Abstract: A composition for a topically applied therapeutic cream or ointment having effective activity against one or a combination of sources of viral, bacterial, yeast and fungus infections characterized by the ability to penetrate beneath the epidermal layer of the skin. The composition includes a water soluble active component which is formulated with a water soluble organic solid base and a water soluble surfactant to form an aqueous solution having a gel-like consistency. A preferred active ingredient is a povidone-iodine complex. A preferred carrier is hydroxyethylcellulose.