Skin reflectance changes in Kenyan neonates during the first month of life: an observational study.

Abstract

The study documents significant changes in skin pigmentation among Kenyan newborns over their first month of life, with significant decreases in reflectance at wavelengths critical for transcutaneous diagnostic devices. This research provides the first quantitative documentation of optical-light characteristics in African newborn skin using Individual Typology Angle (ITA), demonstrating significant darkening as infant skin matures. By establishing baseline ITA values and developmental changes in African newborns, this study creates an evidence-based framework for designing future inclusive clinical trials for transcutaneous diagnostic devices that account for both skin tone diversity and age-related changes.