DEVICES FOR APPLYING A TOPICAL TREATMENT

Abstract

A device comprising a housing having a handle end and a treatment end. The treatment end is configured to provide an antimicrobial treatment and a heat treatment. The treatment end comprises an applicator having an applicator surface for providing at least the heat treatment. The device includes a heat generation unit configured to heat the applicator surface in use, a source of antimicrobial agent, and a control unit operatively connected to at least the heat generation unit for controlling the heat generation unit. The device can be a hand-held device and used to apply topical treatment to a treatment area of a subject.

Claims

1. A device comprising: a housing having a handle end and a treatment end; the treatment end being configured to provide an antimicrobial treatment and a heat treatment, the treatment end comprising an applicator having an applicator surface for providing at least the heat treatment; a heat generation unit configured to heat the applicator surface in use; a source of antimicrobial agent; and a control unit operatively connected to at least the heat generation unit for controlling the heat generation unit.

2. The device of claim 1, wherein the applicator surface comprises a heat conductive material.

3. The device of claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the source of antimicrobial agent is a coating on the applicator or the applicator surface and/or incorporated in the applicator or the applicator surface.

4. The device of claim 3, wherein heating of the applicator surface and/or the applicator causes release of antimicrobial agents.

5. The device of any one of claims 1-4, wherein the antimicrobial agent comprises ions or particles of silver, copper, zinc, nickel, or boron.

6. The device of any one of claims 1-4, wherein at least a portion of the heat applicator surface comprises a mesh.

7. The device of claim 6, wherein the mesh comprises a metal mesh with an insulating coating on one side thereof.

8. The device of any one of claims 1-7, wherein the applicator has an opening formed therethrough and extending through the applicator surface.

9. The device of claim 8, further comprising a light source connectable to the control unit and arranged to emit light through the opening.

10. The device of claim 9, wherein the light source is configured to emit wavelengths within the ultraviolet, visible or infrared ranges of the electromagnetic spectrum.

11. The device of claim 9 or claim 10, further comprising a lens for filtering the light emitted by the light source.

12. The device of any one of claims 1-11, wherein a surface area of the applicator surface is between about 20-40 mm.sup.2, 30-40 mm.sup.2, 35-40 mm.sup.2, 40-250 mm.sup.2, 40-200 mm.sup.2, 40-150 mm.sup.2, 40-100 mm.sup.2, 150-250 mm.sup.2, 175-250 mm.sup.2, or 200-250 mm.sup.2.

13. The device of any one of claims 1-12, wherein the applicator surface is circular in shape.

14. The device of any one of claims 1-13, further comprising a spacer positioned distally from the applicator surface for spacing the applicator surface from a treatment area of a user, the spacer comprising a rim made of an insulating material.

15. The device of any one of claims 1-14, wherein the housing has a cartridge port for receiving an end of a cartridge having a content therein, the cartridge port being arranged to fluidly connect the content of the cartridge with an outlet at the treatment end of the device.

16. The device of claim 15 when dependent on claim 8, wherein the outlet comprises the opening extending through the applicator and the applicator surface.

17. The device of claim 15, wherein the outlet comprises an opening proximate the applicator surface on the treatment end of the device.

18. The device of any one of claims 15-17, further comprising the cartridge and wherein the content of the cartridge comprises the source of antimicrobial agent.

19. The device of any one of claims 15-17, further comprising the cartridge and wherein the content of the cartridge comprises at least one agent selected from an anti-inflammatory agent, an antibiotic agent, a skin soothing agent, a heat-activatable agent, a wound healing agent, an antifungal agent, an antiviral agent, and a natural compound such as tea tree oil, oregano oil, and a cannibanoid.

20. The device of any one of claims 15-19, wherein the content of the cartridge comprises a source of ions selected from at least one of silver, copper, zinc, nickel, and boron in a liquid, paste, or gel suspension form.

21. The device of any one of claims 15-20, wherein one or both of the cartridge or the cartridge port are operatively connected to the control unit and the control unit is further configured to control the release of at least a portion of the content of the cartridge through the cartridge port.

22. The device of claim 21, wherein the control unit is configured to release at least a portion of the contents of the cartridge from the opening substantially simultaneously to the applicator surface being caused to generate heat.

23. The device of any one of claims 1-22, further comprising a power source within the housing and connectable to the control unit and/or the heat generation unit, the power source being a battery.

24. The device of claim 23, wherein the power source is rechargeable.

25. The device of claim 24, further comprising a charging base.

26. The device of any one of claims 1-25, wherein the control unit and/or heat generation unit is arranged to generate enough flux through the applicator surface to heat treatment area adjacent the applicator surface to about 40-65 C., 45-65 C., 50-65 C., 45-60 C., 45-55 C., 50-60 C., 50-55 C., 50-54 C., 51-54 C., 55-65 C. or about 51-55 C.

27. The device of any one of claims 1-26, wherein the control unit includes a timer for controlling a time of heat and/or antimicrobial treatment.

28. The device of any one of claims 1-27, wherein the heat treatment and/or the antimicrobial treatment is for between about 5-45 seconds, 5-40 seconds, about 5-35 seconds, about 10-35 seconds, about 20-35 seconds, about 25-35 seconds, or about 30 seconds.

29. The device of claim 27 or 28, when dependent on claims 8-11, wherein the timer is arranged to also control a light treatment from the light source.

30. The device of any one of claims 1-29, further comprising a control interface on an outside of the housing which is connectable to the control unit.

31. The device of claim 30, wherein the control interface comprises at least one button operatively connectable to the control unit.

32. The device of claim 30 or claim 31, wherein the control interface comprises a display.

33. The device of any one of claims 1-32, further comprising a pressure sensor at the treatment end which is operatively connectable to the control unit and arranged to start or end a time of the antimicrobial treatment and the heat treatment when a predetermined pressure is detected or a predetermined time has lapsed.

34. The device of any one of claims 1-33, further comprising at least one biological sensor at, or proximate to, the treatment end and/or the applicator surface for detecting a biological condition such as a pathogen.

35. The device of any one of claims 1-36, further comprising at least one environmental sensor for detecting an environmental condition such as a temperature or humidity.

36. The device of claim 34 or claim 35, wherein the at least one biological sensor and/or the at least one environmental sensor is connected to the control unit which is arranged to select an appropriate heat and/or antimicrobial treatment time and/or intensity according to the detected biological and/or environmental condition.

37. The device of any one of claims 1-36, wherein the device is a connected device and comprises a receiver for receiving signals and/or a transmitter for transmitting signals.

38. The device of claim 37, wherein the receiver and/or transmitter is operatively connected to the control unit.

39. The device of any one of claims 37-38, wherein the control unit is arranged to select an appropriate heat and/or antimicrobial treatment time and/or intensity according to information concerning a geographical location received by the receiver.

40. The device of any one of claims 37-39, further comprising an indicator for indicating to a user of the device when the device is in a geographical location which is at high risk of Zika virus, Dengue virus or West Nile virus infection.

41. The device of any one of claims 1-40, wherein the applicator or the applicator surface is detachably attachable to the device.

42. The device of claim 41, further comprising an applicator connector having a base portion arranged to be retained in the housing, and an extender portion arranged to extend from the base portion at the treatment end, the extender portion being detachably connectable to the applicator.

43. The device of any one of claims 1-42, wherein the heat generation unit is a heating plate operatively connectable to the control unit and to the applicator.

44. The device of any one of claims 1-43, further comprising a thermal sensor proximate the heat generation unit, the thermal sensor being operatively connectable to the control unit.

45. The device of any of claims 1-44, further comprising an activator unit for activating the control unit when operatively connected thereto, the activator unit comprising a body which is connectable to the housing and having at least one electrical connector extending from the body and arranged to operatively connect to the control unit; and instructions for instructing the control unit to allow use of the device for a pre-determined number of rounds of treatment or for a pre-determined time period.

46. A kit comprising a device according to any one of claims 1-45 and a cartridge connectable to the device.

47. The kit of claim 46, wherein the cartridge comprises at least one agent selected from an anti-inflammatory agent, an antibiotic agent, an antiviral agent, an antifungal agent, a skin soothing agent, a cooling agent, a heat-activatable agent, a wound healing agent, and a skin rejuvenating agent.

48. A kit comprising a device according to any one of claims 1-45, and a further applicator connectable to the device, optionally the further applicator having an applicator surface with a different size, shape or material than the applicator of the device.

49. The kit of claim 48, further comprising a cartridge comprising at least one agent selected from an anti-inflammatory agent, an antibiotic agent, an antiviral agent, an antifungal agent, a skin soothing agent, a cooling agent, a heat-activatable agent, a wound healing agent, and a skin rejuvenating agent.

50. A cartridge for use with the device of any of claims 1-45, wherein the cartridge comprises a cartridge housing having a connector end, the connector end being configured to fluidly connect with the cartridge port of the device.

51. The cartridge of claim 50, wherein the connector end is arranged to open when fluidly connected to the cartridge port of the device to allow flow of the content of the cartridge into the cartridge port.

52. The cartridge of claim 51, wherein the content of the cartridge comprises a source of ions from at least one of silver, copper, zinc, nickel, and boron in a liquid or gel suspension form.

53. The cartridge of any one of claims 51-52, wherein the content of the cartridge comprises at least one agent selected from an anti-inflammatory agent, an antibiotic agent, an antiviral agent, an antifungal agent, a skin soothing agent, a cooling agent, a heat-activatable agent, a wound healing agent, and a skin rejuvenating agent.

54. An applicator for use with the device of any of claims 1-45, the applicator comprising a body and an applicator surface for applying at least one of a heat treatment and antimicrobial treatment.

55. The applicator of claim 54, wherein the applicator surface comprises a silver coating.

56. The applicator of any one of claims 54-55, wherein the applicator body comprises a metal alloy different from that of the applicator surface.

57. The applicator of any one of claims 54-56, wherein the applicator body has an opening extending therethrough.

58. Use of a heat treatment with an antimicrobial treatment to inactivate a virus.

59. The use of claim 58, wherein the heat treatment and antimicrobial treatment is effected by applying a heated source of antimicrobial agents to an environment containing the virus.

60. The use of any one of claims 58-59, wherein the antimicrobial agent comprises silver ions or particles, or copper ions or particles.

61. The use of any one of claims 58-60, wherein the virus is the Zika virus and/or the West Nile virus.

62. The use of any one of claims 58-61, wherein the heat treatment comprises heating to a temperature of between 45-65 C., 50-60 C., 51-55 C. or about 51-54 C.

63. The use of any of claims 58-62, wherein the heat treatment and/or the antimicrobial treatment has a treatment time of about 3-15 seconds, about 10-15 seconds, about 5-35 seconds, about 10-35 seconds, about 20-35 seconds, or about 25-35 seconds.

64. The use of any of claims 58-63, also comprising a light treatment within the ultraviolet, infrared or visible range of the electromagnetic spectrum.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0052] For a better understanding of the present technology, as well as other aspects and further features thereof, reference is made to the following description which is to be used in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, where:

[0053] FIG. 1 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of a device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0054] FIG. 2 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of another embodiment of the device of the present disclosure;

[0055] FIG. 3 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of yet another embodiment of the device of the present disclosure;

[0056] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a further embodiment of the device according to the present disclosure;

[0057] FIG. 5 is an exploded view of the device of FIG. 4;

[0058] FIG. 6 is a top plan view of the device of FIG. 4;

[0059] FIG. 7 is a side view of the device of FIG. 4;

[0060] FIG. 8 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the device of FIG. 4 along the line A-A of FIG. 6; and

[0061] FIG. 9 is the side view of the device of FIG. 7, with an applicator removed.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0062] A device will be described with respect to delivery of heat and antimicrobial agents. Broadly, there is provided a device 10 for providing delivery of heat and antimicrobial agents for topical treatment to a treatment area of a user. Embodiments of the device 10 can also deliver light and other treatments such as negative or positive pressure, vibration, and cooling. The device 10 can be used for applying any one or more of antibacterial agents, antiviral agents, antifungal agents, soothing agents, healing agents, skin rejuvenating agents, heat/light activatable agents, and anti-inflammatory agents on the treatment areas of the user, including but not limited to intact skin, compromised skin, wounds, sores, hair, nails, or insect bites or animal bites.

[0063] Referring to a first embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the device 10 is sized and shaped to be hand-held and comprises a housing 12 having a handle end 14 and a treatment end 16. The treatment end 16 is configured to provide the antimicrobial treatment and the heat treatment to the treatment area, which in this embodiment is the skin of a user at a site of an insect bite. An applicator 18 is provided at the treatment end 16 and comprises an applicator surface 20 for transferring heat to provide the heat treatment. The applicator surface 20 is arranged to contact the treatment area in use, and is appropriately sized and shaped for the use. In this embodiment, the applicator surface 20 provides a source of antimicrobial agent for the antimicrobial treatment, which will be explained further below. The applicator surface 20 is on an outwardly facing side of the applicator 18 and arranged to contact the treatment area of the user. The applicator 18 comprises a body 22 made at least partially of a heat conductive material.

[0064] The device 10 includes a heat generation unit 24, operatively connected to the applicator surface 20 through the applicator body 22 and configured to heat the applicator surface 20 in use. A control unit 26 is also provided which is operatively connected to the heat generation unit 24 for modulating the intensity and/or timing of the heat and/or antimicrobial treatment. In this embodiment, the heat generation unit 24 and the control unit 26 are illustrated as being a single unit. In other embodiments, the heat generation unit 24 and the control unit are separate components.

[0065] Buttons 28 are provided on an outside of the housing 12, for engagement with a user's fingers, and which are operatively connected to the control unit 26 to provide an input to the control unit 26 to select or control the heat and/or antimicrobial treatment. It will be appreciated that the heat treatment and the antimicrobial treatment are not necessarily generated or applied at the same time. They may be sequentially applied or in an overlapping fashion. Instead of, or in addition to, buttons 28, the device 10 can be provided with any other type of control means or control interface such as a touch screen or switches (not shown).

[0066] The device 10 includes a power source 30, such as a battery 30, which provides power to the control unit 26 and the heat generation unit 24. The buttons 28 are also operatively connectable to the battery 30 to enable a user to power on and off the device 10, as well as to control the treatment.

[0067] The applicator body 22 is made of a metal. The applicator surface 20 comprises a coating 20 on the body 22 of the applicator 18. In this embodiment, the applicator body 22 is made of an aluminium alloy and the applicator surface 20 comprises a coating of silver. In other embodiments, the material of the applicator body 22 is chosen to further accentuate a galvanic effect of the silver coating on the applicator body. The silver coating has a thickness of about 1-10 microns. In other embodiments, the coating thickness is about 0.01-0.1 microns, 0.1-1 microns, 1-50 microns, about 1-45 microns, about 1-40 microns, about 1-35 microns, about 1-30 microns, about 1-25 microns, about 1-20 microns, or about 1-15 microns. The silver coating comprises more than about 95% silver, such as 99% silver. The silver coating comprises the source of the antimicrobial agent. In this case, the antimicrobial agent comprises antimicrobial ions and/or particles which are applied onto the user's skin when the applicator surface 20 contacts the user's skin. Heating the silver coating, such as by means of the heat generation unit 24, is thought to facilitate the release of the antimicrobial agents from the silver coating.

[0068] In other embodiments, in addition to, or instead of, the silver coating, the applicator surface 20 may be made of any other material. Alternatively, the applicator surface 20 and the applicator body 22 may be made of the same material. The applicator surface 20 and/or the applicator body 22 may be doped with a silver compound. Instead of silver, any other material can be used as the applicator surface 20 and/or the applicator body 22 which can provide an antimicrobial, antibacterial, antiviral, antifungal effect, anti-inflammatory or soothing, such as copper, zinc, nickel, gallium, titanium dioxide, magnesium oxide compounds and alloys.

[0069] At least a portion of the treatment end 16 is arranged to contact the treatment area to deliver heat and the antimicrobial agent. In the embodiment of FIG. 1, it is the applicator surface 20 alone which is arranged to contact the user's skin. In other embodiments (not shown), other portions of the treatment end 16 may also be arranged to contact the treatment area of the user.

[0070] In this embodiment of the device 10, for the treatment of insect bites, the applicator surface 20 has a surface area of about 240 mm.sup.2.

[0071] In other embodiments, the size of the applicator surface 20 can be adapted according to the intended use of the device 10. Any other shape or size of the applicator surface 20 are possible and can be tailored to various uses. For example, the applicator surface 20 can have a surface area of between about 20-40 mm.sup.2, 30-40 mm.sup.2, or about 35-40 mm.sup.2. In yet other embodiments, the applicator surface 20 has a surface area of about 40-250 mm.sup.2, 40-200 mm.sup.2, 40-150 mm.sup.2, 40-100 mm.sup.2, 150-250 mm.sup.2, 175-250 mm.sup.2, or 200-250 mm.sup.2.

[0072] In certain other embodiments (not shown) the applicator 18 comprises a metal mesh with a polymer coating on the side facing away from the applicator surface 20. The applicator 18 and the applicator surface 20 can take any other configuration according to the desired use. In certain other embodiments (shown in FIGS. 4-9), the applicator 18 is removeably attachable from the treatment end 16 of the device 10.

[0073] The heat generation unit 24 comprises a controllable heat source for generating heat. The heat generation unit 24 is arranged to generate enough flux to heat the applicator surface 20 to about 40-65 C., 45-65 C., 50-65 C., 45-60 C., 45-55 C., 50-60 C., 50-55 C., 55-65 C. or about 51-55 C. The heat generation unit 24 comprises a circuit connected to the power source 30. In other embodiments, the heat can be generated in any other way using for example a light bulb (not shown), or any other suitable apparatus.

[0074] The control unit 26 includes a timer (not shown) for controlling a time of heat and/or antimicrobial treatment. For example, the control unit 26 has a processor and controls the switching on and off of the heat generation unit 24. In certain embodiments, the control unit 26 is pre-programmed with predetermined treatment programs having different treatment times and/or intensities. A treatment program may comprise a different heat treatment time compared to a different antimicrobial treatment time. The heat and antimicrobial treatments may be applied consecutively, simultaneously, or may overlap. A suitable treatment program is selected by a user through the buttons 28. The treatment program may comprise more than one application of heat and/or antimicrobial application. Multiple applications of lower temperature heat in conjunction with a synergistic treatment are preferred in some embodiments as they are better tolerated by the user and as effective as higher temperature treatments.

[0075] In certain embodiments, the device 10 includes a safety cut-off mechanism to ensure that the applicator surface 20 does not exceed an upper temperature that is considered safe, or that the applicator surface 20 does not remain at a treatment temperature for longer than a predetermined time that is considered safe. The safety cut-off mechanism can include a thermal sensor (shown in FIG. 5) connected to the control unit 26 such that the control unit 26 turns off the heat once a predetermined threshold temperature has been reached.

[0076] In certain embodiments, the control unit 26 includes a receiver (not shown) for receiving signals and/or a transmitter (not shown) for transmitting signals, such as radio signals. The receiver and/or transmitter are operatively connected to the control unit 26. In these embodiments, the device 10 is connectable to the internet or to other devices, such as using bluetooth. In certain embodiments, the control unit 26 is arranged to select an appropriate treatment program according to information received from the receiver. This information may be based on the geographical location of the device 10 and on likelihood of infection from various insect-borne diseases such as Zika virus, West Nile virus, malaria, etc. In this respect, the device 10 may include a GPS receiver (not shown).

[0077] In certain embodiments, the device 10 includes one or more sensors for providing data input to the control unit 26 which may also be used to select an appropriate treatment program. One or more biological and/or environmental sensors (not shown) are included in the device 10. Biological sensors sense a condition of the user's tissue or body (such as a temperature, a virus, a bacteria, a fungus, a hormone, a protein or any other biological marker), and environmental sensors measure environmental conditions such as one or more of air temperature, humidity, pressure, pollution, and pollen. For example, a biological sensor detects the Zika virus through an insect bite on a user's skin. On detection of the Zika virus, the control unit 26 selects and applies the appropriate treatment program.

[0078] Predefined data specifying the suitable treatment program for various conditions may be accessed by the control unit 26 to determine the suitable treatment program. In certain embodiments, the data is stored in a memory (not shown) of the control unit 26. In other embodiments, the data is stored externally to the device 10, but accessible by the device 10, such as on a server.

[0079] In certain embodiments, the device 10 includes a display screen (not shown) for displaying treatment program options to the user or for displaying measured or detected conditions.

[0080] Referring now to FIG. 2, the embodiment of the device 10 of FIG. 2 differs from that of FIG. 1 in that there is also provided a cartridge port 32 in the housing 12 which is connectable to a cartridge 34 having a content 36 therein. The cartridge port 32 is arranged to supply at least a portion of the content 36 of the cartridge 34 to an outlet in the treatment end 16 in use. The outlet is the opening 38. As can be seen, the opening 38 is separate from the applicator surface 20 but proximate thereto. The outlet can be provided elsewhere on the device, for example in the applicator 18 (as seen in the embodiments of FIG. 3, and FIGS. 4-9).

[0081] In this embodiment, the cartridge 34 comprises the source of the antimicrobial agent for the antimicrobial treatment instead of the applicator surface 20. In certain other embodiments (see for example FIGS. 4-9), the applicator surface 20 provides the antimicrobial agent source.

[0082] The cartridge content 36 comprises a source of silver ions or particles, such as colloidal or ionised silver. Alternatively, the content 36 of the cartridge 34 may comprise any other source of metal particles or ions. The antimicrobial agent comprises a liquid, gel, emulsion or paste carrier. Some examples of such agents include a source of copper, zinc, nickel, or boron.

[0083] In alternative embodiments, the content 36 of the cartridge 34 comprises at least one agent selected from an anti-inflammatory agent, an antibiotic agent, an antiviral agent, an antifungal agent, a skin soothing agent, a cooling agent, a heat-activatable agent, a wound healing agent, and a skin rejuvenating agent. The agent may be a natural compound or an essential oil and include actives such as tea tree extract, lavender, oregano, frankincense, clove, cinnamon, apple cider vinegar, medical marijuana (oil or other form), hemp, cannabidiol, tetrahyrdacanabinoids, camomile, aloe vera, or the like. These agents can be in any suitable carrier such as grapeseed oil, jojoba oil, castor oil, almond oil, gels, pastes, solutions, suspensions, or the like. In certain embodiments, these agents have a complementary effect to the heat treatment from the applicator surface 20.

[0084] In certain other embodiments, such as those in which the antimicrobial agent is delivered by the cartridge 34, the treatment end 16 is adapted so that the heatable applicator surface 20 does not contact the user's skin. In this case, a spacer (not shown) is provided on the applicator surface 20 which will contact the user's skin and space the applicator surface 20 from the user's skin to apply radiant heat. The spacer comprises a rim of non-conductive material. The applicator surface 20 and the rim are circular. In these embodiments, an upper temperature of the applicator surface 20 is higher than an upper temperature of the applicator surface 20 of FIG. 1.

[0085] The cartridge port 32 is selectively operable, by means of a valve (not shown), to allow fluid flow from the cartridge 34 to the opening 38. In this respect, the cartridge port 32 is operatively connected to the control unit 26. The control unit 26 is configured to separately control the heat generation unit 24 and the cartridge port 32. In other embodiments, the cartridge port 32 is selectively operable by means of applying pressure or other mechanical means to actuate the valve.

[0086] In certain embodiments, the device 10 is provided as part of a kit including the cartridge 34. The kit can include one or more additional cartridges 34 including the same or different contents 36.

[0087] Referring now to FIG. 3, the embodiment of the device 10 of FIG. 3 differs from that of FIG. 2 in that the device 10 is arranged to emit light from a light source 40 through an aperture 42 in the applicator 18. The light source 40 is operatively connected to the control unit 26. The light source 40 is configured to provide light through the aperture 42 having wavelength(s) within the electromagnetic spectrum range, for example one or more of the blue, green, orange, red and yellow parts of the electromagnetic spectrum. The light source 40 may be a light emitting diode, or a laser source. In an alternative embodiment, the light source 40 may be configured to emit light within the infra-red range of the spectrum, such as at 650-670 nm, or about 660 nm. In other embodiments, the light source 40 emits light within the ultraviolet range of the spectrum at around 200-220 nm, 220-280 nm, 270-290 nm, or 280-400 nm. Combinations of light sources 40 emitting different wavelengths are also possible. A lens (not shown) may be provided for filtering or focussing the light emitted by the light source 40 to emit the desired wavelength of light through the aperture 42.

[0088] In another embodiment (not shown), the device 10 of FIG. 3 is adapted such that the content 36 of the cartridge 34 is arranged to be supplied through the aperture 42.

[0089] A further embodiment of the device 10 is shown in FIGS. 4-9, which differs from the device 10 of FIG. 1 in that the applicator 18 is removeably attachable to the device 10. In this embodiment, the applicator 18 is a removeable tip.

[0090] The applicator body 22 is generally cylindrical in shape and defines an aperture 42 extending therethough. The applicator surface 20 is at one end of the body 24, and has a larger external diameter than the body 24. Other configurations are within the scope of the present disclosure. The applicator body 22 is made of aluminium and has a coating of silver on the applicator surface 20, as described for the device 10 of FIG. 1.

[0091] An applicator connector 50 is provided (best seen in FIG. 5), having a base portion 52 arranged to be retained in the housing 12, and an extender portion 54 extending from the base portion 52 and arranged to extend out of the housing 12 at the treatment end 16 and to connect with the applicator 18 in a male-female fashion. A longitudinal opening 55 extends through the applicator connector 50. Optionally, a portion of the extender portion 54 has insulating material extending around its circumference at the base portion 52 of the applicator connector 54. At least a portion of an external surface of the extender portion 54 and at least a portion of an internal surface of the applicator 18 are threaded to connect the applicator 18 to the applicator connector 50. In this way, the applicator 18 can be unscrewed from the applicator connector 50 to remove it from the device 10, and connected to the applicator connector 50 during use. In other embodiments, the applicator 18 is removeably connectable to the device 10 in any other way, such as by press-fit or using fasteners. The applicator 18 is reusable and can be cleaned or sterilised before each use. Alternatively, the applicator 18 can be a one-use item.

[0092] In some embodiments, the device 10 is provided with a plurality of applicators 18 (not shown) as part of a kit. In certain embodiments, the applicators 18 of the plurality of applicators 18 of the kit are the same kind as each other e.g. have substantially the same coating, the same size, and the same configuration. The applicators 18 may be used by different users, and in this respect identified by different colours or other markings. In other embodiments, the applicators 18 of the plurality of applicators 18 of the kit are different from one another e.g. they have different applicator surfaces 20 in terms of coating type, different applicator surface area, different aperture 42 size or different length. In this embodiment, these various applicators 18 can be used for different circumstances or uses. For example, a larger surface area applicator 18 can be used for larger bites or adult use, whereas a smaller surface area applicator 18 can be used on children.

[0093] A cap 56 is also provided for threaded engagement with an open end 57 of the housing 12, at the treatment end 16. The cap 56 and the housing 12 can alternatively be connected in any other way. The cap 56 defines an opening 58 extending therethrough, the opening 58 being sized and shaped to receive the extender portion 54 of the applicator connector 50. Once assembled, the applicator connector 50 is retained at the treatment end 16 of the device 10 with the extender portion 54 extending from the treatment end 16 and through the opening 58 of the cap 56. As best seen in FIGS. 6-9, the extender portion 54 is sized to space the applicator 18 from a top surface 59 of the cap 56 once the device 10 is assembled. In alternative embodiments (not shown), the extender portion 54 is sized such that the applicator 18 is flush from the top surface 59 of the cap 56. A spaced configuration may be convenient for enabling the reach of the user for uses such as on the user's feet or other hard to reach areas.

[0094] The device 10 of FIGS. 4-9 also differs from the device 10 of FIG. 1, in that the heat generation unit 24 comprises a heating plate 60 having pronged connectors 62, extending substantially perpendicular to a face 64 of the heating plate, and which are connectable to the power source 30 via a circuit (not shown). The heat generation unit 24 comprises a 1-1.5 W resistance heater. An opening 66 is defined centrally in the heating plate 60. The housing 12 includes a recess in an internal surface (not shown) for receiving the pronged connectors 62 and for holding the heat generation unit 24 in position. Once assembled, the heating plate 60 contacts the base portion 52 of the applicator connector 50 and transfers heat along the extender portion 54 to the applicator 18 connected to the extender portion 54. A thermal sensor 68 is provided for detecting the temperature of the heating plate 60. The thermal sensor 68 is connectable to the control unit 26, as well as to the heat generation unit 24. Although illustrated as two separate pieces, the heating plate 60 and the base portion 52 of the applicator connector 50 may be a single-piece.

[0095] A light emitting diode (LED) 70 is provided as the light source 40, together with a support 72 for the LED. The LED 70 is received in an opening 74 in the support 72. Once assembled, the openings 74, 66, 55, 58 and 42 are aligned and provide a light pathway. In this respect, the LED is positioned such that light emitted from the LED travels along the light pathway to be emitted from the aperture 42 of the applicator 18.

[0096] In an alternative embodiment (not shown), the device 10 is not provided with a LED 70 or LED support 72. In this embodiment, as the light pathway is not required, one or more of the applicator 18, the applicator connector 50, and the heating plate 60 do not have their respective openings or apertures 42, 55, 66.

[0097] The device 10 of FIGS. 4-9 is powered by a power connector, such as a DC power jack, connectable to an external power supply (not shown) through an opening 78 in the housing 12 at the handle end 14. In alternative embodiments (not shown) the device 10 is powered through a power source 30 housed in the device 10 such as a battery.

[0098] In an alternative embodiment (not shown), the device 10 of FIGS. 4-9 includes a cartridge port 32 for dispensing contents of a cartridge (such as the cartridge port 32 and the cartridge 34 described earlier) through the applicator 18, such as through the aperture 42.

[0099] In a yet further embodiment of the device 10 of FIGS. 4-9, an activator (not shown) is provided which is connectable to the control unit 26 through a socket (not shown) provided in the housing 12 at the handle end 14. The activator is of a plug-in form. The plug-in activator comprises a body which is connectable to the housing 12, and having on an internal surface of the body electrical connectors which extend from the body and which will operatively connect to the control unit 26 when the plug-in activator is connected to the housing 12 of the device 10. The plug-in activator comprises computer-readable instructions for instructing the control unit 26 to allow use of the device 10 for a pre-determined number of rounds of treatment. Users requiring further treatments using the device 10, will purchase additional plug-in activators, or re-charge the existing plug-in activator.

[0100] As described for the previous embodiments, the device 10 of FIGS. 4-9 and its alternative embodiments can be provided as a kit, together with replacement applicators 18 having the same or different coatings, or different antimicrobial properties. The kit can further comprise complementary treatment gels, liquids or pastes in separate containers such as anti-inflammatory, antibiotic, antiviral agent, antifungal agent, skin soothing, cooling, heat-activatable, wound healing, or skin rejuvenating.

[0101] In use, any of the embodiments of the device 10 can be used to administer topical treatment to a user.

[0102] In certain embodiments, the topical treatment of heat together with an antimicrobial agent has a synergistic effect. Specifically, a synergistic effect was noted with the application of heat at 54 C. and 56 C. through a silver coated applicator surface 20 (see Example). This noted effect can be applied to other synergistic agents. Without being bound to any theory, the heating of a silver coating on a metal body may accelerate silver ion release, thereby treating using heat and silver ions, and allowing an effective treatment for an array of bacterial, viral and fungal conditions at temperatures and treatment times tolerable by users. In other words, by using synergistic treatments such as heat with an antibacterial agent, an antiviral effect (against the Zika virus for example, and other virus's such as dengue virus and West Nile virus) can be achieved at a lower temperature than if an antibacterial agent was not used. For example, antiviral effect against the Zika virus can be obtained using embodiments of the present device and method by heating to up to 50-54 C. in conjunction with an application of a synergistic agent such as silver. Synergies have also been noted with agents such as one or more of silver solution, oxygenated water, oregano oil, tea tree oil, lavender oil, thyme oil, and apple cider vinegar.

[0103] In certain embodiments, the topical treatment of heat together with an antimicrobial agent has a synergistic effect in cosmetic treatments such as reducing an appearance of redness, wrinkles, or other imperfections in a user' s skin.

[0104] Example

[0105] The following example is illustrative of the wide range of applicability of the present technology and is not intended to limit its scope.

[0106] The antiviral efficacy of treatments using (i) heat alone (54 C. and 56 C.), (ii) silver alone, and (iii) heat and silver, were assessed in vitro with respect to inactivation of the Zika virus (ZIKV strain PRVABC59). Treatment times of (i) 15 seconds, (ii) 30 seconds, and (iii) 45 seconds were tested. An embodiment of the device and method, as described with reference to FIGS. 4-9 and which had a silver coated tip and which could deliver heat, was used to deliver the various treatments to live Zika virus in culture media and Zika virus infected Vero cells in culture media in vitro. The tests included a negative control and a positive control (using the antiviral Ribavirin). Various concentrations of the Zika virus were used. Treatment comprised bringing the silver coated tip of the device into contact with the culture media for the stipulated treatment time. Following the in vitro treatments, virus quantification, virus viability (using Real Time-PCR), cell viability and cell proliferation were evaluated. These in vitro tests are indicative of the expected in vivo response in a human or other mammal. It was found that heat alone and silver alone had an antiviral effect. The combined heat and silver treatment were found to have a synergistic effect on the Zika virus inactivation at both temperatures tested. Based on the results, it is reasonable to extrapolate that the treatment would also be effective for other virus's such as the West Nile virus and the Dengue virus.

[0107] The present disclosure is not limited in its application to the details of construction and the arrangement of components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. The disclosure is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced or of being carried out in various ways. Also, the phraseology and terminology used herein is for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting. The use of including, comprising, or having, containing, involving and variations thereof herein, is meant to encompass the items listed thereafter as well as, optionally, additional items. In the following description, the same numerical references refer to similar elements. The terms channel and lumen are used interchangeably herein.

[0108] Modifications and improvements to the above-described embodiments of the present technology may become apparent to those skilled in the art. The foregoing description is intended to be exemplary rather than limiting. The scope of the present technology is therefore intended to be limited solely by the scope of the appended claims.