Another advantage of cold sore light devices is that they’re relatively cheap. For a larger initial price, you can re-use the device for a year or more, depending on the brand. This means that if you have frequent or large outbreaks, you will save a lot of money compared to using creams. The main disadvantage of buying a light device is that there are only a couple on the market, so you don’t have much choice. And while they save you money in the long run, they cost a lot more than buying one or two tubs of cream for immediate use. Heat Treatment Devices Even though there are no creams or other ingredients needed for Herpotherm to be effective, it does take a battery, which cannot be recharged. If you use the device frequently, the battery will need to be replaced.

A study in Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology discussed how Herpotherm can reduce recurrence of lip herpes, and reduce symptoms like tingling, burning, itching, tightness and pain. When applied before a breakout occurred, heat treatment reduced overall disease duration from 9-9.7 days to just 1.85 days. This is far better than any brand of cream on the market. Most creams can only speed up recovery by, at most, two or three days. Pros & Cons Antiviral tablets are also available but they're not often used to treat cold sores. You'll need a prescription from your GP to get these. Visit your GP if you're concerned about your cold sores, they will be able to advise on the most suitable treatment for you.Treatments Find every kind of best treatment near you, We British Chemist UK online pharmacy retailer and registered pharmacy with the MHRA and GPhC. The first time you get cold sores is often different from follow-up infections. It can either be very mild with just a few sores over the tongue, or more severe, involving more sores which are spread over a larger area. One in five people in the UK get occasional cold sores around the lips and mouth. Cold sores themselves are not usually harmful, and often resolve on their own. If you want to save money in the long run, you should definitely consider light or heat treatment. For a relatively large upfront cost, you can use your device for years.

We hope this review has been helpful. When discussing such a unique product, it’s easy to have questions. We hope those questions were answered within this review, and you can feel confident in knowing if Herpotherm is the right cold sore treatment for you. Our Verdict Convenience: Herpotherm, is an electronic cold sore pen that works solely by concentrated heat and is thus completely free from chemicals. Suitable for allergy suffers and pregnant women.Ramchandani M, Kong M, Tronstein E, et al. Herpes Simplex Virus Type 1 Shedding in Tears, and Nasal and Oral Mucosa of Healthy Adults. Sexually transmitted diseases. 2016;43(12):756-760. doi:10.1097/OLQ.0000000000000522. There have been a number of studies into the efficacy of heat treatment for cold sores. They indicate that Herpotherm is best used at the beginning of an outbreak: before ulcers begin to push out from the skin, when the only symptom is a slight tingle underneath the skin. It is less effective and only shortens duration by a day or so when applied after ulcers break out. Herpotherm is a discreet and long-lasting alternative to conspicuous cold sore creams, ointments or patches. Herpotherm is suitable for children, for self-administration from 12 years of age – Dermatologically tested.