Regression and classification methods for nasolabial folds: A possible paradigm for computer‐aided diagnosis of skin diseases

Abstract

Classification of facial features, for example, nasolabial folds, still relies mainly on clinical assessment, resulting in significant costs because of high intra-and interrater variability. Further, diagnosing skin diseases, for example, malignant melanoma, also can present challenges. In an attempt to reduce cost of medical care in future, we determined the utility of methods in image processing and statistical analysis to automatically quantify, for example, the structure of nasolabial folds. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of the application of computer technology to grading of nasolabial folds. When classifying severity of wrinkles on a scale of 1-5, the computer achieved an accuracy of 87% compared to the dermatologist, taken as the gold standard. Further, the computer program's capacity to sort the order of wrinkles from least to most wrinkled was 98% as accurate as the clinician(s). We conclude that by using computer technology, nasolabial folds can be categorized almost as accurately as by using grading by dermatologists, suggesting that computer technology may be a useful tool to grade nasolabial folds because a computer is always consistent. We hypothesize that, after additional studies, this technology also may be a useful tool to aid in diagnosing skin diseases.

The mechanism and application of computer‐assisted full facial skin imaging systems

“…In the study of facial inflammatory dermatoses, white light mode and red area mode with or without UV light images are frequently combined to evaluate the condition, including acne, 23,24 rosacea, 4,6,25–27 rosacea‐like dermatitis induced by steroids, 28 and seborrhoeic dermatitis 29 in addition to facial vascular anomalies such as port wine stains 30,31 . Evaluation of the effects of anti‐ageing treatments and depression scar treatment mostly involves assessing facial skin texture, wrinkles, pores, and skin texture, usually using a white light mode 32–38 . The systems have also been used to assess the treatment efficiency of striae distensae, 39 the cleanliness of facial makeup products 40 sunscreen application, 41,42 and the effect of face masks on makeup 43 …”

“… 30 , 31 Evaluation of the effects of anti‐ageing treatments and depression scar treatment mostly involves assessing facial skin texture, wrinkles, pores, and skin texture, usually using a white light mode. 32 , 33 , 34 , 35 , 36 , 37 , 38 The systems have also been used to assess the treatment efficiency of striae distensae, 39 the cleanliness of facial makeup products 40 sunscreen application, 41 , 42 and the effect of face masks on makeup. 43 …”