Salmon colored fluorescence on Wood’s lamp in a pediatric patient with vitiligo: A case report

Vitiligo, a prevalent cutaneous depigmentation disorder, often leads individuals to seek cosmetic remedies such as dihydroxyacetone (DHA)-infused camouflage makeup. Wood's lamp, a common diagnostic tool in dermatology, is typically employed to assess vitiligo lesions, revealing DHA-induced fluorescence in a distinct salmon color, contrasting with the bright blue-white fluorescence exhibited by vitiligo lesions. Erythrasma, a bacterial infection of the epidermis, is known for its unique bright coral-pink or coral-red fluorescence under Wood's lamp. We present a case involving a 9-year-old girl who was initially diagnosed with erythrasma upon Wood's lamp examination. Subsequent investigation revealed the use of vitiligo camouflage makeup infused with DHA, resulting in a fluorescence pattern similar to erythrasma under Wood's lamp scrutiny. The awareness of mimicking agents like DHA is crucial for accurate diagnoses and optimal patient outcomes. Clinicians, especially family physicians and dermatologists, are urged to exercise heightened scrutiny and maintain a keen awareness of such nuances in order to navigate through the intricacies posed by substances like dihydroxyacetone during diagnostic processes, as some may reveal similar appearances in mechanical diagnostic tools, such as Wood's lamp.