Blue (470nm) light kills MRSA (Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus areus) in Vitro

In this study, an average of 90.4% of both US-300 (community acquired) and IS-853 (hospital acquired) strains of MRSA were killed within minutes of exposure to simple blue light. This should be all over the national and world news. Why isn’t it? Maybe people don’t know what it means. Here is what the study said,

“These significant levels of photo-destruction at low dosages indicate that irradiation with 470nm LED light energy may be a practical, inexpensive alternative to treatment with pharmacological agents, particularly in cases involving cutaneous and subcutanious MRSA infections that are susceptible to non-invasive types of radiation.”

Here’s what it means:

“significant levels of photo-destruction” – an average of 90.4% of MRSA bacteria experienced ‘death by light.’

“low dosages” – simple light was used, not low level laser light, not laser light, and it only took a few minutes of exposure to kill significant amounts of bacteria – 30% dying after just 100 seconds of exposure.

“irradiation” – Light shining on something. Light of any color from any source is actually powerful electromagnetic energy, or radiation, and so light of any color can also be called “radiation.” When you shine any light on something, its being irradiated. It’s not  as dangerous or expensive as it sounds. These two girls survive by daily high doses of 405-485nm (blue) ”irradiation.”

“470nm” – blue. That’s it. Click here for a more detailed explanation. A previous study was done with similar results with 405nm light, which is visible violet light, very close to UVA on the electromagnetic spectrum. The actual span of the light used in this case was 455-485nm. Since 405nm also worked, it stands to reason that all wavelengths from 405 through 485 would have the same effect. That is blue light, period.

“LED light energy” – as touched on above, all light is energy, the source does not matter. In this case, SLDs (superluminous diodes) were used, which are just the latest advancement in LED lighting – nothing special. LEDs are commonly used in medical research because they largely eliminate the factor of heat. Any blue light source that peaked around 470nm should have produced the same results.

“practical, inexpensive alternative to treatment with pharmacological agents” – easier and cheaper than drugs. They did not mention it’s also 100% natural, having no adverse side effects reported, non-invaisive, painless, simply administered at home… and it’s worth double mention – easy to obtain, easy to use, and very cheap.

“cases involving cutaneous and subcutanious MRSA infections that are susceptible to non-invasive types of radiation.” – cases of MRSA infections on and just beneath the surface of the skin, where the light is able to penetrate naturally.

So, to sum up:

Since simple blue light killed an average of 90% of MRSA bacteria in the lab, it may turn out to be a practical, inexpensive alternative to treatment with drugs for cases of MRSA infections of or just under the skin in humans.

I would not wait for further studies, FDA approval, or fancy marketing before I tried this out on myself or a loved one battling a MRSA infection on or just under the skin.

The antibacterial properties of blue light have been known for quite some time – in fact the FDA approved blue light to kill acne bacteria in 2002. There are many Acne Treatment Lights already available and in use today containing the same wavelengths used to kill MRSA, it would be very simple for them to be re-purposed immediately in the case of a MRSA infection of the skin not responding to antibiotics. It would also be good to have one of these lights around to disinfect everyday cuts, burns and bites as a matter of MRSA prevention.

Here are the two least expensive lights I know of proven to contain the wavelengths used in the blue light MRSA study, without UV.

GE Dichro-Color Blue – $25.00 – spans 400nm-485nm, peaks near 470nm

enLux Blue R30 LED Floodlight $89.95 – spans 460nm-485nm, peaks near 470nm.

A Google search of “acne lights” will reveal more. Any blue light emitting wavelengths between 405nm and 485nm should have the same effect. Those near the 405nm range, such as 415nm, may have some UVA, however, when faced with an antibiotic resistant MRSA infection, this is fairly insignificant.

Our own LightWave AB™ (Antibacterial) $199.95, is now available online.  It peaks both at 405nm and 470nm and does contain some UVA as part of the natural spectrum of the 405nm light.

More Blue Light MRSA studies:

Visible 405 nm SLD light photo-destroys methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) in vitro

Effects of combined 405-nm and 880-nm light on Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa in vitro.

Blue 470-nm light kills methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) in vitro.

In vitro bactericidal effects of 405-nm and 470-nm blue light.

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]]> http://lighttherapyoptions.com/2009/02/blue-light-kills-mrsa-superbug/feed/ 3 http://lighttherapyoptions.com/2012/03/blue-light-kills-acne-bacteria-in-only-seconds/ http://lighttherapyoptions.com/2012/03/blue-light-kills-acne-bacteria-in-only-seconds/#comments Sat, 03 Mar 2012 00:20:46 +0000 Louanna http://lighttherapyoptions.com/?p=969 This is not news, but I am only just now getting around to posting it.

I first got the idea about this when I started to hear that blue light killed other types of bacteria in only seconds, such as the bacteria that causes the gum disease peritonitis, then later, MRSA.

A company called Solta Medical did some specific research for their acne treatment product, Claro, and they proved that blue light kills the majority of exposed acne bacteria in as little as 6 seconds.

They tested their light against 4 others, two of which used only blue light, the Evis Marvel Mini (414nm) and Tanda (415nm.)  Evis killed 68.3% of the acne bacteria in 6 seconds.  Tanda – 62.1% of acne bacteria dead after a single 6 second treatment.

My Own 6 Second Test

As soon as I read this research I tested it on a pair of stuborn zits I had on between my shoulder blades.  I used the enLux Hybrid at a distance of 6″ away for 6 seconds over the course of 4 days.  Only 24 hours after a single 6 second treatment you can see most of the inflammation is gone – the zits are on their way out.

My 6 second test using the enLux Hybrid LED

As a result of their research and my own 6 second test, I reduced the treatment time on every acne light I’ve sold since to  about 12 seconds per area with excellent results over the last 3 years. My LightWave CS is an example of this.

What does this all mean for you?

It is safe to say that any blue light near a 415nm peak will kill roughly 60% of the acne bacteria it can reach within 6 seconds of treatment time.  Lights that peak farther from the UV, such as ones that use 450nm or 470nm, will take longer, but still only measuring in the seconds.

If you are currently using a blue light acne treatment product that peaks at or near 415nm, cut your treatment time down to about 12 seconds per area.  You will get the same results as the longer treatment times, or likely better.

If you opted away from the UV and your acne light peaks above near 450nm or above, try 25 seconds per area.  Since your light penetrates the skin a little deeper and so reaches more bacteria, you might get even better results.

If you are using a combination of red and blue light, use it a little longer, say 30 seconds or up to 60 seconds to get more benefit from the red.

What if you want the anti-aging benefits of red light, too?  Then you should be using blue and red light separately.  Use the blue light for 15 or so seconds, then use the red for up to three minutes per area.

Don’t Waste Your Time

Whatever acne light you own or are intending to buy, it will kill acne bacteria in as little as 6 seconds, so do not waste your time sitting there for 15 minutes.  When it comes to light therapy, enough is enough, more is never better.

Though there are many “how to get to sleep” instructions that you may be following, ranging from keeping a regular schedule, not eating too close to bedtime, and even drinking chamomile tea, these may not be giving you the quality of sleep that you need.  Sometimes doctors prescribe drugs to help, but these often come with side effects, the risk of addiction (and withdrawal symptoms) and a drowsy morning to follow.

For over thirty years, studies have been showing that blue light can lead to a more alert daytime and a more restful nighttime.  In the pursuit of how to get sleep using blue light therapy, a great deal of research has been performed, such as the following.

The results of research performed in 1975 were published in the Scandinavian Journal of Work, Environment, and Health.  Scientists exposed workers to white light enriched with blue light during the daytime.  The participants reported that they were more alert and effective during the daytime and achieved a more restful sleep at night.

More recently, the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism published a study in September 2003 that showed that the natural sleep and awake cycle of the body is influenced by exposure to blue light.

In March 2005, that same journal published another study that showed that exposure to blue light brought about a more steady melatonin cycle, and encouraged steadier thermoregulation, daytime alertness, and heart rate.

If you want to know how to get sleep naturally and effectively, without the use of powerful drugs, you may consider a product as inexpensive as a $3 blue party bulb, installed in a standard bedside lamp.  By exposing yourself to blue light for a half hour to an hour before bedtime, your body will begin to produce a hormone called melatonin that will make you feel tired and begin your natural sleep cycle.

Here is a list of the best blue lights for light and color therapy purposes. Follow the links  for more information on each and see which one is best for you.

GE Dichromatic 150 watt Incandscent Flood Light	GE Dichromatic Blue Lights This light is best for broad spectrum blue light applications. The wide beam angle makes it great for full body or large area treatments. The 150 watt incandescent flood light throws considerable heat, making wintertime treatments wonderful. Also, the infrared from the heat has its own benefits! Click here for benefits & drawbacks, pricing and the best place to buy. Price: less than $30
enLux 415nm LED Floodlight	enLux 415nm Blue Lights This blue light was customized specifically for acne treatment, and is still one of the best blue lights available for this purpose. It also has a wide beam angle which makes it great for back and body acne treatments. This light is also an excellent choice for MRSA treatment and prevention, being close to the power of UV with very little UV transmission. Click here for benefits & drawbacks, pricing and the best place to buy. Price: less than $50
enLux 465nm Blue LED Floodlight	enLux 465nm Blue Lights This is the standard blue LED floodlight by enLux. It’s peak wavelengh of 465 also includes 470nm, the wavelength proven effective against MRSA bacteria. This is also a great choice for acne treatment for those wanting a blue light with zero UV. Click here for benefits & drawbacks, pricing and the best place to buy. Price: less than $40
LightWave AB Blue Light by Light Therapy Options	Light Therapy Options LightWave AB Blue Lights This light contains both 405nm and 470nm blue light. These are the two specific wavelenghts proven effective against MRSA bacteria. This is also a great light for acne treatment. Click here for full details. Price: less than $200

2008. Katelyn & Zoe undergoing daily blue light treatment. Visit www.KatelynsLight.com for more information and updates.

Katelyn Bachman and her sister Zoe suffer from a condition which is known as Crigler-Najjar Syndrome, an extremely rare disorder.  It requires the children to need to spend as much time as possible in the sun during the daytime, and to remain under a special blue light every night, including when they sleep.

This light exposure is necessary for the girls to survive, leading their mother to nickname them “little sunflowers”.  If the girls did not have the blue light therapy on a daily basis, they would suffer debilitating muscle and nerve damage, as well as brain damage, and eventually death. The light, combined with medication for the condition, has been so effective that it has allowed them to be taken off the National Transplant list.

Crigler Najjar Syndrome affects fewer than 50 people in the United States and fewer than 200 people in the whole world.  The condition is a metabolic disorder and is hereditary.  It is caused by an enzyme deficiency in the liver which prevents bilirubin – a normal byproduct which results from the body’s natural disposal of red blood cells when the cells die – from being broken down in the blood as it should.

The blue light therapy allows Katelyn and her sister to naturally eliminate the excessive bilirubin levels in their bodies.  These lights are highly effective and yet very gentle.  Spending 8 to 10 hours under the lights every night (and more when the girls are ill, such as in the case of a cold or flu) is a treatment that is perfectly safe for the girls and they have experienced no side effects.

The use of phototherapy on Crigler Nijjar Syndrome patients is becoming increasingly widespread among in the United States, as well in other parts of the world, such as Europe and Australia.  Blue light therapy for this condition most frequently involves 4 foot bulbs or 2 foot bulbs.  In the Netherlands, there are special 5 foot  bulbs that have been used extensively in Europe.  The ideal spectrum for these bulbs should have a peak wavelength of 450 nanometers, with nothing below 400 nanometers or above 520 nanometers).  At this intensity, blue light should not cause any unwanted side effects.

Sources: http://carmonet.50webs.com/CNS/phototherapy.html and http://www.katelynslight.com/

Shining Blue Light on Neonatal Jaundice. This photo won third place in the November 2010 FrontLines photo contest.

In the news 2011: new blue light LED blanket for Africa.

Neonatal jaundice is a condition seen in some infants where their skin discolors to a yellow shade.  It is an exceptionally common condition that affects approximately 70 percent of newborn babies as a result of heightened bilrubin levels in the blood.  Though some cases of neonatal jaundice will disappear on its their within a week or two, others require additional treatment.

Blue light is a favored treatment for neonatal jaundice because it is simple to administer – as it consists of a light simply shining onto the skin – and yet it does not have any short-term side effects such as stinging, burning, or peeling, even though it is shone onto the most delicate and tender skin areas.

The process of blue light phototherapy allows the blue light to be absorbed by the skin and the capillaries of the baby enabling the body to change the bilrubin in the blood so that it can move through the system and be passed.  It involves using a 430 to 490nm light emitting diode (LED) bulb in an overhead lamp (at a distance no greater than 20 inches) or a fiber optic blanket for sessions of varying lengths, depending on the product used and the degree of the condition (the amount of bilrubin which must be irradiated).

The sessions of blue light therapy are most effective when the baby is not distressed – as there will be less movement, so that the light will better remain in place – wearing a diaper, and has his or her eyes protected from the light with special soft eye patches.

We chose enLux LED because of their superior product, excellent service, and their commitment to the planet.

enLux LEDs are a good choice for many light and color therapy applications because they are affordable, easy to use, and they last about forever.

Where to get enLux LEDs?

I have made the full line of enLux LED flood lights and spot lights available on SmarterLights.com.

How to choose the right enLux high power LED for your light or color therapy use.

There are 4 different types of enLux LED lights.

1. The R30F.  (F=flood light) This is the standard one used for general light/color therapy.  It has as much light output or more as the 150 watt GE Dichromatic with an 80 degree beam – good for small and larger area applications, for example, good for both facial and back acne treatments.

2. The R320F.  This is a slightly less powerful and less expensive version of the R30.  Still plenty of power.  Choose it if you want to save some money, or travel a lot, since it’s smaller.

3. The R30S. (S=Spot light) All the power of the R30F focused by a fresnel lens.  Good for small area applications such as facial treatments and chakra zones.

4. The R30W.  (W=Wide angle flood light).  This is the same as the R30F except with a wide, 160 degree beam angle.  Great for full body light or color therapy treatments, or flooding a whole wall or ceiling with color for general color therapy.

How to Use enLux LEDs for Light and Color Therapy (General Guidelines)

enLux LEDs can be used in place of more expensive LED light therapy products for most applications where the same wavelength or wavelength range is called for.  For specific treatments, follow these guidelines first, then use the recommended treatment procedure for the LED product you are replacing.

1. These lights are very bright.  Always wear protective eye wear when using them, especially when using them on your face.  Keep your eyes closed even with the eye protection on, unless they’re block out glasses.

2. Use them a minimum of 6″ from your skin. enLux LEDs are much more intense than regular LEDs.  The treatment distance can be from 6″- 24″ away from your skin or more depending on they type of therapy you’re doing.  Many products on the market will direct you to use their light right against your skin.  With these lights, 6″ is as close as you should get.  Too much intensity is not usually good when it comes to light therapy.  There would be no danger in using them closer, just the possibility of rendering your therapy ineffective or worsening the condition you are trying to treat.

Guidelines for Specific Lights and Applications

The enLux 630nm Guidelines for Use – Covers acne, rosacea, wrinkles, collagen, hair loss, and wound care.

The enLux 415nm Guidelines for Use – Covers acne and MRSA light therapy.

The enLux 465nm Guidellines for Use – Covers acne and MRSA light therapy.

The enLux Hybrid Guidelines for Use – Covers acne light therapy.

The only purpose of this post is to let you know that blue light kills Staphylococcus aureus, 100% naturally, and inexpensively.  Even the antibiotic resistant strain, the MRSA ‘superbug.’   If this follows in the path of most light therapy of it’s kind, there will also be zero negative side effects.

As the researcher points out, this finding could be applied to treatment of Staphylococcus aureus infections of the skin, or just under the skin, prevention of such infections, and for decontamination of environmental surfaces.

You can read more about the bacterial effect of blue light on staph from an earlier post I wrote when this first became news.

Detailed investigation of the bactericidal effect of the blue-light treatment on Staphylococcus aureus suspensions, for a range of different population densities, demonstrated that 405-nm LED array illumination can cause complete inactivation at high population densities: inactivation levels corresponding to a 9-log₁₀ reduction were achieved. The results, which show the inactivation of a wide range of medically important bacteria including methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, demonstrate that, with further development, narrow-spectrum 405-nm visible-light illumination from an LED source has the potential to provide a novel decontamination method with a wide range of potential applications.

Quoted from:

Inactivation of Bacterial Pathogens following Exposure to Light from a 405-Nanometer Light-Emitting Diode Array

Click the links for full details.

Visible 405 nm SLD light photo-destroys methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) in vitro

Conclusion

At low doses, blue light photo-destroys HA-MRSA and CA-MRSA in vitro; raising the prospect that phototherapy may be an effective clinical tool in the on-going effort to stem MRSA infections.

Effects of combined 405-nm and 880-nm light on Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa in vitro.

CONCLUSION:

Appropriate doses of combined 405-nm and 880-nm phototherapy can kill Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa in vitro, suggesting that a similar effect may be produced in clinical cases of bacterial infection.

Blue 470-nm light kills methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) in vitro.

CONCLUSION:

At practical dose ranges, 470-nm blue light kills HA-MRSA and CA-MRSA in vitro, suggesting that a similar bactericidal effect may be attained in human cases of cutaneous and subcutaneous MRSA infections.

In vitro bactericidal effects of 405-nm and 470-nm blue light.

CONCLUSION:

The results indicate that, in vitro, 405- and 470-nm blue light produce dose dependent bactericidal effects on Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus but not Propionibacterium acnes.