title: The clinical utility of a hand-held computerized optical imaging system at assessing skin discoloration.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  A hand-held computerized optical device (HCOD) that can be used by a layperson has been developed which is capable of imaging facial skin and assessing multiple skin attributes, including discoloration.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  The aim of this study was to assess the HCOD's ability to measure changes in discoloration induced over an 8-week course of treatment by comparing data obtained from the HCOD with the assessments of a trained research dermatologist.
  
  
  METHODS
  Ten female Caucasian subjects, aged between 41 and 79 years, exhibiting moderate facial dyspigmentation used a combination 0.01% fluocinolone acetonide, 4% hydroquinone, and 0.05% tretinoin cream twice daily for 8 weeks. Subjects were evaluated at weeks 0, 4, and 8 by a dermatologist. Images were also taken with high resolution digital photography and with the HCOD. Human testing was directed by a dermatologist, used approved consent forms, and products approved by the FDA.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Facial dyspigmentation as scored by a clinician significantly decreased from 4.10 to 2.70 by week 8. HCOD discoloration area scores also significantly decreased from 100,989 to 87,276 by week 8. Assessment of pigmented area by the HCOD proved to be the most reliable in terms of correlating to a clinician's score. Limitations The study had a small sample size and was not placebo controlled because the effectiveness of the HCOD was being evaluated, not the skin lightening product.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The HCOD's discoloration area count statistically correlated with the clinician dyspigmentation scores when evaluating the effect of a prescription skin lightening cream on subjects with moderate facial discolorations.
authors.affiliation: Nu Skin Enterprises - Measurement Technologies, Provo, UT, USA. nafisk@nuskin.com
authors.forename: Nathan A
authors.initials: NA
authors.lastname: Fisk
authors.forename: Kurt
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Jensen
authors.forename: Helen
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Knaggs
authors.forename: Scott
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Ferguson
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D046169:Dermoscopy / Q000295:instrumentation* / Q000379:methods*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D012871:Skin Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000188:drug therapy*; D012880:Skin Pigmentation