intercept^CS Thermal Defence Technology

intercept^CS' Thermal Defence Technology prevents cold sore lesion outbreaks by enhancing the cell's immune response to viral attack. In a cold sore outbreak, latent herpes simplex virus (HSV) is reactivated from where it is dormant in nerve ganglia near the upper portion of the spinal cord. The virus moves down the peripheral nerves to the skin and replicates in the sensory nerve endings, causing the symptoms of tingling, itching, burning, tightness, swelling, or numbness. intercept^CS is used at this stage to deliver targeted heat therapy to the affected area.

This targeted heat therapy results in a 'heat shock' response within the skin cells to produce heat shock proteins. The heat shock response is a well studied phenomenon that protects cells from stress. Heat shock proteins react with the immune system to help recognize and kill the virally-infected cells that cause cold sores.