Can a Woods lamp be used for other purposes?

A Woods lamp has a variety of applications beyond its primary use in dermatology. Here are some other uses for a Woods lamp:

1. **Biochemistry Laboratory**: Used to look for signs of porphyria in red blood cells (erythropoietic protoporphyria), urine, and stool (porphyria cutanea tarda) .

2. **Molecular Biology Laboratory**: Used to detect compounds with a fluorescent tag .

3. **Aestheticians**: Check for signs of aging skin and other imperfections .

4. **Ophthalmologists**: Look for scratches and foreign bodies in the cornea of the eye .

5. **Veterinary Surgeons**: Use the Woods lamp when examining pets for bacterial, fungal, or parasitic infections .

6. **Law Enforcement Officers**: Examine crime scenes and clothing for semen and urine .

7. **Pet or Rodent Urine/Faeces Detection**: Pet or rodent urine/faeces is easily detected using a Woods lamp .

8. **Metal Fatigue Evaluation**: Metal fatigue can be evaluated using a fluorescent fluid and Woods lamp examination .

9. **Nightclubs**: Use a Woods lamp to check fluorescent re-entry stamps .

10. **Immigration Officers and Banks**: Check that passports are genuine and for counterfeit money .

11. **Mineralogy and Gemology**: Used in the study of minerals and gemstones .

12. **Displaying Fluorescent Paint in Art and Sculpture**: Used to display fluorescent paint used in art and sculpture .

Woods lamps are generally safe to use. The black light emitted by a Woods lamp is harmless as it does not emit short-wavelength ultraviolet B radiation (290–320 nm), so it does not cause sunburn or otherwise damage healthy skin. However, it is prudent to ask patients to close their eyes when examining the face to avoid any risk to the cornea. The examination is usually very brief and unlikely to cause problems even in very photosensitive patients.

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