Wood lamp examination in pityriasis versicolor

A Wood lamp emits ultraviolet light in a darkened room. The clinician holds it near clean, dry skin and looks for fluorescence or contrast that is harder to see in ordinary light. Pityriasis versicolor, also called tinea versicolor, can produce fine scale and lighter or darker patches on the trunk, neck, or upper arms; the lamp may support the diagnosis when the appearance is subtle.

A negative or unclear glow does not by itself rule out the condition. Colour, scale, distribution, symptoms, recent treatments, and other diagnoses must be considered. The examination is non-invasive and should not hurt, although the bright light can feel uncomfortable for a moment.

Do not apply creams, oils, or makeup immediately before the examination unless the clinic says they are acceptable, because residue can change the appearance. Tell the clinician about recent antifungal products and whether patches itch, scale, spread, or recur in warm weather.

If pityriasis versicolor is confirmed, treatment may use a topical antifungal, medicated shampoo, or oral antifungal depending on the extent and your medical history. The fungus can clear before normal skin colour returns, so colour differences may remain for a while after treatment. Follow the prescribed plan and avoid sharing towels.

Arrange review if patches spread despite treatment, become painful, ooze, or develop marked inflammation. Ask for reassessment when the diagnosis is uncertain, the rash affects the face or an extensive area, or repeated episodes keep returning. White, dark, or scaly patches can have causes other than pityriasis versicolor.

What did the skin examination and Wood lamp show? Do I need a skin scraping or another test? Which treatment suits the affected area and my medicines, how should I prevent recurrence, and when should the colour changes be expected to improve?