What do you know about DMSO? This chemical solvent, dimethyl sulfoxide, was discovered more than 150 years ago. By the mid to late 1960s, people were experimenting with potential medical applications. It has a reputation for fighting pain, and the FDA has approved its use to alleviate the excruciating pain of interstitial cystitis. However, many people promoting the use of this compound suggest that it should be applied topically–as it is on horses–to ease joint pain and inflammation. It is related to MSM, methylsulfonylmethane, which has also been promoted against arthritis pain. The evidence on both compounds is inconclusive.
Can DMSO Ease Eczema or Arthritis?
Q. I recently read about DMSO for eczema and osteoarthritis. My husband suffers from eczema, and I have arthritis on my knees. Is there any research on the efficacy of DMSO for either eczema or arthritic pain?
A. DMSO (dimethyl sulfoxide) was originally developed as a colorless solvent for the paper industry during the 1860s. During the 1960s it developed a reputation as a topical arthritis remedy. We don’t really know what led to that development.
There is not much science to suggest that it is effective for arthritis, although some horse trainers have used it as a topical anti-inflammatory agent. It has been banned from some racetracks.
We would discourage use of DMSO for eczema, as it can be irritating. However, some dermatologists have called for further research on its potential as a treatment for cold sores, basal cell skin cancers or fungal infections (Archives of Dermatological Research, Aug. 2023).
Will DMSO Overcome Knee Pain?
Q. I have controlled my knee pain and other aches by applying DMSO liquid. It is available by prescription or at your local feed store. (It is used on horses’ legs.)
A. DMSO is useful in many diverse applications. It is easily absorbed through the skin and has been used to increase transdermal absorption of other drugs.
Are There Clinical Trials?
Clinical trials are hard to conduct because many people report a garlic-like taste and odor. As a result, finding an effective placebo for double-blind studies is challenging. MSM is often taken by mouth, making placebo-controlled trials somewhat more feasible. Some scientists found evidence that this sulfur-containing substance can ease knee osteoarthritis (BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine, June 27, 2011). However, another study found no clear benefit (U.S. Army Medical Department Journal, Oct-Dec. 2017).
A review of animal and human research concluded that DMSO may have some utility in the treatment of arthritis, but better clinical trials are essential (PLoS One, March 31, 2016). In vitro, the compound has anti-inflammatory activity, but that doesn’t establish its clinical utility (Molecules, Nov. 10, 2017).
We would discourage people from buying DMSO veterinary products. Prescription DMSO is available as Rimso-50 for interstitial cystitis. It is pricey, though. A 50 ml bottle is over $600.
