Heating Device Prevents Cold Sores

Canadian-based Jenex Corporation is now selling a device called "InterceptCS" that claims to prevent cold sores by applying heat.

The company says that when you feel cold sore coming on (as evidenced by itching, burning or tingling sensations on the lip), you apply three 30 second treatments by touching the heated tip to the affected area.

The science behind this concept is that heat stimulates a cell's immune response to viral attack (herpes simplex virus). Targeted heat therapy results in a "heat shock" response within the skin cells to produce heat shock proteins. Heat shock proteins react with the immune system to help recognize and kill the virally-infected cells that cause cold sores.