FAQ

Common questions about herpotherm®

What is herpotherm®?

herpotherm® is a medical device “Made in Germany” which can completely prevent the development of cold sore blisters using concentrated heat, if applied early enough. The medical device is compact and can be taken along anywhere and thus can be used at any time.

Who can use herpotherm®?

herpotherm® works solely by concentrated heat and is thus completely free from chemicals. herpotherm® is also suitable for pregnant women, allergy sufferers, and children*.

When used on children*, it should be noted that children’s skin is more sensitive to pain than adults’ skin. It is recommended to tell children prior to treatment that the heat generated by herpotherm® may briefly feel unpleasant.

*Self-administration from 12 years of age

Are there high-risk groups, such as pregnant women or allergy sufferers, who should not use herpotherm®?

There are no restrictions on use by pregnant women or allergy sufferers since herpotherm® works completely free of chemicals and in a purely physical manner using concentrated heat.

herpotherm® should not be used in the case of or on

  1. Eyes and eyelids
  2. Mucous membranes
  3. Open wounds, injured skin (e.g. open blisters)
  4. Scalding or burning of the skin
  5. Frostbite of the skin
  6. Known increased algesia (increased pain perception) in small-fiber neuropathy, allodynia, hyperalgesia
  7. Tumors and malignant changes of the skin
  8. Persons known to have restricted pain and temperature sensitivity.

The use of herpotherm® by persons with epilepsy or pacemakers is not known to be associated with any side effects.

 

How does herpotherm® work?

herpotherm® is used for the local treatment of the symptoms accompanying cold sores, such as burning, tingling, itching or tightness. herpotherm® works by using local thermotherapy. It is presumed that the heat generated which ranges around 51°C has a positive effect on the release of histamine and the body’s own enzymes and thus curbs the inflammatory reaction.

herpotherm® can completely prevent the development of cold sore blisters, if applied early enough. However, if cold sore blisters have already appeared, treatment with herpotherm® can reduce the severity of the symptoms or cause them to subside faster than creams containing acyclovir*

* Wohlrab J, et al., Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology 2013, 6:263-271

When should I use herpotherm®?

Cold sores should be treated as quickly as possible after the first symptoms such as burning, tingling, itching or feelings of tightness appear. These symptoms generally begin before cold sore blisters form.

How should I use herpotherm®?

herpotherm® is very easy to use:

  1. Remove the protective cap from the device. Place the ceramic contact surface of the device onto the affected skin area and gently press it against the skin.
  2. Press the button and the ceramic contact surface will heat up to a temperature of around 51°C. Once this temperature is reached, an LED will light up. The LED will go off once the device automatically shuts down after 3 seconds of use. At the start of the heating-up phase and at the end of treatment, you will additionally hear an acoustic signal.
  3. Place the protective cap on the device.

For persistent or recurrent symptoms, multiple treatments of the same skin site are possible. Please 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.

Can I share herpotherm® with other people?

To prevent virus transmission and for reasons of hygiene, herpotherm® should only ever be used by one person.

The ceramic contact surface of the device can be easily cleaned with a standard alcohol disinfectant wipe and all other external surfaces, for example, with a clean cloth (do not apply dripping wet; do not clean in water/liquids).

Can herpotherm® cure herpes simplex?

There is no permanent cure for infection with the herpes simplex virus. Cold sores are a viral disease caused by the herpes simplex virus. It is transmitted by droplet infection, by direct contact or as a smear infection.

Are there side effects from the use of herpotherm®?

Depending on sensitivity, the treatment temperature may cause some discomfort. In sensitive individuals, a temporary reddening of the skin may occur after use. In rare cases, users with sensitive skin types may experience skin irritation. herpotherm® works solely by concentrated heat and is thus completely free from chemicals. When used properly, skin damage is excluded due to the short 3-second treatment time.

Are there dermatological tests on the efficacy of herpotherm®?

Yes, dermatological tests have shown that applying herpotherm® in time can prevent the development of cold sore blisters. A milder outbreak or earlier healing when herpotherm® is applied later have been reported.*

*Wohlrab J, et al., Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology 2013, 6:263-271.

What is included in delivery?

Included are the herpotherm® medical device as well as an Ultra CR2 3V battery which is needed to operate the device.

How long does the battery last and how can I change it?

The Ultra CR2 3V battery provided lasts for about 100 applications and can be replaced when needed.

To change the battery, the protective cap and the battery cap must be removed and replaced after inserting the battery (see picture). When positioning the battery cap, ensure that the herpotherm® logo and the flattened edge of the battery cap are oriented in the same direction so that the housing can be closed correctly.

The need for a battery change is indicated by the LED blinking 3 times and by an acoustic signal sounding 3 times.

Do not use rechargeable batteries.

How to replace batteries in the herpotherm heating pen.