What is the history of the Woods lamp?

The Woods lamp, also known as Wood's light, has an interesting history dating back to the early 20th century. Here's a detailed timeline of its development and applications:

1. **Invention by Robert Williams Wood**: The Woods lamp was invented in 1903 by Robert Williams Wood, a prominent American physicist known for his work in optics and spectroscopy. Wood developed the lamp primarily for ultraviolet photography, using a special filter made of barium silicate with 9% nickel oxide to block visible light and allow transmission of ultraviolet (UV) light.

2. **Original Purpose**: The initial purpose of the Woods lamp was for UV photography, but its applications quickly expanded to other scientific fields due to its ability to emit long-wave ultraviolet light (UV-A) at approximately 365 nm.

3. **Adoption in Dermatology**: The first reported use of the Woods lamp in dermatology was in 1925 when Margarot and Deveze used it to detect tinea capitis (a fungal scalp infection). This marked the beginning of its widespread use in dermatological diagnosis.

4. **Expansion to Other Fields**: Beyond dermatology, the Woods lamp found applications in criminal forensics, emergency medicine, ophthalmology, gynecology, and veterinary medicine. Its ability to detect fluorescence made it valuable for identifying various substances and conditions.

5. **Key Features**: The lamp works by emitting UV-A light, which causes certain substances to fluoresce. When used in a dark room, the fluorescence becomes visible, allowing for the detection of conditions that might otherwise be difficult to see.

6. **Modern Applications**: Today, the Woods lamp remains an important diagnostic tool in dermatology for detecting fungal and bacterial infections, pigment disorders like vitiligo, and certain metabolic diseases. It is also used in ophthalmology to detect corneal abrasions and in forensics to identify biological materials.

The Woods lamp's longevity in medical practice is a testament to its effectiveness and versatility in various diagnostic scenarios.

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