Improving skin colour measurement
A new study led by Dr Chantal Rutjes, who completed the research during her PhD at The University of Queensland, has demonstrated that 3D total-body photography can be used to objectively measure skin colour, offering a more accurate and scalable approach for skin cancer research.
Published in the Journal of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology, the proof-of-concept study validated an automated method that estimates skin colour from 3D total-body photographs using the Individual Typology Angle (ITA), an objective measure commonly used in dermatology.
Validating an automated approach
The researchers analysed 3D total-body photographs from 137 participants and compared image-derived skin colour measurements with reference standard readings from a clinical skin colour meter (“skin colorimeter”). While the original image-based measurements underestimated skin colour, statistical modelling substantially improved agreement with the reference standard.
The findings demonstrate that 3D total-body photography can provide reliable, objective and standardised skin colour measurements.
Supporting future melanoma research
By enabling objective skin colour assessment from existing 3D imaging, the method has the potential to strengthen melanoma risk research and improve consistency across large studies.
Although further validation in more diverse populations is needed, the study highlights the potential for artificial intelligence and automated image analysis to support faster and more consistent skin colour assessment in both research and clinical settings.
Link to publication: https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/jdv.70146
