Disclosed herein are topical compositions comprising a quaternary ammonium salt and optionally ammonium chloride and/or stabilized chlorine dioxide. Also disclosed herein are methods of reducing the severity and/or duration of a dermal and or mucosal infection such as herpes or shingles. Also disclosed herein are methods of preventing the spread of a viral infection such as HIV. Also disclosed herein are methods of treating a viral infection such as keratoconjunctivitis.
