What type of light is used in Wood's lamps to detect skin disorders and pigmentation?

Wood's lamps utilize filtered black light, which emits ultraviolet light and helps in the diagnosis of various skin conditions and pigmentation issues. The ultraviolet component of the light allows for better visualization of skin abnormalities, as certain conditions can absorb this light and appear differently than they would under regular lighting.

Filtered black light specifically refers to UV light that has gone through a filter to eliminate most visible light, enhancing the contrast of skin conditions like fungal infections, bacterial infections, pigmentation changes such as melasma, and more. The ability of Wood's lamp to differentiate between normal and abnormal skin can aid in making an accurate diagnosis, which is crucial for effective treatment.

Other types of light, such as visible light or infrared light, do not provide the same diagnostic capability for skin conditions. While ultraviolet light is a component of a Wood's lamp, the term "filtered black light" specifically captures its use in this context, making it the most precise choice for identifying skin disorders and pigmentation.