Fitzpatrick Skin Typing Test

One of the important parameters for the success of your treatment is the correct typing of your skin.

Skin type is often categorized according to the Fitzpatrick skin type scale which ranges from very fair (skin type I) to very dark (skin type VI). The two main factors that influence skin type and the treatment program devised by your doctor are:

• Genetic disposition - Skin Types I to III should add one level when you have blood relatives with darker skin type IV or higher.
• Reaction to sun exposure and tanning habits

Skin type is determined genetically and is one of the many aspects of your overall appearance, which also includes color of eyes, hair, etc.. The way your skin reacts to sun exposure is another important factor in correctly assessing your skin type. Recent tanning (sun bathing, artificial tanning or tanning creams) have a major impact on the evaluation of your skin color.

So, help us determine your skin type and treat you the right way.

For a printer friendly version of the Fitzpatrick Skin Type test click here.

 


Genetic Disposition

 
Score 0 1 2 3 4
What are the color of your eyes? Light blue, Gray, Green Blue, Gray or Green Blue Dark Brown Brownish Black
What is the natural color of your hair? Sandy Red Blond Chestnut/Dark Blond Dark Brown Black
What is the color of your skin (non exposed areas)? Reddish Very Pale Pale with Beige tint Light Brown Dark Brown
Do you have freckles on unexposed areas? Many Several Few Incidental none

Total score for Genetic Disposition: _____

 

 


Reaction to Sun Exposure

 
Score 0 1 2 3 4
What happens when you stay in the sun too long? Painful redness, blistering, peeling Blistering followed by peeling Burns sometimes followed by peeling Rare burns Never had burns
To What degree do you turn brown? Hardly or not at all Light color tan Reasonable tan Tan very easy Turn dark brown quickly
Do you turn brown within several hours after sun exposure? Never Seldom Sometimes Often Always
How does your face react to the sun? Very sensitive Sensitive Normal Very resistant Never had a problem

Total score for Reaction to Sun Exposure: _____

 

 


Tanning Habits

 
Score 0 1 2 3 4
When did you last expose your body to sun (or artificial sunlamp/tanning cream)? More than 3 months ago 2-3 months ago 1-2 months ago Less than a month ago Less than 2 weeks ago
Did you expose the area to be treated to the sun? Never Hardly ever Sometimes Often Always

Total score for Tanning Habits: _____

 


Add up the total scores for each of the three sections for your Skin Type Score.
 


Skin Type Score

 
Fitzpatrick Skin Type

 
0-7 I
8-16 II
17-25 III
25-30 IV
over 30 V-VI