Current references state that in 1975, dermatologist, Thomas Fitzpatrick, MD, PhD, developed a scale to classify a person's complexion and tolerance to sunlight. Reaction to the sun, genetic background, and natural skin color determine what is known as Fitzpatrick skin type, based on a series of questions an individual is asked which are then scored. This scale is used for diagnostic and therapeutic purposes in the treatment of diseases of the skin. The initial, 1975 classification is outlined below followed by dolls to illustrate (as close as possible) the complexion of each type.
Fitzpatrick's study was conducted in Brisbane, Australia in 1972 using paid Australian volunteers. Dark-skinned people were excluded from the initial test and scale. According to Fitzpatrick's article, "The Validity of Practicality and Sun-reactive Skin Types I-VI," published in June 1988 in the Journal of American Medical Association (JAMA) Dermatology, "The concept of sun-reactive 'skin typing' was created in 1975 for a specific need: to be able to classify persons with white skin in order to select the correct initial doses of ultraviolet A (UVA) (in joules per cubic centimeter) in the application of the then newly developed technique for the treatment of psoriasis—oral methoxsalen photochemotherapy (PUVA)."
Psoriasis, named for the Greek word psōra meaning "itch," is a chronic, non-contagious disease characterized by inflamed lesions covered with silvery-white scabs of dead skin. It is most common in fair-skinned people; rare in those with dark skin. (This may be the reason for the initial exclusion of dark-skinned people from Fitzpatrick's skin typing—even though current references to the scale indicate it was devised to classify a person's complexion and tolerance to sunlight.)
Nevertheless, by the late 1980s, three additional skin types, to include darker and dark skinned people, were added to the Fitzpatrick scale. Again, these types are illustrated using dolls and described below.
Those interested in taking the quiz used to determine skin type can do so here. The bottom of the page at the previous link contains an image of a person with class I skin type. Click the links numbered 2-6 to advance to the subsequent five skin type illustrations. Another illustration of the now six types that comprise Fitzpatrick's classification of the largest organ of the human body, the skin, can be seen here.
References:
1988 JAMA Dermatology Article by Fitzpatrick
Fitzpatrick Skin Typing: Applications in Dermatology
Remembering Thomas B. Fitzpatrick
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| Dolls illustrate Fitzpatrick skin types I, II, and III: fairest, fair, dark white, respectively. |
Psoriasis, named for the Greek word psōra meaning "itch," is a chronic, non-contagious disease characterized by inflamed lesions covered with silvery-white scabs of dead skin. It is most common in fair-skinned people; rare in those with dark skin. (This may be the reason for the initial exclusion of dark-skinned people from Fitzpatrick's skin typing—even though current references to the scale indicate it was devised to classify a person's complexion and tolerance to sunlight.)
Nevertheless, by the late 1980s, three additional skin types, to include darker and dark skinned people, were added to the Fitzpatrick scale. Again, these types are illustrated using dolls and described below.
 |
| Dolls illustrate Fitzpatrick skin types III, IV, and VI: olive, dark, darkest, respectively. |
Those interested in taking the quiz used to determine skin type can do so here. The bottom of the page at the previous link contains an image of a person with class I skin type. Click the links numbered 2-6 to advance to the subsequent five skin type illustrations. Another illustration of the now six types that comprise Fitzpatrick's classification of the largest organ of the human body, the skin, can be seen here.
References:
1988 JAMA Dermatology Article by Fitzpatrick
Fitzpatrick Skin Typing: Applications in Dermatology
Remembering Thomas B. Fitzpatrick
dbg
Follow my Dolls for Sale blog
Please visit and "Like" The Doll Blogs: When Dolls Speak I Listen
