Consultants’ Comments
- “It is easy to use.”
- “The lights are difficult to see during use.”
- “I would like the option of a rechargeable battery.”
- “Supply disposable covers for the probes to prevent transfer of the virus.”
Description
Viral Inhibitor is a hand-held device that uses a small electric signal to treat cutaneous viral eruptions, in particular herpes labialis [herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1)]. It also reportedly targets shingles, genital herpes (HSV-2), molluscum, and some warts, moles, and other growths of viral origin. The device has a hard plastic housing, approximately 8 x 2.5 x 2 cm in size. The built-in battery is not replaceable or rechargeable. The device is disposable to prevent viral contamination. Removal of the protective cap exposes two non-metallic electrodes that, when positioned to straddle the affected tissue and activated, apply a signal across the viral-laden region. The signal passes from one probe through the affected area to the other probe for 10 seconds and then instantaneously switches direction for another 10 seconds. For each treatment, the Viral Inhibitor is applied half an hour to an hour apart to maximize the disruptive effect of the signal on the virus. Changing colored lights indicate that the device is working properly. The product is recommended for use at the prodromal stage of lesion development. The number of applications, up to eight times per day, varies with the stage at which treatment is started. The tissue must be clean and dry before treatment and the device should not be used by more than one patient. Viral Inhibitor was evaluated for use on HSV-1 lesions by nine clinical consultants and 29 patients. Patients ranged in age from 10 to 50 years old, representing a broad experience of outbreaks regarding intensity and patterns of recurrence (2 to 12 eruptions per year). This product received an 86% clinical rating.
Product Features
Consultants reported that patients were pleased and enthusiastic that another means of addressing their cold sores was available. Written instructions for Viral Inhibitor are specific to cold sores; however, the website offers more information and diagrams regarding other uses and applications. The size of the product is small, convenient to carry, and overall is very easy to use. The majority of patients reported that they were not able to feel the signal during application. The degree of treatment success varied within the patient group. The correlation of successful treatment with how closely patients followed instructions was difficult to judge given the subjectivity of treatment start, compliance with treatment directions, and the severity of cases. Patients described a successful treatment as a halt in the usual sequence of eruption, prevention of open blisters, and reduction in the healing time. Ninety-six percent of patients rated Viral Inhibitor as better than or equal to other treatments they had tried, 68% would purchase the product, and 88% would recommend it.
