Clearly explainedEvidence-based guidance

Examination

Wood’s lamp examination for vitiligo

Wood’s light is used in a dark room to increase the contrast of pigment loss. It is quick and non-invasive.

In brief

Key points

  • Dark room examination
  • Makes borders clearer
  • Supports differential diagnosis
  • Does not replace clinical assessment
01

What the examination shows

Depigmented areas may appear bright and sharply outlined, including areas that are difficult to see in ordinary light. The pattern helps assess extent and follow-up.

02

Interpreting the result

Wood’s light is one part of the examination. History, surface changes and distribution remain necessary to distinguish vitiligo from fungal or inflammatory conditions.

View the Wood’s lamp at IDEALDERM
Editorial basis

Editorial basis: current AWMF S2k guideline on the diagnosis and treatment of vitiligo, register 013-093, version 2.0 dated 27 July 2026. Reviewed on 2 September 2026.

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