Abstract: A method to reduce the incidence and time to healing of paraesthesia and skin lesions associated with herpes virus infections. In one form, the method of treatment involves topical application with an halogenated hydrocarbon alone, preferably ethyl chloride, which as a skin refrigerant, freezes the virus infected skin cells or subcutaneous skin cells. The desired result is a slowing or halting of the DNA replication cycle of the virus. Alternatively, the composition may be combined with an antiviral agent and compound to reduce pain and itching. The step of freezing the virus at the first signs of a skin lesion reduces the time to healing by allowing the body's own immune system a chance to attack the viral antigens thereby reducing the incidence and severity of skin lesions associated with herpes virus infections.