Background
- Dimethyl sulfoxide (C2H6OS), or DMSO, is a sulfur-containing organic compound. DMSO occurs naturally in vegetables, fruits, grains, and animal products. DMSO was first synthesized in 1866 as a byproduct of paper manufacturing. Therapeutic interest began in 1963. DMSO was reported to penetrate through the skin and produce analgesia, decrease pain, and promote tissue healing. DMSO is available for both non-medicinal and medicinal uses. The major clinical use of DMSO is to relieve symptoms of interstitial cystitis.
- Potential toxic effects to the lens of the eye have been reported in animals but no effects have been noted in humans. Topical application has been associated with redness and inflammation of skin, and a garlic-like taste and odor on the breath have been reported.
- DMSO has been used to treat amyloidosis, diabetic ulcers, extravasation, erosive gastritis, and ischemia prevention in surgical flaps, but well designed clinical trials are lacking. Because of the limited scientific evidence, whether DMSO provides effective treatment of patients with closed head trauma, herpes zoster, tendopathies, and complex regional pain syndrome will require more research.
References
Natural Standard developed the above evidence-based information based on a thorough systematic review of the available scientific articles. For comprehensive information about alternative and complementary therapies on the professional level, go to . Selected references are listed below.
- Barker SB, Matthews PN, Philip PF, et al. Prospective study of intravesical dimethyl sulphoxide in the treatment of chronic inflammatory bladder disease. Br J Urol 1987;59(2):142-144.
View Abstract - Bauwens D, Hantson P, Laterre PF, et al. Recurrent seizure and sustained encephalopathy associated with dimethylsulfoxide-preserved stem cell infusion. Leuk Lymphoma 2005 Nov;46(11):1671-4.
View Abstract - Bertelli G, Gozza A, Forno GB, et al. Topical dimethylsulfoxide for the prevention of soft tissue injury after extravasation of vesicant cytotoxic drugs: a prospective clinical study. J Clin Oncol 1995;13(11):2851-2855.
View Abstract - Chen-Plotkin AS, Vossel KA, Samuels MA, et al. Encephalopathy, stroke, and myocardial infarction with DMSO use in stem cell transplantation. Neurology 2007 Mar 13;68(11):859-61.
View Abstract - Dawson TE, Jamison J. Intravesical treatments for painful bladder syndrome/ interstitial cystitis. Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2007 Oct 17;(4):CD006113.
View Abstract - Demir E, Kilciler M, Bedir S, et al. Comparing two local anesthesia techniques for extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy. Urology 2007 Apr;69(4):625-8.
View Abstract - Duimel-Peeters IG, J G Halfens R, Ambergen AW, et al. The effectiveness of massage with and without dimethyl sulfoxide in preventing pressure ulcers: a randomized, double-blind cross-over trial in patients prone to pressure ulcers. Int J Nurs Stud 2007 Nov;44(8):1285-95.
View Abstract - Karaca M, Bilgin UY, Akar M, et al. Dimethly sulphoxide lowers ICP after closed head trauma. Eur J Clin Pharmacol 1991;40(1):113-114.
View Abstract - Kingery WS. A critical review of controlled clinical trials for peripheral neuropathic pain and complex regional pain syndromes. Pain 1997;73(2):123-139.
View Abstract - Kneer W, Kuhnau S, Bias P, et al. [Dimethylsulfoxide (DMSO) gel in treatment of acute tendopathies. A multicenter, placebo-controlled, randomized study]. Fortschr Med 1994;112(10):142-146.
View Abstract - Olver IN, Aisner J, Hament A, et al. A prospective study of topical dimethyl sulfoxide for treating anthracycline extravasation. J Clin Oncol 1988;6(11):1732-1735.
View Abstract - Ozkaya-Bayazit E, Kavak A, Gungor H, et al. Intermittent use of topical dimethyl sulfoxide in macular and papular amyloidosis. Int J Dermatol 1998;37(12):949-954.
View Abstract - Rademaker-Lakhai JM, van den BD, Pluim D, et al. A Phase I and pharmacological study with imidazolium-trans-DMSO-imidazole-tetrachlororuthenate, a novel ruthenium anticancer agent. Clin Cancer Res 2004;10(11):3717-3727.
View Abstract - Takeda T, Kozakai N, Ikeuchi K. Localized amyloidosis of the bladder treated effectively by occlusive dressing technique therapy using Dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO): two case reports] ippon Hinyokika Gakkai Zasshi 2005 Nov;96(7):705-8.
View Abstract - Zuurmond WW, Langendijk PN, Bezemer PD, et al. Treatment of acute reflex sympathetic dystrophy with DMSO 50% in a fatty cream. Acta Anaesthesiol Scand 1996;40(3):364-367.
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