Fitzpatrick skin phototype

Author: Hon A/Prof Amanda Oakley, Dermatologist, Hamilton, New Zealand, 2012.

What is the Fitzpatrick skin phototype?

The Fitzpatrick skin type (or phototype) describes a way to classify the skin by its reaction to exposure to sunlight.

What is the Fitzpatrick skin phototype based on?

The Fitzpatrick skin type (or phototype) depends on the amount of melanin pigment in the skin. This is determined by constitutional colour (white, brown, or black skin) and the effect of exposure to ultraviolet radiation (tanning). Pale or white skin burns easily and tans slowly and poorly: it needs more protection against sun exposure. Darker skin burns less and tans more easily. It is also more prone to develop postinflammatory pigmentation after injury (brown marks).

Fitzpatrick skin phototype is a constitutional characteristic present at birth. Note that people with photosensitivity may burn easily on exposure to the sun due to a disease, condition, or medication; however, their tanning ability is not influenced by their photosensitivity.

The Fitzpatrick classification

The Fitzpatrick classification of skin phototype is shown in the table below.

Fitzpatrick skin type
Skin type	Typical features	Tanning ability
I	Pale white skin, blue/green eyes, blond/red hair	Always burns, does not tan
II	Fair skin, blue eyes	Burns easily, tans poorly
III	Darker white skin	Tans after initial burn
IV	Light brown skin	Burns minimally, tans easily
V	Brown skin	Rarely burns, tans darkly easily
VI	Dark brown or black skin	Never burns, always tans darkly