Fitzpatrick Skin Phototypes: More Than Just Skin Deep
September 2023
in “
Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology
”
TLDR Patients often overestimate their skin type, affecting sun protection and treatment plans.
This study involving 2,754 subjects across 13 trial sites examined the differences between subject self-reported and clinician-reported Fitzpatrick Skin Phototypes (FSP). Results showed an 86% concordance between the two assessments, with 14% discordance. Among the discordant cases, 73% of subjects overestimated their FSP, while 27% underestimated it. Most overestimations were by 1 grade, and the highest discordance occurred between FSP grades II and III, and III and IV. The findings suggest that clinicians should consider these discrepancies when developing treatment strategies, as overestimation of FSP by patients may affect their sun protection behaviors and risk of photodamage.
