Topical ethyl ether therapy of herpes simplex lesions

A simple and effective method of treating herpes simplex lesions using topical application of ethyl ether relieves pain almost immediately and aborts progression of the lesion. The therapeutic rationale for using this modality is based on the ability of ether to penetrate the epidermis and to destroy the ether sensitive envelope of the virus. A decrease in frequency and even elimination of recurrences has been suggested.