Is self-assessment of skin type a valid method for adolescents?

Self-assessed sun sensitivity (skin type) according to Fitzpatrick's classification has been reported to have drawbacks. Data from a cross-sectional study of tanning habits in Stockholm, Sweden, showed an underestimation of sun sensitivity among adolescents. Cautionary advice regarding sun and sun bed exposure, and sunscreen use versus skin type may have to be revised.

Sunbed use among Swedish adolescents in the 1990s: a decline with an unchanged relationship to health risk behaviors.

Aims: Sunbed use is common among adolescents, and may give an increment to UV exposure and an overall skin cancer risk comparable to that of the sun. Sunbed use was studied among 15- to 19-year-old adolescents in Stockholm County.

Methods: Data from two questionnaire surveys (1252 respondents in 1993, and 2950 respondents in 1999, survey tool partly revised) were analysed.