The Fitzpatrick skin type in Korean people / 대한피부과학회지

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: The Fitzpatrick skin type has been a simple and useful method to categorize cutaneous sensitivities to ultraviolet radiation. OBJECTIVE: In this study, we intended to know the distribution of Fitzpatrick skin type in Korean by interview method using questionnaire. METHODS: A total of 1296 Koreans from various districts were included in this study. Each subject was interviewed about their skin reactions to ultraviolet radiation and determined their skin type by interview method. To evaluate the statistical significance, we used generalized logit model. RESULTS: 1. The order of frequency of skin type was type III(48.8%), IV(22.2%), V(17.8%) by the interview method, with the sun sensitive categories(type I and type II) reported for 11.2%. 2. The skin type III was the predominant skin type in both men and women. However, skin type IV was found more frequently in men and it was statistically significant. 3. There is a tendency that frequency of skin type IV and V were increasing with advancement of age. 4. The Fitzpatrick skin type has some relationship with each individual`s occupation, the degree of sun exposure and their own skin color in Korean. CONCLUSION: This study included relative large numbers of subjects from various districts in Korea. It can be used as basic data for various studies related to cutaneous reactions to ultraviolet radiation.