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Diagnostic Tests – Wood’s Light Examination
1. What is this?
A Wood’s light examination is a noninvasive dermatologic test that uses ultraviolet (UV) light (~365 nm) to examine the skin, hair, and nails in a dark room. Certain organisms and skin conditions fluoresce under UV light, helping clinicians narrow the differential diagnosis of infectious and pigmentary disorders.
2. What are some organisms or conditions that fluoresce under Wood’s light?
Characteristic fluorescence patterns include
1. What is this?
A Wood’s light examination is a noninvasive dermatologic test that uses ultraviolet (UV) light (~365 nm) to examine the skin, hair, and nails in a dark room. Certain organisms and skin conditions fluoresce under UV light, helping clinicians narrow the differential diagnosis of infectious and pigmentary disorders.
2. What are some organisms or conditions that fluoresce under Wood’s light?
Characteristic fluorescence patterns include
- Erythrasma (Corynebacterium minutissimum)
→ Coral-red fluorescence - Tinea capitis (some Microsporum species)
→ Blue-green fluorescence - Pseudomonas aeruginosa
→ Green fluorescence - Vitiligo
→ Bright blue-white accentuation - Tinea versicolor (Malassezia)
→ Yellowish or coppery fluorescence (may be subtle or absent)
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