Identifying Skin Type using the Baumann Skin Type Questionnaire in Korean Women Who Visited a Dermatologic Clinic

Choi, Ju Yeon; Choi, Young Jun; Nam, Jae Hui; Jung, Ho Joo; Lee, Ga Young; Kim, Won Serk

Abstract

BACKGROUND
Skin types vary, making it difficult to identify them at a glance. To effectively understand skin type, analysis based on a questionnaire could be helpful.
OBJECTIVE
The purpose of this study was to identify the accuracy and effectiveness of the Baumann skin type questionnaire (BSTQ) compared with an interview with a dermatologic specialist. In addition, we aimed to identify differences in skin type proportions according to age and develop a modified BSTQ.
METHODS
Subjects included 202 women (19~64 years of age) who visited the dermatologic clinic of our hospital. They completed both the BSTQ and an interview with a dermatologic specialist. A modified BSTQ was developed by removing similar and racial questions and adjusting grading scores.
RESULTS
The agreement between skin type proportions analyzed by the BSTQ and an interview was not reasonable (Îº=0.428, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.363~0.493). There was a correlation between the proportion of dryness and age (R2=0.029, p<0.05). However, other skin type proportions (sensitivity, pigmentation, and wrinkles) were not significantly correlated with age. The modified BSTQ showed substantial agreement with the BSTQ in skin type proportions (Îº=0.691, 95% CI: 0.641~0.740).
CONCLUSION
We identified the skin types of Korean women of various ages using the BSTQ and an interview. Furthermore, the modified BSTQ might be helpful for accurately recognizing skin types.