[
  {
    "condition": "Vitiligo",
    "pathogen_or_mechanism": "Autoimmune destruction of epidermal melanocytes; complete absence of melanin pigment",
    "woods_fluorescence": "Brilliant, stark chalky blue-white with sharply demarcated borders",
    "fluorophore": "Auto-fluorescence of dermal collagen fibers uncovered by complete absence of epidermal melanin absorption",
    "clinical_utility": "Crucial for identifying subclinical depigmentation patches before they become visible to naked eye; differentiates vitiligo from post-inflammatory hypopigmentation (which appears dull off-white with fuzzy margins)"
  },
  {
    "condition": "Tinea Capitis (Scalp Ringworm)",
    "pathogen_or_mechanism": "Fungal dermatophyte infection of hair shaft by Microsporum species (M. canis, M. audouinii, M. ferrugineum)",
    "woods_fluorescence": "Brilliant electric yellow-green or bright apple-green along hair shafts",
    "fluorophore": "Pteridine metabolite synthesized by Microsporum fungi within ectothrix hair infections",
    "clinical_utility": "Differential diagnostic breakthrough: Trichophyton species (e.g., T. tonsurans) DO NOT fluoresce under Wood's lamp. Green fluorescence confirms Microsporum etiology and guides direct epilation for fungal culture."
  },
  {
    "condition": "Tinea Versicolor (Pityriasis Versicolor)",
    "pathogen_or_mechanism": "Superficial fungal infection of stratum corneum by Malassezia yeasts (Malassezia globosa / furfur)",
    "woods_fluorescence": "Warm golden-yellow or coppery-orange fluorescence",
    "fluorophore": "Pityriacitrin (bis-indole alkaloid synthesized by Malassezia in presence of sebum)",
    "clinical_utility": "Distinguishes active Malassezia infection from residual post-inflammatory hypopigmentation; evaluates response following topical antifungal therapy"
  },
  {
    "condition": "Erythrasma",
    "pathogen_or_mechanism": "Superficial bacterial infection of intertriginous skin by Corynebacterium minutissimum",
    "woods_fluorescence": "Unmistakable striking coral-red to pinkish-orange fluorescence",
    "fluorophore": "Coproporphyrin III synthesized endogenously by Corynebacterium minutissimum",
    "clinical_utility": "Prevents catastrophic diagnostic error: Erythrasma in the groin or toe webs is frequently misdiagnosed as tinea cruris (jock itch) or candidiasis. Coral-red glow clinches diagnosis of bacterial erythrasma, requiring erythromycin or clindamycin rather than antifungals."
  },
  {
    "condition": "Pseudomonas aeruginosa Infection",
    "pathogen_or_mechanism": "Gram-negative opportunistic bacterial infection in burn wounds, ulcers, and toe webs",
    "woods_fluorescence": "Distinct bright lime-green / yellowish-green fluorescence",
    "fluorophore": "Pyoverdine (water-soluble fluorescent siderophore produced by Pseudomonas species)",
    "clinical_utility": "Detects early Pseudomonas colonization in burn units before overt sepsis or purulent green discharge develops; guides rapid topical silver or polymyxin treatment"
  },
  {
    "condition": "Acne Vulgaris & Folliculitis",
    "pathogen_or_mechanism": "Colonization of pilosebaceous follicles by Cutibacterium acnes (formerly Propionibacterium acnes)",
    "woods_fluorescence": "Punctate, pinpoint orange-red to bright coral fluorescence within follicular orifices",
    "fluorophore": "Endogenous protoporphyrin IX and coproporphyrins produced by Cutibacterium acnes metabolism of sebum",
    "clinical_utility": "Quantitative assessment of follicular bacterial load in cosmetic dermatology and clinical trials; monitors reduction in C. acnes following photodynamic therapy or topical retinoids"
  },
  {
    "condition": "Melasma (Epidermal vs. Dermal)",
    "pathogen_or_mechanism": "Acquired hypermelanosis of sun-exposed areas; excess melanin deposition in epidermis vs dermis",
    "woods_fluorescence": "• Epidermal melasma: Pigmentation contrast is dramatically accentuated (darker and more distinct)\n• Dermal melasma: Pigmentation contrast does NOT accentuate (remains fuzzy and subtle)\n• Mixed melasma: Uneven patchy accentuation",
    "fluorophore": "Melanin acts as a broadband UV absorber; superficial epidermal melanin blocks dermal collagen fluorescence efficiently, sharpening contrast",
    "clinical_utility": "Essential for treatment prognosis: Epidermal melasma responds favorably to topical hydroquinone, azelaic acid, and chemical peels; dermal melasma responds poorly and requires specialized non-ablative laser therapies"
  },
  {
    "condition": "Porphyria Cutanea Tarda (PCT)",
    "pathogen_or_mechanism": "Inborn error of heme biosynthesis: deficiency of uroporphyrinogen decarboxylase leading to systemic accumulation of uroporphyrins",
    "woods_fluorescence": "Urine sample fluoresces vivid pink-orange to brilliant ruby-red under Wood's lamp (acidification with 10% HCl enhances fluorescence)",
    "fluorophore": "Uroporphyrin and 7-carboxylate porphyrin in patient's urine",
    "clinical_utility": "Rapid bedside screening test in emergency or clinical settings for patients presenting with blistering, skin fragility, and facial hypertrichosis"
  }
]