What glows under a Wood lamp besides ringworm on cats? - briefly
Under a Wood lamp, besides ringworm, certain bacterial infections, fungal infections, and porphyrins in urine or other bodily fluids may fluoresce in cats.
What glows under a Wood lamp besides ringworm on cats? - in detail
A Wood’s lamp, emitting ultraviolet (UV) light at a wavelength of around 365 nanometers, is a diagnostic tool used to detect various substances and conditions that fluoresce under UV light. While ringworm caused by Microsporum canis is a well-known example that glows apple green under a Wood’s lamp, several other substances and conditions can also fluoresce. Certain bacterial infections, such as those caused by Pseudomonas aeruginosa, emit a greenish glow. Fungal infections like tinea versicolor may show a pale yellow or white fluorescence. Some forms of porphyria, a group of disorders affecting heme production, can cause urine, teeth, or skin to fluoresce pink or red. Vitiligo, a condition characterized by loss of skin pigment, often appears as bright white patches under UV light due to the contrast between depigmented and normal skin. Certain topical medications, cosmetics, and chemicals, including those found in antifreeze or laundry detergents, may also fluoresce. Additionally, urine, semen, and other bodily fluids can glow under a Wood’s lamp, making it useful in forensic investigations. However, the accuracy of fluorescence can vary, and false positives or negatives may occur due to factors like contamination or the presence of non-fluorescing strains of microorganisms. Proper interpretation by a trained professional is essential for accurate diagnosis.