Wood lamp examination
Wood Lamp Examination: A Overview
Wood lamp examination is a simple and effective diagnostic technique used to help identify a variety of skin diseases, including vitiligo, psoriasis, and dermatomyositis, to name a few. This examination involves the use of a Wood lamp, or fluorescent lamp, to see how particular skin diseases appear under ultraviolet light. Wood lamp examinations are used both to diagnose and monitor skin diseases.
Preparation:
Before having a Wood lamp examination, a doctor will need to collect some basic information from the patient, such as medical history and current medications. This examination is generally non-invasive and requires no special preparation. Depending on the affected skin area, certain clothing may need to be removed prior to the examination in order to adequately assess the area.
Procedure:
- A Wood lamp examination typically begins with the patient sitting or lying down in a darkened room.
- The physician then lower the fluorescent lamp several inches from the patient's skin and observes their skin under ultraviolet light.
- When the UV light hits the skin, the doctor looks for any changes in color, shape, or size that could indicate an underlying skin condition.
- Depending on the findings, the doctor may decide to take samples of the affected skin to obtain a more accurate diagnosis.
- When the examination is complete, the doctor will go over any findings with the patient and discuss any treatment plans or further diagnostic tests that may be necessary.
Types of Wood Lamp Examination:
- Vitiligo Wood Lamp Exam: A vitiligo wood lamp exam is used to determine the degree of vitiligo present on the skin. The exam looks for patches of depigmented skin or faint whitish spots.
- Psoriasis Wood Lamp Exam: During a psoriasis wood lamp exam, the physician will look for increased thickness of the epidermis and hyperpigmentation of the skin.
- Dermatomyositis Wood Lamp Exam: A dermatomyositis wood lamp exam looks for purplish-red or pinkish-purple discoloration on the skin. This discoloration is a sign of increased vascularization in the skin.
Risks and Side Effects:
There are no known risks associated with wood lamp examination. Fluorescent light used during the exam has been found to be non-hazardous and does not cause any side effects.
Why, When, and Who:
Why: Wood lamp examination is a simple and efficient method for diagnosing and monitoring skin diseases. Besides providing valuable diagnostic information, it can also help to rule out certain other disorders.
When: Wood lamp examination is typically used in combination with other diagnostic tests to assess skin diseases. It is also used to monitor the progress of treatments or assess response to treatment.
Who: Wood lamp examination can be used by dermatologists, general practitioners, and other medical professionals.
