Utah Esthetician State Board Practice Exam

What should be ensured when using a Woods lamp?

1. Turn on all lights for better visibility

2. Ensure the room is bright

3. Turn off all lights, requiring a dark room

4. Use a lamp with high brightness

The correct answer is: Turn off all lights, requiring a dark room

When using a Woods lamp, it is crucial to turn off all lights and work in a dark room to achieve the most accurate results. The Woods lamp uses ultraviolet (UV) light to highlight certain skin conditions, and ambient light can interfere with visibility and the effectiveness of the lamp. In a dark environment, the fluorescence of skin lesions and conditions becomes much clearer, allowing for more precise examinations. The UV rays emitted by the Woods lamp require a darker setting to provide the necessary contrast needed to identify various skin issues effectively. When lights are turned on or when the room is bright, the effectiveness of the Woods lamp diminishes, and it becomes challenging to observe the skin correctly. Therefore, ensuring a dark room is essential for optimal functioning and results when using a Woods lamp.