Wood's lamp

Alternative names:

black light test; ultraviolet light test

What the risks are:

There are no risks, but avoid looking directly into the ultraviolet light, as you avoid looking into the sun.

Special considerations:

Washing before the test may cause a false negative result. A room that is not dark enough may also alter results. Other materials may alter results. For example, deodorants, make-up, tetracycline and soaps in the sweat may fluoresce. Some species of tinea capitis lack porphyrins and therefore will not fluoresce