48.5k views
3 votes
What is true of Fitzpatrick skin types V and VI?

1 Answer

5 votes

Final answer:

Fitzpatrick skin types V and VI represent individuals with moderately to heavily pigmented dark brown or black skin who rarely burn and tan easily. They are typically individuals of Middle Eastern, Asian, Hispanic, and African descent, but they still need sun protection despite their skin's resistance to sun damage.

Step-by-step explanation:

The Fitzpatrick Skin Type is a classification system first developed in 1975 by Thomas Fitzpatrick, MD of Harvard Medical School. It classifies different skin types by their reaction to sun exposure and tendency to tan or burn. Fitzpatrick skin types V and VI are classified as moderately pigmented to heavily pigmented dark brown or black skin.

Type V skin, often of Middle Eastern, Asian, Hispanic, and light-skinned African descent, rarely burns and tans easily. Type VI skin, typically for individuals of dark-skinned African descent, very rarely or never burns and tans profusely.

It's important to note that while these types are more resistant to sun damage compared to lighter skin types, they are still at risk of skin cancer and other skin complications, thus appropriate sun protection is required.

Learn more about Fitzpatrick Skin Type

User Sashi Kolli
by
6.9k points