We simulate temperature depth profiling in human skin using pulsed photothermal radiometry (PPTR). By taking into account blackbody emission characteristics, spectral variation of human skin IR absorption coefficient, detectivity of available radiation detectors, and shot noise, we compute realistic PPTR signals for a test temperature profile, representing a subsurface vascular lesion. Analysis of the reconstructed temperature profiles enables a performance comparison of quantum IR detectors utilizing different spectral acquisition bands. The results suggest that HgCdTe detector used in 6-10 μxm spectral band performs better than an InSb detector used at 4-5 μm. © EDP Sciences.