Wood's lamp is a test that is performed in a dark room, shining ultraviolet light on the area of interest.
Alternative Names:
Black light test; Ultraviolet light test
How the test is performed:
You will be seated and the lights will be turned off. Your physician will turn on the Wood's lamp and hold it 4 - 5 inches from the area being studied. Your physician will then look at your skin for any color changes. Take care not to look directly into the light.
How to prepare for the test:
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.
How the test will feel:
You will feel nothing during this test. Likewise, there should be no adverse side effects.
Why the test is performed:
Your health care provider may perform this test to detect several conditions, including:
Review Date: 10/29/2004
Reviewed By: Jonathan Kantor, M.D., Department of Dermatology, University of Pennsylvania Medical Center, Philadelphia, PA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.
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