How to use HERPOthermHERPOtherm is very simple to use. First place the device onto the affected area and gently press it on to the skin. After pressing the button, the ceramic contact surface heats up to approx. 51°C for three seconds, when HERPOtherm then switches off automatically. Leave a treatment interval of at least 2 minutes between each application. Do not exceed a maximum number of 5 applications per hour on the same skin area. Clinical StudyHERPOtherm has been tested under using a cohort of 103 patients against topical acyclovir, the ingredient commonly used in cold sore treatment creams. The results showed that localised heat transfer from HERPOtherm was more effective in reducing the symptoms of cold sores than acyclovir cream and accelerated the healing time of symptoms by 50%. Study: Wohlrab J, et al., Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology 2013, 6:263-271).How does HERPOtherm work?The herpes simplex virus type 1 survives dormant in the nerve cells. If the skin or immune system is put under stress, the virus can reactivate and cold sores can develop. Topical antiviral medication can normally only shorten an outbreak by just half a day (Spruance et al., Antimicrob Agents Chemother. 2002). Creams containing acyclovir also contain other chemical substances, such as preservatives and emulsifiers, in addition to the active substance acyclovir. They are also not very discreet when applied to the lip.HERPOtherm works on the principle of local hyperthermia (concentrated heat therapy) and is therefore completely free from chemicals. A temperature of approximately 51°C is applied to a small, limited area of skin for 3 seconds. Proteins required for the herpes simplex virus type 1 to multiply are broken down by the heat. Experimental studies suggest that the body's own enzymes required for wound healing are activated by the application of heat.