Treatment of infected wounds with methylene blue photodynamic therapy: An effective and safe treatment method
Xiaoxiao Shen1, Liwen Dong1, Xuan He1
1Department of Plastic & Cosmetic Surgery, Daping Hospital, Amy Medical University, Chongqing 400042, PR China.
Background:
Bacterial resistance is a problem during the process of healing of infected wounds. As a therapy, photodynamic therapy (PDT) has broad-spectral antibacterial activity and non-selective action, which makes it possible to deal with antibiotic resistance.. Methylene blue is a commonly used medicine, but it is rarely used in clinical practice as a photosensitizer. The effect of methylene blue photodynamic therapy (MB-PDT) on infected wounds remains unclear. Our study aims to evaluate the safety and efficacy of MB-PDT on infected wounds.
Methods:
In this study, 5 patients with infected wounds were included, all of them were treated with MB-PDT by using the red LED which irradiated the wounds directly (635 nm, 120 J/cm2, 100 mW/cm2). The frequency and course of treatment were determined by the severity of the wound.
Results:
After an average of 4 PDT session, infected wounds of all the patients healed.. The treatment also showed an excellent cosmetic effect. According to the follow-up periods of patients ranged from 3 to 12 months, there were no recurrences and side effects.
Conclusions:
MB-PDT has a great healing effect on infected wounds, and it is a safe, cheap and active clinical therapy.
Insights
Methylene blue photodynamic therapy (MB-PDT) effectively healed infected wounds in all patients. This safe, affordable treatment showed no side effects or recurrences, offering a promising alternative for wound healing.
Area of Science:
- Medical Science
- Biotechnology
- Dermatology
Background:
- Bacterial resistance complicates infected wound healing, driving the need for novel therapies.
- Photodynamic therapy (PDT) offers broad-spectrum antibacterial activity, addressing antibiotic resistance.
- Methylene blue (MB) is a potential photosensitizer for PDT, but its clinical use in infected wounds is underexplored.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the safety and efficacy of Methylene Blue-Photodynamic Therapy (MB-PDT) for treating infected wounds.
Main Methods:
- Five patients with infected wounds received MB-PDT using red LED irradiation (635 nm, 120 J/cm2, 100 mW/cm2).
- Treatment frequency and duration were adapted to individual wound severity.
Main Results:
- Complete healing of infected wounds was achieved after an average of 4 MB-PDT sessions.
- The therapy resulted in excellent cosmetic outcomes.
- Follow-up (3-12 months) revealed no recurrences or adverse side effects.
Conclusions:
- MB-PDT demonstrates significant efficacy in healing infected wounds.
- The treatment is safe, cost-effective, and suitable for clinical application.
