A review of melanin sensor devices

Knowing how readily the skin produces melanin is invaluable in reducing photochemical and phototherapy overtreatment in dermatology and also in reducing the risk of actinic skin damage and skin cancer from excessive radiant light exposure. The commonly used Fitzpatrick skin type (FST) classification scale is often used to subjectively assess ultraviolet light sensitivity and susceptibility to sunburn following significant sunlight exposure. However, the FST scale falls short in the assessment of nonwhite skin types. Alternatively, commercially available melanin sensor devices, called melanometers, can be used to objectively quantify useful skin parameters such as the epidermal melanin concentration (EMC). This study reviews commercially available melanometers and their use in quantifying epidermal melanin concentration (EMC) and the individual maximum safe radiant exposure (IMSRE) for an individual in clinical, workplace and community settings.