Peptide factors isolated from skin following exposure to chemical or thermal injury and treatment with iodine preparations are capable of reducing or ameliorating the extent of injury when administered to other animals. Specific peptides, including fragments of histone H2A and fibrinopeptide A, and preferred derivatives of these peptides are disclosed. Pharmaceutical compositions and methods of using these peptides are also disclosed. The extracts, peptides and pharmaceutical compositions according to the invention are useful for the prevention and treatment of inflammatory conditions and exposure to noxious stimuli.