Classifying Skin Type for Intense Pulsed Light Therapy

The Fitzpatrick skin type classification is a widely used system that categorizes skin based on its response to ultraviolet (UV) radiation and tendency to tan or burn. This classification is essential when considering the use of Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) therapy for treating dry eye disease, particularly Meibomian Gland Dysfunction (MGD).

IPL therapy uses broad-spectrum light to reduce inflammation, improve gland function, and alleviate symptoms of dry eye. The effectiveness and safety of IPL can vary depending on the patient's skin type due to differences in melanin levels, which affect light absorption.

By considering the Fitzpatrick skin type classification, eye care professionals can ensure the safe and effective use of IPL therapy for managing dry eye symptoms. This tailored approach helps achieve optimal outcomes across diverse patient populations, enhancing the overall efficacy of dry eye treatments.

Type	Skin	Characteristics	Example
I	Light, pale white, freckled	Extremely sensitive skin, always burns, never tans	Light blonde/red hair
II	White, peach, fair	Very sensitive skin, burns easily, tans minimally	Fair haired Caucasians, northern Asians
III	White to light brown, olive	Sensitive skin, sometimes burns, slowly tans to light brown	Darker Caucasians, some Asians
IV	Olive, light to moderate brown	Mildly sensitive, rarely burns, tans easily	Mediterranean and Middle Eastern Caucasians, southern Asians
V	Brown to dark brown	Resistant skin, rarely burns, tans well	Some Hispanics, some Africans
VI	Dark brown to black	Very resistant skin, never burns, deeply pigmented	Darker Africans, Indigenous Australians

Type

Skin

Characteristics

Example

Light, pale white, freckled

Extremely sensitive skin, always burns, never tans

Light blonde/red hair

White, peach, fair

Very sensitive skin, burns easily, tans minimally

Fair haired Caucasians, northern Asians

III

White to light brown, olive

Sensitive skin, sometimes burns, slowly tans to light brown

Darker Caucasians, some Asians

Olive, light to moderate brown

Mildly sensitive, rarely burns, tans easily

Mediterranean and Middle Eastern Caucasians, southern Asians

Brown to dark brown

Resistant skin, rarely burns, tans well

Some Hispanics, some Africans

Dark brown to black

Very resistant skin, never burns, deeply pigmented

Darker Africans, Indigenous Australians

Classifying Skin Type for Intense Pulsed Light Therapy Description

Skin Type Table