Fitzpatrick Skin Phototypes | by Dr . Alpesh Desai
Knowing numerically what your patient ’ s Fitzpatrick skin type is , can assist the provider to be better informed about how to care for patients ’ skin concerns and the relative risks associated within that category .
The criteria can also be attributed to geographical region prominence , but it should not be a sole determinant . In Europe , Fitzpatrick I – IV may be used to describe those with mainly European ancestry , while IV-VI can be represented by central Africa , parts of South America , South Pacific , Australia and much of the Caribbean including those of mixed ancestry living in other parts of the world . Type V may then be applied to people from many parts of Asia , North and South African , and Central and Southern America . ( Kaidbey )
Skin Typing and Relative Risk Factors
Knowing numerically what your patient ’ s Fitzpatrick skin type is , can assist the provider to be better informed about how to care for patients ’ skin concerns and the relative risks associated within that category . Multiple sunburns have been linked to the development of skin cancer . “ Those with type I to III skin are at higher risk of developing skin cancer than those with type V to VI skin . The fairer skin types should use a broad-spectrum sunscreen which is minimum factor 30 .” ( Mahto ) As you proceed further up the scale around the V to VI type , it doesn ’ t negate the need for topical sunscreen . Those populations with darker skin tones are less likely to develop skin cancer due to the protective effect of melanin ( a pigment within skin cells that is found in substantially higher amounts in darker pigmentation vs fair skin ). Darker skin has a much reduced risk of developing skin cancer , both melanoma or non-mel-
https :// www . seattleface . com / blog / blog / education / skin-pigmentation-and-cosmetic-treatments
40 iS Skin Source