Skin Colour Analysis of Iraqi Kurdish Population

Objective: Skin colour measurement and analysis was performed for Iraqi Kurdish population in sulaimani city. The purpose of this study was to produce a dedicated skin shade guide for precise colour reproduction and colour matching of maxillofacial prostheses with the patient’s original skin colour. Methodology: A skin colour measurement was undertaken for 140 subjects (73 female and 67 male). A method of capturing their (L* a* b*) colour values from nine body parts was performed using a Minolta CM-2600d spectrophotometer and a colour Data Software. The study sample aged between 18 to 50 years from Sulaimani city representing a Kurdish population of the north of Iraq. A comparison was made between (L* a* b*) colour values of the face and arm and between male and female shades. Data analysed using Independent-samples T-Test. Furthermore this study aimed at employing the performed data for suggesting a dedicated skin shade guide for the population examined in this study. Results: A significant difference between facial and arm colour was identified. Facial colour found to be more reddish and colourful but darker than arm colour. Furthermore, collected data showed lighter female colour than males. Variations in skin colour of the study population were detected, body area differences and gender differences found to have a significant effect on the skin colour formulation of the study population. Based on colour data obtained, a skin shade guide was suggested for the population examined in this study. Conclusions: A consistent colour shift in Kurdish population between facial and arm colour in which facial colour found to be reddish, more colourful, and darker than arm colour. Females are found to have a lighter colour than males. A dedicated skin shade guide was developed and suggested for Kurdish population based on a comprehensive colour gamut that was determined in this study.