As an organic mineral, sulfur promotes healthy joints and connective tissues by contributing to the formation of new tendons, ligaments and cartilage. Sulfur may reduce the symptoms of arthritis and other inflammatory conditions by suppressing the nerve signals that tell you that you're experiencing pain. Dimethyl sulfoxide, or DMSO, is an industrial form of sulfur that may have anti-inflammatory benefits when absorbed through the skin as a transdermal formula. More clinical evidence is required to confirm that topical preparations of DMSO can effectively relieve the pain of arthritis.
Available Forms
Unlike the sulfur that occurs naturally near geothermal springs or in foods like eggs, meat and garlic, DMSO is produced as a byproduct of paper manufacturing. DMSO may be taken as a topical cream or gel. DMSO may also be taken as an intravesicular product, instilled into your bladder by a doctor to treat certain bladder conditions. Pharmaceutical-grade DMSO may be taken by mouth in supplement form or applied to your skin in a topical product. However, industrial-grade DMSO may contain toxic substances and should never be used as an oral supplement or topical treatment.
Bladder Inflammation
DMSO has been approved by the Food and Drug Administration, or FDA, to relieve the symptoms of interstitial cystitis, a condition that causes chronic pain and pressure in your bladder and pelvis. In interstitial cystitis treatment, a doctor instills a solution containing DMSO into your bladder, where the solution remains for 15 minutes. DMSO has been used on an experimental basis to enhance the effects of drugs that treat bladder cancer; however, clinical research has not confirmed that DMSO improves the outcomes of chemotherapy. Treatment of interstitial cystitis is the only use for DMSO that has been approved by the FDA.
Relief of Arthritis Pain
Gels and creams containing DMSO may be used to decrease the joint pain and inflammation of osteoarthritis, a form of arthritis caused by aging or injury. Proponents of DMSO therapy claim that topical applications relieve pain and increase joint mobility. Topical preparations containing 25 percent DMSO may be applied one to three times per day to reduce symptoms of arthritis, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center, or UMMC. However, more clinical research is required to verify that transdermal DMSO products can effectively reduce arthritis pain or improve mobility. Consult your doctor before using DMSO creams or gels to soothe your arthritis symptoms.
Relief of Amyloidosis Symptoms
DMSO products have been used topically to treat muscle and joint pain associated with amyloidosis, a disorder that causes proteins to accumulate in tissues and organs throughout your body, including your muscles and joints. Amyloidosis may occur as a primary disease, or as a secondary condition to another disease, such as rheumatoid arthritis. According to the UMMC, topical creams containing 50 to 100 percent DMSO may be applied twice a week to relieve symptoms of amyloidosis. Clinical research has not confirmed that DMSO is an effective treatment for amyloidosis. Talk with your doctor before including DMSO products in your treatment program for amyloidosis.
Precautions
DMSO may cause skin irritation when applied in topical forms and may interact with medications when absorbed through the skin. Industrial-grade DMSO should never be taken orally or as a transdermal therapy. Consult your doctor before using oral supplements or topical products containing DMSO.
References
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Sulfur; Steven D. Ehrlich, N.MD.; May 6, 2009
- MayoClinic.com: Interstitial Cystitis: Treatments and Drugs; January 20, 2011
- American Cancer Society: DMSO; November 1, 2008
- Arthritis Today Supplement Guide: DMSO: Dimethyl Sulfoxide
- Amyloidosis Guide: Causes, Symptoms and Treatment Options; April 4, 2011
