Wood's lamp examination

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Wood's lamp illumination

Wood's lamp test - of the scalp

A Wood's lamp examination is a test that uses ultraviolet light to closely look at the skin.

Black light test; Ultraviolet light test

The test is done while you are seated in a dark room, usually in a dermatologist's office. The health care provider turns on the Wood's lamp, holds it 4 to 5 inches from the area of skin being studied, and looks for any skin color changes.

You should not look directly into the light.

No special preparation is needed. If you are treating the area in question with any topical medications, you may wish to skip an application before visiting the doctor.

You will feel nothing during this test.

Your health care provider may perform this test to detect several conditions affecting the skin, including

• Bacterial infections
• Fungal infections
• Porphyria
• Skin coloring changes

Review Date: 10/08/2010
Reviewed By: Linda J. Vorvick, MD, Medical Director, MEDEX Northwest Division of Physician Assistant Studies, University of Washington, School of Medicine. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org).

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