Design of the DSC1 Skin Colorimeter: Pilot Testing on Hypertrophic Burn Scars

In this paper the methodology of objective assessment of scar pigmentation and its temporal evolution based on data obtained by a prototype of the DSC1 (Detection of Scar Color) skin colorimeter is discussed. The primary goal is an objective grading of pigmentation of hypertrophic scars after healing of deep burns which often result in pigmentation disorder. In the course of scar maturation, pigmentation is adjusted spontaneously in some patients. In case that the pigmentation disorder persists over a long period of time and the patient asks for a correction, various means of treatment can be used (e.g. local unpigmentation, laser therapy, etc.). Comprehensive monitoring of the development and course of healing offers usually good visualization of the scars, however, their quantification is difficult which makes the use of objective methods, e.g. the skin colorimeter, desirable. The functionality of the DSC1 skin colorimeter is demonstrated on the results of clinical measurements.