Jojoba alcohol, a mixture of long chain monounsaturated alcohols, is an oily liquid at moderate ambient temperatures. It is readily absorbed by human skin where it relieves irritation and inhibits the formation of lesions caused by viruses. The inhibitory action is applicable to enveloped viruses which express as sores at dermal surfaces in humans. When applied topically to an incipent herpes episode, it will quickly penetrate the epidermis to the subdermal vascular cells and suppress viral replication which leads to inflammation and the formation of blisters on the face, genital and other skin and mucosal areas. Fumaric acid and malonic acid at low concentrations also inhibit the replication of varicella zoster virus in human cell cultures, with no cellular toxicity. Compositions of certain low molecular weight organic acids in jojoba alcohol enhance antiviral activity. Topical treatment of shingles with a low concentration of fumaric acid in jojoba alcohol terminates the episode. This combination drug acts by a dual mechanism wherein the jojoba alcohol blocks viral fusion by a lipoidal mode, and the polycarboxylic acids inhibit viral fusion by an ionic mode. The combination drug can also be effective in treating chicken pox. Jojoba alcohol is a carrier and transdermal delivery system for these and other pharmacologically active agents for the relief of pain and treatment of other conditions which occur at or under the surface of the skin. Topically applied jojoba alcohol is non-toxic and safe for animals and humans.
