Wood's Light Examination

A Wood's light examination is done to determine if a skin condition is caused by a fungal infection. When this special light is directed toward the skin, certain types of fungi cause the skin to glow or fluoresce (for example, it may look bluish green under the light).

A Wood's light can also be used with a special stain to detect eye injuries, and in sexual assault exams to detect semen on skin or clothing.

Current as of: October 13, 2016

Author: Healthwise Staff

Medical Review: E. Gregory Thompson, MD - Internal Medicine & Adam Husney, MD - Family Medicine & Martin J. Gabica, MD - Family Medicine & A. Evan Eyler, MD, MPH - Family Medicine, Psychiatry