Development and Validation of a Clinical Scale for the Evaluation of Forearm Skin Photoaging

Background:

Despite the focus on facial photoaging ratings, there are few classifications developed for forearm skin aging assessment.

Objective:

To develop and validate a clinical scale for the evaluation of forearm skin aging.

Methods:

Three clinical dermatology faculty members selected, discussed, and appraised the main signs of forearm photoaging. The validation of the resulting scale was performed by 5 assessors who were previously trained to classify 102 photographs of forearms with different degrees of aging. Retests were performed in 15 days.

Results:

There was significant correlation between the selected variables and the subjective global aging scale. The developed scale showed high internal consistency (Cronbach’s α = 0.87) and high correlation with the global photoaging scale (rho = 0.92). Inter- and intraobserver final scores showed high agreement.

Conclusion:

A validated clinical photoaging scale for forearms with internal consistency, reliability, and validity was developed.