Antimicrobial/pharmaceutical preparations (e.g., solutions, gels, ointments, creams, sustained release preparations, etc.) which comprise chlorite (e.g., a metal salt of a chlorite) in combination with a peroxy compound (e.g., hydrogen peroxide), and methods for using such preparations for disinfection of articles or surfaces (e.g., contact lenses, counter tops, etc.), antisepsis of skin or other body parts, prevention or deterrence of scar formation and/or treatment and prophylaxis of dermal (i.e., skin or mucous membrane) disorders (e.g., wounds, burns, infections, cold sores, ulcerations, psoriasis, acne, or other scar-forming lesions).
