Which finding can a Wood's lamp help reveal during a skin analysis?

• A. Pigmentation, acne presence, and vascular issues.
• B. Internal bone structure.
• C. Hair color.
• D. Skin temperature.

Answer: (A)

Using UV light, a Wood’s lamp makes certain skin components fluoresce, so you can see issues that aren’t as obvious under normal lighting. For pigmentation, areas of excess or uneven melanin respond differently to the UV light, which helps map where pigmentation is located and can indicate whether it’s mainly epidermal or dermal, guiding treatment decisions. For acne, the lamp can reveal the presence of porphyrins produced by bacteria like Propionibacterium acnes, which glow an orange color; this helps identify active acne zones and areas with bacterial activity to target with appropriate therapies. Superficial vascular changes also tend to stand out under the lamp, making redness or visible capillaries more noticeable and aiding in assessing vascular concerns. Remember, this is a helpful screening tool to guide deeper assessment and treatment planning.