title: Unreliability of self-reported burning tendency and tanning ability.
abstract: Burning and tanning histories were studied in 790 white students 18 to 30 years of age by means of a self-administered questionnaire. Only 325 cases (41.1%) were classifiable according to the Fitzpatrick scheme (skin types I to IV). Skin type I (always burn, never tan) was recorded only twice (0.3%). The minimal erythemal dose was measured in a subgroup of 197 students; these results showed no significant correlation with the self-reported burning tendency. In 508 students the burning-tanning histories were compared with eye and hair color, freckling tendency, and number of moles. The tanning ability showed a better correlation with skin complexion characteristics than the burning tendency. It is concluded that self-reported burning-tanning histories form an unreliable means of skin typing.
authors: Department of Dermatology, University of Nijmegen, the Netherlands.
authors: F H
authors: FH
authors: Rampen
authors: B A
authors: BA
authors: Fleuren
authors: T M
authors: TM
authors: de Boo
authors: W A
authors: WA
authors: Lemmens
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D004307:Dose-Response Relationship, Radiation; D004890:Erythema / Q000209:etiology*; D005127:Eye Color; D006801:Humans; D008499:Medical Records / Q000592:standards*; D012880:Skin Pigmentation / Q000528:radiation effects; D013471:Sunburn / Q000209:etiology*; D013472:Sunlight; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D014466:Ultraviolet Rays; D044465:White People