Phototype comparison between caucasian and asian skin types

Introduction: Evaluating the response of various skin types to ultraviolet radiation expo- sure is very important in dermatology. The Fitzpatrick system is the most frequently used classification technique. It is straightforward and practical, assesses photodamage and skin cancer risks, and helps in defining light-based treatments. Nevertheless, there seem to be limitations to its use in non-Caucasians.
Objective: To compare the subjective phototype evaluation method to the Fitzpatrick classification in Caucasian and Asian (East and Southeast Asian, in particular) skin types.
Methods: Caucasian and Asian women (n = 42) were classified using 3 evaluation meth- ods (clinical, Fitzpatrick and Modified Fitzpatrick). The data were collected through ques- tionnaires and analyzed using non-parametric methods. A 5% significance level was adopted.
Results: There were no statistically significant differences within each group between the clinical evaluation, Fitzpatrick classification and the Modified Fitzpatrick classification (Caucasian cr2 = 0.375, p = 0.93 and Asians cr2 = 3.5, p = 0.182).
Conclusion: The three methods evaluate phototypes equally, yet studies with larger pop- ulation samples are still necessary.

Keywords: SKIN, SKIN PIGMENTATION, PHOTOBIOLOGY