A Wood’s lamp can show subtle skin pigment differences that would otherwise be very difficult to see in normal lighting. The Wood’s lamp examination is simply ultraviolet light used to show fluorescence, as in this photograph. The pink signifies the presence of bacteria causing erythrasma. A Wood's lamp, as shown here, is used in a dark room and emits UVA light.
Share |

Wood's Lamp Examination 

Picture of Wood's Lamp Examination: A Wood’s lamp can show subtle skin pigment differences that would otherwise be very difficult to see in normal lighting. Divider line
A Wood’s lamp can show subtle skin pigment differences that would otherwise be very difficult to see in normal lighting.
left arrow
right arrow
Overview
A Wood's lamp is a device that emits ultraviolet (UV) light in the 365 nanometer range and is commonly used by dermatologists to assist in the diagnosis of various pigment and infectious disorders. The examination is performed in a dark room, allowing the Wood's light to shine directly on the affected area for a few seconds and looking for any changes in color or fluorescence. Normal skin does not fluoresce under the light of a Wood's lamp. If a fungal or bacterial infection or pigment disorder is present, Wood's lamp examination can strengthen or lessen the suspicion of a particular diagnosis, based on the color of fluorescence of the affected skin being illuminated. In addition, subtle changes in color may be detected as well.
Expected Results Next:
Last Modified: 22 Dec 2008
skinmatters blog, skin health and skin care advice from experts
skin condition finder, over 170 skin conditions and thousands of medical pictures
ask the doctor, skin care questions from visitors, responses from experts