Benefits

• The Woods Lamp can spot problem areas in the skin, including bacterial and fungal infections, porphyria -- a rare hereditary disorder that causes light sensitivity -- and skin coloring changes. Skin with no problems will not shine under the Woods Lamp. If the skin does shine, or fluoresce, it helps your doctor to determine what is wrong with your skin. The Woods Lamp test is also called a black light test or ultraviolet light test. Doctors can also use the lamp to test a patient's urine for ethylene glycol poisoning, which is caused by ingesting antifreeze. Under a Woods Lamp, the urine will fluoresce. Other conditions can be diagnosed with a Woods Lamp through urine, too.
  
  

Using the Lamp

• The Woods Lamp test is performed in a dark room with the Woods Lamp placed 4 to 5 inches away from the skin. Your doctor looks for any color changes visible under the light. Different bacteria, for instance, will appear red or yellowish-green. The bacteria that cause acne have an orange glow. Porphyria looks pink on the skin under the Woods Lamp. patients should never look directly in the light during the procedure.
  
  

Additional Features

• A Woods Lamp lets the user know immediately if there are any skin issues; however, the patient often does not get the chance to see what colors appeared. Some manufacturers make Woods Lamps with digital camera attachments so that the image can be recorded for further study. This allows the patient to see what the doctor sees, and it also preserves a record for later inspection.
  
  

Considerations

• If you notice a blemish under the Woods Lamp, do not immediately panic. Some make-up and skin-care products are visible under the ultraviolet light. Wash off any residue, wait a few hours and use the lamp again. Consult your doctor if any blemishes remain visible under the Woods Lamp.