Article
IBOOLO Wood’s Lamp
A Wood’s lamp, also known as a ultraviolet light lamp or black light, is a diagnostic tool that emits long-wave ultraviolet radiation at a wavelength of 320–400 nanometers. Invented by physicist Robert Williams Wood in 1903, this device leverages the unique fluorescent properties of certain biological and chemical substances. When exposed to UVA light, these…
A Wood’s lamp, also known as a ultraviolet light lamp or black light, is a diagnostic tool that emits long-wave ultraviolet radiation at a wavelength of 320–400 nanometers. Invented by physicist Robert Williams Wood in 1903, this device leverages the unique fluorescent properties of certain biological and chemical substances. When exposed to UVA light, these substances absorb the radiation and re-emit it as visible light of varying colors, depending on their composition.
Modern Wood’s lamps, such as the IBOOLO Wood’s Lamp, use filtered UV light to enhance specificity in medical diagnostics. Unlike regular UV lights, they minimize visible light interference, allowing clinicians to observe subtle fluorescence patterns on the skin. This non-invasive tool is widely used in dermatology to detect infections, pigment disorders, and metabolic abnormalities.
How to Choose the Model of IBOOLO Wood’s Lamp?
IBOOLO’s Wood Lamps are currently available in two models, the DE-215 and the DE-315, which differ in their focus and features. Equipped with a combination of 15 LED lights and 5 specialized 365nm UV beads, the IBOOLO DE-215 offers dual lighting modes tailored to meet your diverse inspection needs. The White Light Mode provides a crisp view of skin textures and surface details. The UV Mode, on the other hand, reveals hidden fungal and fluorescent reactions.
And IBOOLO DE-315 consists of 10 365nm and 10 405nm UV beads. So, the DE-315 is more focused on the UV mode than the DE-215. Users can select the appropriate UV wavelength according to their needs. 365nm is mainly used for highlighting skin pigmentation and superficial blood vessels, while 405nm is mainly used for ALA fluorescence imaging.
Why is IBOOLO Wood’s Lamp Used?
IBOOLO Wood’s Lamp is used for examining skin and hair under dark environment. It helps in identifying the extent of pigmented or depigmented patches and detecting fluorescence. This is possible because certain substances, such as collagen and porphyrins, absorb black light and emit it again at a longer wavelength in the visible spectrum. The lamp can highlight differences between hypo- or hyperpigmentations and reveal the accumulation of exogenous fluorophores, such as those produced by fungal and bacterial infections, or endogenous ones, as in the case of porphyrias.
How Does IBOOLO Wood’s Lamp Help in Observing Skin Diseases?
IBOOLO Wood’s Lamp can be used to observe various skin conditions. For pigmented disorders, it can determine whether pigmentation is epidermal or dermal. In cases of vitiligo, it can identify affected areas in light-skinned people. It is also useful in diagnosing conditions like erythrasma, tinea versicolor, Pityriasis versicolor, Malassezia folliculitis, Tinea capitis, head lice, scabies, acne, porphyria, and even the evenness of application of certain chemical peels. Each of these conditions presents specific fluorescence patterns under the lamp, aiding in accurate diagnosis.
How is an IBOOLO Wood’s Lamp Skin Examination Performed?
The Wood’s lamp examination process involves several steps. First, the skin to be examined should not have been recently washed or have had makeup, deodorant, or moisturizer applied, as these may error the results. However, it is important to emphasize that the skin should be clean before the examination. Secondly, too bright a light or environment can interfere with the fluorescent response of the Wood’s lamp. Therefore, please turn on the Wood’s lamp for observation in a dim environment or after using a light shield. The light should be about 10 – 30 centimeters away from the skin. The procedure is painless and safe.
Does IBOOLO Wood’s Lamp Have Any Harmful Effects?
The black light emitted by the IBOOLO Wood’s Lamp is generally harmless. It does not emit short – wavelength ultraviolet B radiation, so it does not cause sunburn or otherwise damage healthy skin. However, patients with extreme photosensitivity might develop a rash on skin exposed to black light. But Wood lamp examination is usually very brief and unlikely to cause problems even in very photosensitive patients. It is prudent to ask the patient to close their eyes when examining the face, especially for children, as their lenses lack the protective pigment found in adults, which absorbs UVA radiation, allowing it to reach the retina.
Why Is Wood’s Lamp Better Than the Naked Eye and Other Devices?
When it comes to detecting skin conditions like vitiligo and fungal infections, Wood’s lamp offers distinct advantages over the naked eye and other diagnostic tools. The naked eye can miss subtle signs, especially in early stages or mild cases. Wood’s lamp, with its UV light, makes certain features glow, revealing what’s hidden to the naked eye. Compared to other devices, it’s non – invasive and doesn’t need skin samples. For vitiligo, it shows the sharp borders of pigment – free skin, helping determine the condition’s extent and depth. In fungal infections, it can highlight the presence of specific fungi that give off a characteristic glow, aiding quick and accurate identification. Its portability and ease of use also make it a practical choice for both quick checks and detailed exams in clinical settings.
