The present invention is directed to a medicinal composition, and more particularly, to a composition of chlorhexidine to treat lesions, particularly lesions caused by cold sores and herpes. The composition comprises chlorhexidine as the active ingredient. The composition also comprises a component for pain relief and a component for anti-inflammation. These three components, which act efficaciously in concert, are then combined with a suitable emollient or vehicle to form a topical formulation effective to treat the symptoms of cold sores and herpes. The composition may be formulated as an over-the-counter (OTC) topical formulation.