The present invention is directed to synthetic bactericidalcompositions having clay like properties and a method of using thesecompositionsto topically treat bacterially-caused skin infections and skin diseases. Thecompositions within the scope of the invention comprise a bactericidaleffectiveamount of a reducing agent, such as pyrite, marcasite, pyrrhotite, FeS2, FeS,FeSO4 - or other reducing agents having like properties, and a natural clay orclaymineral and/or synthetic clay or clay mineral, or other suitable materialshavingclay-like properties with a high (>10) or low (<5) pH. The syntheticbactericidalcompositions are synthesized by adding the reducing agent to the either high(>10)or low (<5) pH clay or clay mineral. It is the presence of both the reducingagentand the high (>10) or low (<5) pH clay of said compositions which renders thembactericidal.
