Risk and preventive factors for skin phototype.

Risk and preventive factors for skin phototype are discussed. Skin phototype was firstly proposed by Fitzpatrick based on skin response of the Caucasian, whereas the Japanese skin type was proposed for Japanese skin by Satoh and Kawada. Since skin phototype is determined by a personal interview of sunburn and suntan experience, it has a limitation in accuracy for personal interview and racial difference. The skin phototype concept is practicable and useful for predicting individual's sensitivity to UV, risk and preventive factors, and choosing sunscreens even with the limitation.