Objective measurement of skin pigmentation with colorimetry and multispectral imaging

Objective Skin Pigmentation Assessment in Healthy Volunteers and in Patients With Skin Disease: An Observational Study Using Non-invasive Skin Imaging

Observational Leiden University Medical Center · NCT07091604

We will test whether non-invasive imaging (colorimetry, multispectral imaging, and line-field confocal OCT) can provide reliable, objective skin pigmentation measurements for adults with healthy skin or skin conditions.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Enrollment600 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorLeiden University Medical Center Academic / other
Locations1 site (Leiden, Leiden)
Trial IDNCT07091604 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This observational study will collect objective skin pigmentation data using tools such as colorimetry, multispectral imaging, melanin index measurements, and line-field confocal optical coherence tomography. Participants include healthy volunteers and patients with skin conditions, all aged 18 or older and able to understand Dutch or English. Data will be gathered at Leiden University Medical Center and compared across skin tones and clinical presentations to explore consistent measurement approaches. Exclusion criteria include extensive tattoos or lesions covering more than half the body, recent intense sun exposure, or recent use of self-tanner.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Adults (≥18) with healthy skin or skin conditions who can read Dutch or English and do not have extensive tattoos or recent tanning/self-tanner use are ideal candidates.

Not a fit: People with extensive tattoos or skin lesions covering over 50% of the body, recent extensive sun exposure, recent use of self-tanner, minors, or those unable to consent are unlikely to be eligible or to benefit.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this could make skin tone measurement more consistent and unbiased, helping doctors diagnose and treat skin conditions more accurately across all skin tones.

How similar studies have performed: Similar imaging methods have been used successfully in research settings, but no universally accepted clinical standard for objective pigmentation measurement currently exists.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:-

* Age ≥ 18 years
* Ability to understand oral and written Dutch or English

Exclusion Criteria:

For study cohort #1 (Healthy volunteers):

* Extensive tattoos covering \>50% of the total body area
* Recent extensive sun exposure (e.g. sun tanning booth or stay in a tropical country) in the last 3 weeks
* Use of self-tanner products in the last 3 weeks

For study cohort #2 (Patients):

* Extensive tattoos covering \>50% of the total body area
* Extensive skin lesions covering \>50% of the total body area
* Recent extensive sun exposure (e.g. sun tanning booth or stay in a tropical country) in the last 3 weeks
* Use of self-tanner products in the last 3 weeks

Where this trial is running

Leiden, Leiden

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Skin DiseasesHealthy SkinSkin pigmentationMelanin indexColorimetryMultispectral imagingLine-Field Confocal Optical Coherence TomographySkin parameters
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.