Oregon Esthetician State Board

What indicates the presence of acne or bacteria under a Wood's lamp?

1. White spots

2. Yellow or orange

3. Blue white

4. Brown

The correct answer is: Yellow or orange

The presence of acne or bacteria under a Wood's lamp is indicated by a yellow or orange color. This specific coloration occurs due to the properties of the bacteria that can be present in acne lesions. When exposed to the UV light of the Wood's lamp, certain bacteria emit a yellow or orange fluorescence, which helps estheticians and dermatologists identify active acne infections or bacterial overgrowth. Understanding the significance of this coloration is crucial for estheticians when assessing the skin condition of clients. It allows for more informed decisions regarding treatments and therapies that can address underlying bacterial issues contributing to acne. In contrast, other colors produced by the Wood's lamp correspond to different skin conditions or types of pigmentation, but yellow or orange specifically signals the presence of acne or bacteria.