The disclosure relates to a the use of a composition comprising avian extract EP-2 in a therapeutically effective concentration together with a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier and/or diluent for treating or preventing microbial skin infections. The avian extract EP-2 may be isolated from the tail feathers a bird of the order Psittaciformes (parrot), such as sulphur-crested cockatoo (Cacatua galerita), the galah (Cacatua roseicapilla), the Major Mitchell cockatoo (Cacatua leadbeateri leadbeateri) using an organic solvent. The microbial skin infection may be herpes oral cold sore (Type I), a type of wart, impetigo, cellulitis, tinea, intertrigo, scabies, mange, pediculosis (including pediculosis capitis) cutaneous candidiasis or thrush. The disclosure also relates to the use of a synthetic form of EP-2, comprising two or more of nicotinamide, 2,4-ditert butyl phenol, palmitic acid, oleic acid and squalene, for treating or preventing microbial skin infections.
