Abstract: A topically applied composition capable of treating subcutaneous tissue comprising an alkali metal hypohalite (AMH) (preferably, sodium hypochlorite) and a conventional skin lotion. The skin lotion serves both as a carrier and as an antidrying agent for the AMH. The AMH penetrates through the skin's pores and lymph nodes into the subcutaneous tissue. The AMH stimulates the immune system to alleviate, and sometimes cure, inflammation, aches, pains, and other symptoms caused by microbial (e.g., viral, bacterial, fungal and parasitic) infection, arthritis, hemorrhoids, allergies, etc.