The Eumelanin Human Skin Colour Scale Phase 2

  • Research type

    Research Study

  • Full title

    The Eumelanin Human Skin Colour Scale (EHSCS) Phase 2; Developing a Visual Representation of a Human Skin Colour Classification System

  • IRAS ID

    331965

  • Contact name

    Ophelia E. Dadzie

  • Contact email

    ophelia@londonethnicskin.co.uk

  • Sponsor organisation

    London Ethnic Skin Limited

  • Duration of Study in the UK

    1 years, 0 months, 1 days

  • Research summary


    Human skin colour has been described in many ways in different places through history, but there is no universally agreed upon scale to do this.

    Recently, a new skin colour classification system, the Eumelanin Human Skin Colour Scale -EHSCS-, has been published. The innovation of the EHSCS consists of the direct measurement of melanin present in the skin to classify skin colour. On the contrary, current skin colour classification are based on indirect measures such as using the skin reactions to ultraviolet radiation (UVB). The EHSCS has been proposed to address the need for a standardized and objective human skin colour classification system in clinical practice and research. This can potentially reduce health inequalities caused by poor training and resources available for darker skin colour types.
    Our aim with this study is to develop an application/software that will be used to easily categorize human skin colour based on the EHSCS. Using the EHSCS, any human skin colour can be classified into one of five objective categories.

    The measurement and classification of skin colour using objective means will make it possible for almost anyone, anywhere to measure and talk about skin colour and skin related disease using the same language.

  • REC name

    North West - Haydock Research Ethics Committee

  • REC reference

    24/NW/0343

  • Date of REC Opinion

    4 Nov 2024

  • REC opinion

    Favourable Opinion