Wood's Lamp
A diagnostic UV light source used in dermatology to visualise skin conditions, pigmentation irregularities, and fluorescent organisms not visible under white light.
Full Definition
A Wood's lamp (also written Wood lamp) emits long-wave ultraviolet light (approximately 365 nm), causing certain skin conditions — including melasma, vitiligo, tinea versicolor, and Pseudomonas infections — to fluoresce in characteristic patterns. In aesthetic dermatology it is used during skin assessments to map pigmentary disorders before laser or chemical peel treatments. Editors must note the possessive apostrophe: 'Wood's lamp', named after physicist Robert Wood. Some contemporary house styles omit the apostrophe ('Wood lamp'); editors should follow house style consistently. It is not the same as a UV tanning lamp.
Usage
Usage note: The possessive apostrophe is standard ('Wood's lamp'). Verify and apply house style consistently. Do not confuse with UV tanning equipment.
In Context
- "Under Wood's lamp examination, the melasma appeared significantly more extensive than was visible to the naked eye." — Skin assessment report
- "The writer omitted the apostrophe in 'Woods lamp'; the correct form is 'Wood's lamp' unless house style specifies otherwise." — Proofreading note