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.

Abstract: A method and composition for treating herpes group viral infection in a host that reduces the duration and severity of lesions associated therewith. A therapeutically effective amount of a halogenated hydrocarbon compound is applied topically to the affected tissue in a dosage or frequency sufficient to speed healing of the affected tissue. Halogenated hydrocarbons may include organochlorides (such as methyl chlorides and ethyl chlorides), alkyl chlorides, alkyl bromides, and alkyl fluorides (such as methyl fluoride). Other compounds known to be effective in decreasing the recurrence of the herpes group virus in a dosage to speed healing of infected tissue may also be combined and applied. Such other compounds may include acyclovir, famcyclovir, viral thymidine kinase inhibitor, and other partially effective herpes simplex viral recurrence inhibitors known in the art.