Abstract: Compositions, methods and systems for treating disordered epithelial tissues, such as is caused by pathogens and/or by toxins produced thereby. The invention relates to the use of an anti-infective and/or antimicrobial active agent in a carrier, with vigorous agitation of the disordered epithelial tissue for topical treatment thereof under such conditions sufficient to achieve clinically discernable improvement of the disordered epithelial tissue. The preferred anti-infective and/or antimicrobial active agent comprises a nucleoside, such as acyclovir, valcyclovir, penciclovir, famciclovir, ganciclovir, cidofovir, adefovir, and tenofovir, and derivatives, analogs, or metabolites thereof, or a mixture thereof, or 1-docosanol, optionally in combination with an organohalide. The inventive compositions and methods may employ the use of an applicator adapted for use in promoting the penetration of the treatment composition and/or the vigorous agitation of the disordered tissue.