Oregon Esthetician State Board

What color indicates the presence of bacteria on the skin under a Wood's lamp?

1. Yellow or orange

2. Brown

3. Light violet or purple

4. Blue white

The correct answer is: Yellow or orange

The color that indicates the presence of bacteria on the skin under a Wood's lamp is yellow or orange. When illuminated with a Wood's lamp, certain bacteria emit a specific fluorescence. Yellow or orange coloration typically suggests the presence of bacteria, which is a crucial aspect for estheticians to recognize, as it could indicate an infection or other skin condition that may require special attention. Other colors emitted under a Wood's lamp can indicate different conditions or skin types. For instance, certain fungal infections may fluoresce with a different hue, while healthy skin or non-infected areas usually don't emit any significant color under the lamp. Understanding these color indications assists estheticians in assessing skin health effectively and determining the appropriate course of action for treatment.