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Wood's light examination

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By Jeannette Curtis; Caroline Rea, RN, BS, MS

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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.

Author:Jeannette Curtis
Caroline Rea, RN, BS, MS
Medical Review:
Last Updated: 05/25/2007

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