Fitzpatrick Phototype
A numerical classification (I–VI) of an individual's skin response to ultraviolet radiation, used to guide laser and peel parameter selection in aesthetic practice.
Full Definition
The Fitzpatrick Phototype system categorises skin into six types based on constitutive pigmentation and historical tanning or burning response to sun exposure. In aesthetic dermatology, it is an essential pre-treatment variable because higher phototypes (IV–VI) carry significantly greater risk of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation following energy-based treatments. Editors must understand it as a clinical risk-stratification tool rather than a simple cosmetic description. The term is often abbreviated as FPT in clinical notes and should not be conflated with the broader Fitzpatrick Scale, which refers to the full descriptive instrument. Accurate use is critical when editing treatment protocols, consent documentation, and clinical study methodology.
Usage
Usage note: Do not use interchangeably with 'Fitzpatrick Scale' as it already exists in the database; 'phototype' refers specifically to the individual classification, while 'scale' refers to the measurement instrument.
In Context
- "The protocol specified that patients with a Fitzpatrick Phototype above IV should receive reduced fluence settings." — Clinical treatment protocol
- "The researcher failed to record the subject's Fitzpatrick Phototype, introducing a significant confounding variable." — Peer-reviewed manuscript review