OBJECTIVES:

The aim of this study was to evaluate the histomorphometry of the skin of women during the reproductive period according to the Fitzpatrick classification.

METHODS:

Thirty women aged 30 to 45 years were included in this study. We studied the surgical sites of extracted nevi. The material was processed for routine histology and then stained with haematoxylin and eosin as well as Picrosirius red. Four-micrometre histological sections were analysed according the Fitzpatrick criteria (skin pigmentation). The skin thickness and collagen concentration were determined for the reticular dermal skin. The data were statistically analysed with ANOVA.

RESULTS:

Fitzpatrick skin types I and II were thicker than the other skin types.

CONCLUSIONS:

Our data suggest that white skin may be less thick than dark skin.