Skin Types/Fitzpatrick Classification Scale

Home » Skin Types/Fitzpatrick Classification Scale » Overview

Overview

Dermatologists use the Fitzpatrick Classification Scale to classify a person's complexion and tolerance to sunlight. The Fitzpatrick scale classifies skin types from I to VI.

Fitzpatrick Classification Scale

• Type I – Very white or freckled skin, always burns with sun exposure (very fair; often in people with red or blond hair and blue eyes)

• Type II – White skin, usually burns with sun exposure (fair; often in people with red or blond hair and blue, green, or hazel eyes)

• Type III – White or olive skin tone, sometime burns with sun exposure (fair; seen in people with any hair or eye color)

• Type IV – Brown skin, rarely burns with sun exposure (common in people of Mediterranean descent)

• Type V – Dark brown skin, very rarely burns with sun exposure (common in people of Middle-Eastern descent)

• Type VI – Black skin, never burns with sun exposure

© 1998-2010 Healthcommunities.com, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

Skin Types/Fitzpatrick Classification Scale Resources

	Join Our Forum Do you have a question, want to share medical advice, or just need to discuss your situation with someone else having a similar experience? The healthchannels forum is a resource for everyone to share and discuss their health and medical needs with others.	Advertising Disclaimer
	Living with...Share your story Do you have a personal health story that you would like to share with others? As a source of free patient education, our goal is to provide our users with trustworthy information and support from others. That's why we've started our "Living with..." sections.
	Our "Living With..." support pages are a place to share experiences about living with a certain condition, disease, disorder, or illness and for loved ones of those dealing with health-related issues. Many people, especially when newly diagnosed, find comfort in knowing that others are having a similar experience. Help others by sharing your story. View stories already submitted.
	Stay Updated Sign up for our newsletter and receive important updates on the medical conditions that are most important to you.
To quickly access health information from your website's browser, download Healthcommunities.com's healthchannels toolbar. Advertising Disclaimer