How do you use a Woods lamp for skin examination?

How to Use a Woods Lamp for Skin Examination

Preparation
1. **Cleanse the Skin**: Thoroughly clean the skin to remove any makeup, dirt, or oil that might interfere with the examination .
2. **Avoid Topical Products**: Do not apply creams, makeup, deodorant, or other topical products before the test, as these can affect results .
3. **Darken the Room**: Make the room completely dark by turning off lights and closing window shades to enhance visibility of fluorescence .

Procedure
1. **Position the Lamp**: Hold the Woods lamp approximately 4-6 inches (10-15 cm) away from the skin .
2. **Examine the Skin**: Sweep the UV light across different areas of the skin, observing for any fluorescence or color changes .
3. **Document Findings**: Take photographs if necessary to document the findings for future reference and comparison .

Interpretation
- **Normal Skin**: Appears as a bright white or yellow-green fluorescence .
- **Fungal Infections**: May show green fluorescence (e.g., tinea capitis) .
- **Bacterial Infections**: May show coral-red fluorescence (e.g., erythrasma) .
- **Pigmentation Disorders**: 
  - Hyperpigmentation (e.g., melasma) may appear as mottled or light brown fluorescence .
  - Hypopigmentation (e.g., vitiligo) may show loss of fluorescence .

Safety
- **Protective Eyewear**: Both patients and healthcare providers should wear protective goggles or glasses to protect against UV light exposure .
- **Avoid Direct Eye Exposure**: Patients should avoid looking directly at the UV light to prevent potential eye damage .

Limitations
- The Woods lamp cannot detect all skin conditions and requires proper interpretation by trained healthcare professionals .
- Some substances like deodorants, makeup, or soap residue can cause false positives .

Always consult with a healthcare professional for accurate diagnosis and treatment recommendations based on Woods lamp findings.

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