors in diagnostics and monitoring
- Magazine section
- Snapshots
- Reviews
- Recent advances in SPR and SERS for sensitive translational medical diagnostics
- Raman spectroscopy for the discrimination of cancerous and normal skin
- Original contribution
- Fluorescence-optical handheld non-contact sensor for rapid cleaning validation of surfaces
- Preliminary research reports
- Evaluation of a novel skin tone meter and the correlation between Fitzpatrick skin type and skin color
- In-line optical monitoring of oxygen saturation and hematocrit for cardiopulmonary bypass: Adjustment-free and bloodless calibration
- Short communications
- Non-invasive detection of free hemoglobin in red blood cell concentrates for quality assurance
- Development of an in-vivo sensor for monitoring of water content in skin
- Congress announcements
- LASER World of PHOTONICS – DGLM Application Panel: Laser-advanced new methods for diagnostics and therapeutics
- Congresses 2015/2016
Articles in the same Issue
- Frontmatter
- Editorial
- Sensors in diagnostics and monitoring
- Magazine section
- Snapshots
- Reviews
- Recent advances in SPR and SERS for sensitive translational medical diagnostics
- Raman spectroscopy for the discrimination of cancerous and normal skin
- Original contribution
- Fluorescence-optical handheld non-contact sensor for rapid cleaning validation of surfaces
- Preliminary research reports
- Evaluation of a novel skin tone meter and the correlation between Fitzpatrick skin type and skin color
- In-line optical monitoring of oxygen saturation and hematocrit for cardiopulmonary bypass: Adjustment-free and bloodless calibration
- Short communications
- Non-invasive detection of free hemoglobin in red blood cell concentrates for quality assurance
- Development of an in-vivo sensor for monitoring of water content in skin
- Congress announcements
- LASER World of PHOTONICS – DGLM Application Panel: Laser-advanced new methods for diagnostics and therapeutics
- Congresses 2015/2016
