Ultraviolet A/blue light-emitting diode therapy for vulvovaginal candidiasis: a case presentation.

Vulvovaginal candidiasis (VVC) is a frequent infection of the female genitourinary tract. It is considered the second most common genital infection in women, after bacterial vaginosis. VVC is treated with oral or topical azole derivatives. However, these agents may lead to adverse reactions and their chronic use might lead to resistance to antifungal agents. Given that the ultraviolet A/blue light-emitting diode (LED) is an electromagnetic radiation source with antimicrobial properties, it is hypothesized that this resource may be a non-drug alternative to the treatment of vulvovaginitis. A technical/experimental safety test was conducted to characterize the light source spectrum and temperature generation of the device, followed by a pilot study in a 52-year-old patient with a clinical diagnosis of VVC confirmed by culture and examination of fresh vaginal samples, owing to the presence of lumpy vaginal discharge and a complaint of pruritus. The vulva and vagina were exposed to 401 ± 5 nm ultraviolet A/blue LED irradiation in a single session, divided into two applications. A reassessment was performed 21 days after the treatment. The light-emitting device had a visible spectrum, in the violet and blue ranges, and a maximum temperature increase of 7 °C. During the reassessment, the culture was found to be negative for fungus, and the signs and symptoms of the patient had disappeared. A light-emitting device with a spectrum in the range of 401 ± 5 nm could potentially be an alternative treatment modality for women with VVC, as it led to the resolution of clinical and microbiological problems in our patient.

Blue light-emitting diode in healthy vaginal mucosa-a new therapeutic possibility.

A healthy female genital mucosa has an ecosystem that remains in balance through interactions between endogenous and exogenous factors. The light-emitting diode (LED) is a device that emits light at different wavelengths, with varying color and effects. Blue light in humans is most commonly used for antimicrobial purposes and has been already applied to treat facial acne and gastric bacteria. Although blue LED therapy in humans has been reported, its properties against vaginal infections have not yet been investigated. This study aims to test the safety and effects of 401 ± 5 nm blue LED on healthy vaginal mucosa. Phase I clinical trial involving 10 women between 18 and 45 years old with healthy vaginal mucosa. The participants were illuminated by 401 ± 5 nm blue LED for 30 min and anamnesis, oncotic cytology, and pH measurement were made again after 21/28 days of treatment. In the re-evaluation, adverse effects were investigated. The mean age was 27 ± 5.4 years and one of the women was excluded due to interruption of use of oral contraceptives. Oncotic cytology done before and after therapy showed that the composition of the microflora remained normal in all participants. Vaginal pH remained unchanged in eight of the women and had a reduction in one woman (5.0-4.0). No adverse effects were observed during or after illumination. 401 ± 5 nm blue LED did not generate any adverse effects or pathogenic changes in the microflora and vaginal pH. The effects of 401 ± 5 nm blue LED still need to be tested in vulvovaginal pathogens. Trial registration number: NCT03075046.

Blue Light-Emitting Diode Therapy for Chronic Vulvovaginitis Symptoms: A Series of Cases.

Objective: This pilot study aimed to evaluate the characteristic signs and symptoms of chronic vulvovaginitis after blue light-emitting diode (LED) treatment. Methods: Women with characteristic signs and symptoms of vulvovaginitis were interviewed to obtain clinical and sociodemographic data. They answered the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) and the World Health Organization Quality of Life (WHOQOL)-bref questionnaires. Women with a suspected diagnosis of vulvovaginitis underwent clinical examination by a gynecologist, followed by microbiological evaluation, potassium hydroxide testing, vaginal pH assessment, and collection of vaginal fluid for oncotic cytology and fungal culture. The study participants were instructed to return after 15 days to undergo the 405 nm blue LED treatment, which consisted of three biweekly sessions. After 28 days of treatment completion, the patients returned for clinical re-evaluation and reassessment of the FSFI and WHOQOL-bref scores. Results: All eight women reported improvement or cure of at least one characteristic sign or symptom of vulvovaginitis, and five showed improvement in total FSFI and WHOQOL-bref scores. Conclusions: Treatment with blue LED may improve or cure symptoms associated with vulvovaginitis, sexual function, and the global quality of life score. Clinical Trial registration: NCT03075046 dated March 9, 2017.