How to Use DMSO

Co-authored by Sophia Bell Medically reviewed by Sarah Gehrke, RN, MS

Last Updated: August 1, 2025 Fact Checked

Dimethyl sulfoxide, or DMSO, is a colorless liquid byproduct of the wood industry that has typically been used as a commercial solvent. ^{[1]
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American Chemical Society
Scientific society for those involved with chemistry and publisher of several leading peer-reviewed scientific journals
Go to source} More recently, however, people have begun to use DMSO for symptomatic relief of various medical conditions, including pain and swelling, arthritis, and sciatica. Consult your doctor before using DMSO, as it has only been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for treating interstitial cystitis. ^{[2]
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Cleveland Clinic
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Method 1

Method 1 of 3:

Treating Interstitial Cystitis with DMSO

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Talk to your doctor to find out if DMSO can help relieve the symptoms of your interstitial cystitis. If so, schedule an appointment to receive the treatment from your doctor. ^{[3]
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Cleveland Clinic
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Allow your doctor to insert a catheter . Over the course of several weeks, your doctor will flush liquid DMSO through a catheter into your bladder. The liquid is absorbed into the bladder lining and can reduce pain. ^{[4]
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Cleveland Clinic
Educational website from one of the world's leading hospitals
Go to source} Another benefit of DMSO is that it can increase the absorption of other medications, including steroids. ^{[5]
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Science Direct
Online archive of peer-reviewed research on scientific, technical and medical topics
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- Some people experience pain or discomfort when the catheter is inserted. If you are concerned about this pain, speak to your doctor about receiving pain medication or the possibility of inserting DMSO through a syringe, rather than a catheter. ^{[6]
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  Mayo Clinic
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DMSO can reduce inflammation and pain and help relax the bladder and pelvic muscles. ^{[7]
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Research source} Animal studies show it may even break down scar tissue, which can increase your bladder capacity (although more research is needed to verify this effect in humans). ^{[8]
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Science Direct
Online archive of peer-reviewed research on scientific, technical and medical topics
Go to source} Relief may be immediate, or it may take several treatments until you begin to feel relief from your symptoms.

Method 2

Method 2 of 3:

Applying DMSO Topically to Reduce Pain and Inflammation

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Choose a low concentration of pharmaceutical-grade DMSO. Because topical use of DMSO is not regulated by the FDA, it's available in a wide range of concentrations. Choose a low concentration, like 25%, to be safe. Always choose pharmaceutical-grade, rather than industrial-grade, DMSO. ^{[9]
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Arthritis Foundation
Main organization devoted to arthritis support and education
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- Speak to your doctor before beginning topical DMSO treatments.
- Warning: Treatment for interstitial cystitis is the only human use for dimethyl sulfoxide that is approved by the FDA. ^{[10]
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  Mayo Clinic
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It's crucial that you thoroughly scrub your hands before using them to apply DMSO in order to remove any skin products or lotions that could negatively interact with DMSO. Use soap and warm water, and be sure to clean under your nails as well. Dry your hands when finished. ^{[11]
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Arthritis Foundation
Main organization devoted to arthritis support and education
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The skin that you intend to put DMSO on needs to be thoroughly cleaned as well. Wash the area with warm water and soap, then pat it dry. This removes other substances from your skin that could react poorly with DMSO. ^{[12]
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Arthritis Foundation
Main organization devoted to arthritis support and education
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Before applying DMSO for the first time, you should test your sensitivity to it by applying a small amount of a low-concentration DMSO solution to a small area of skin. If your skin becomes itchy, red, or irritated, or if you develop a rash, stop using the product immediately. If you do have a reaction, it should appear within the first few minutes after applying DMSO. ^{[13]
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Apply DMSO directly to the skin two to three times per day. ^{[14]
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Research source} You can use your hands (with gloves), a cotton ball, or a clean paintbrush to apply DMSO to your skin. For pain relief, dab the DMSO onto an area larger than the pained area (for example, several inches above and below your knee to treat knee pain). ^{[15]
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Research source} You can rub it in or allow it to soak in on its own. ^{[16]
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- DMSO may dissolve other substances, so don't allow it to touch your clothing or other materials in its liquid form.
- Avoid applying DMSO to irritated areas, open wounds, or broken skin.
Because DMSO opens up your pores, refrain from being around toxic substances, like lower velocity hydrocarbons and pesticides, for at least three hours after applying DMSO to ensure they are not absorbed into your skin. ^{[17]
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Method 3

Method 3 of 3:

Taking Safety Precautions

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Consult your doctor before you begin using DMSO. Schedule a visit with your doctor to discuss the benefits and detriments of using this product. Discuss the effect DMSO may have on other supplements or medications you are taking, as it may increase the effectiveness of certain medications, including blood thinners, sedatives, and steroids. Ask your doctor for concentration and dosage recommendations as well. ^{[18]
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- Be sure to let your doctor know of any other medical conditions you have, including diabetes, asthma, and liver or kidney problems, as DMSO may worsen these conditions.
Side effects of DMSO may include an odor of garlic, skin irritation, and upset stomach. More serious reactions include itching or burning at the application site, headache, and severe allergic reactions. ^{[19]
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Research source} If you have an adverse reaction, stop using DMSO and contact your doctor. In the case of a severe allergic reaction, obtain emergency medical attention. ^{[20]
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Taking DMSO orally can cause dizziness, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, drowsiness, and decreased appetite. Until the safety of taking DMSO by mouth or through injection has been established, only apply it topically or through a catheter with your doctor's approval and under their supervision. ^{[21]
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Arthritis Foundation
Main organization devoted to arthritis support and education
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Warnings

Do not apply DMSO to infected wounds.

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Do not use DMSO to treat poison ivy, poison oak, or insect bites.

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DMSO is used to treat symptoms of medical conditions and is not a cure.

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Pregnant women and women who are breastfeeding should not use DMSO, as its effect on fetuses and infants has not been studied. ^{[22]
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Though DMSO has been promoted as an alternative cancer treatment, it has not been approved by the FDA as such, and clinical studies have not been done to prove its efficacy. ^{[23]
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How to Use DMSO

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Treating Interstitial Cystitis with DMSO

Applying DMSO Topically to Reduce Pain and Inflammation

Taking Safety Precautions

Expert Q&A

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Warnings

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