Background/aims: There are few available methods that can be used to quantify hyperpigmented spots on a wide area of the face. The objective of this study was to develop such a method through the use of specialized image analysis technologies.
Methods: This imaging system was composed of a source of illumination whose light intensity was controlled with a dimmer, a 3-CCD video camera connected to a computer, and a positioning device used to correctly align the subject's face. This system was calibrated by adjusting the light intensity, the camera position, and white balance of the camera in order to acquire reproducible images. Using a specific algorithm for the image analysis, this system enabled us to measure both the total area of hyperpigmented spots (mm2) and the averaged skin colour tone (quasi L*a*b*) excluding the area of those hyperpigmented spots in a wide area of the face. The accuracy and reproducibility of the system was validated using a mannequin head with six standard colour chips obtained from the GretagMacbeth ColorChecker, and brown-coloured patches that simulated hyperpigmented spots whose colour and area were both known. The correlation between CIE L*a*b* and quasi L*a*b* values was examined by conducting simultaneous measurements of the facial skin colour of 187 subjects with a tristimulus colourimeter (Minolta Chromameter) and our imaging system.
Results: The measurement errors in quasi L*a*b* values of colour chips and the area of brown patches were less than 2 and 5%, respectively, unless these chips or patches were located in the peripheral zone of the mannequin head. The variation in quasi L*a*b* values and the area of hyperpigmented spots (mm2) in five repeated measurements performed once every hour was less than 2%. There was an excellent correlation between the CIE L*a*b* and quasi L*a*b* values, and the Pearson's correlation coefficient between CIE L* and quasi L* value, for instance, was 0.908.
Conclusions: : As long as the region to be evaluated is limited to the cheek and periorbital areas, this system enables automatic detection of hyperpigmented spots in a wide area of the face, as well as the correct measurement of those areas and determination of skin colours.