Equity in skin typing: why it's time to replace the Fitzpatrick scale

Br J Dermatol. 2021 Mar 5. doi: 10.1111/bjd.19932. Online ahead of print.ABSTRACTDermatologists of color have long championed skin of color representation in education and workforce diversity. For health equity, we must reconsider even fundamental and accepted terminology. The Fitzpatrick skin type (FST) scale, with both disproportionate focus on white skin tones and inconsistent use, perpetuates skin color bias. Indeed, since FST does not purely objectively estimate skin pigmentation, it may inaccurately assess patients regarding risks for skin cancer and from interventions. Dermatology must seek an objective classification system, and given the rise of artificial intelligence (AI), technology-based approaches may be solutions.PMID:33666245 | DOI:10.1111/bjd.19932

Source: The British Journal of Dermatology - March 5, 2021 Category: Dermatology Authors: U K Okoji S C Taylor J B Lipoff Source Type: research