Dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) is a colorless and odorless liquid whose original use was as an industrial solvent. DMSO is a byproduct that is created when trees are turned into paper. It can also be mixed into a cream, lotion, or ointment for some medical purposes. The chemical is often applied topically in a solution of 70-percent DMSO to 30-percent water.
The most distinctive property of DMSO is being able to quickly penetrate the skin. It can be used as a vehicle for delivering drugs such as penicillin and medical morphine through the skin. This may be a viable alternative to intravenous (IV) drug delivery.
DMSO products are approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for treating interstitial cystitis only. Interstitial cystitis is a type of painful bladder infection. Treating this condition with the chemical requires a doctor to administer DMSO through a catheter into the bladder. The chemical is typically left in the bladder for 15 minutes, after which the patient urinates to flush it out. This procedure may result in some bladder discomfort.
There are other possible medical uses for DMSO cream; as of 2009, however, they have not been approved by the FDA. DMSO products can be topically applied to arthritic joints for the relief of pain and inflammation. They may also be used as a pain reliever for treating sprains, burns, and other minor injuries. DMSO cream may be helpful for accelerating the healing process, as well.
DMSO cream may result in skin irritation, burning or itching in the area where it is applied. Other possible side effects may include an upset stomach, a headache, and sensitivity to light. The primary side effect is a strong garlic taste in the mouth, and the patient’s skin may smell like garlic, as well. This occurs even when it is applied topically. As a result, this unavoidable side effect precludes this chemical from being tested in double-blind studies.
In a double-blind experiment, patients are given either the real drug or a placebo, and neither the patient nor the doctor knows who received which. With DMSO cream, a test subject would know if they were given a placebo or the chemical. This garlic flavor is the reason why the FDA has only approved DMSO for limited medical use.
Before using DMSO, a patient typically should discuss possible complications with his doctor. This chemical may heighten the effects of some medications such as blood-thinners, sedatives, and heart medications. This chemical may carry other drugs or contaminants through the skin and into the bloodstream. In addition, pregnant or breastfeeding women usually should avoid using DMSO cream.