Wood's light: fluorescence in bacterial and fungal infections

Abstract

Introduction: A Wood's lamp or black light lamp is a device used as a complementary method for the diagnosis of certain skin conditions, mainly bacterial and fungal. This is the reason why it is considered to be indispensable in dermatology consultation.

Objective: Review the bibliography about the correct application and interpretation of diagnostic testing with Wood's lamps in fungal and bacterial infections.

Methods: A descriptive review was conducted based on dialectical-materialist clinical-epidemiological methodology. To achieve this end, a search was carried out in the databases MEDLINE and PubMed using DeCS descriptors. Six medical articles and two basic dermatology books were retrieved.

Data analysis and synthesis: Before using the black light lamp, it is crucial to develop a medical record including a detailed anamnesis and a complete physical examination. Depending on the condition, it will be decided whether to use Wood's light for dermatological inspection, as a diagnostic test confirming the pre-established clinical criterion. Selection of the technique to be used should take into account certain indispensable parameters, thus avoiding diagnostic errors. In this respect, it is important to describe the etiology of fungal and bacterial infections frequently treated in dermatology consultation, since some of them produce particles that become fluorescent under ultraviolet light and invisible to the human eye.

Conclusions: Use of Wood's light is an essential test in the diagnosis of fungal and bacterial infections, but it is indispensable to comply with the guidelines for the correct application of this diagnostic method in daily dermatological practice.