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DMSO - DIMETHYL
SULFOXIDE
Description
Dimethyl sulfoxide, better known as DMSO, is a colorless and
slightly oily liquid. It is a by-product of the paper
manufacturing process, and is still used primarily as an
industrial solvent. Stanley W. Jacob, MD first reported the
medicinal benefits of DMSO in 1964. By the late 1960s it was
popularly called a wonder drug because of its glowing potential as a
therapeutic agent and a pharmaceutical solvent, reported to be
useful for a variety of problems ranging from arthritis to
mental retardation. It has been used in treatment of
Peyronie’s disease (PD) for many years with mixed reports of
success, as is typical of any treatment used for PD.
DMSO in therapeutic use remains controversial, but substantial
evidence indicates it has anti-inflammatory properties and
alleviates pain when applied to the skin in appropriate
concentrations. Most therapeutic benefits of DMSO are
documented in connective tissue diseases in particular, such
as scleroderma, rheumatoid and osteoarthritis, and muscle
injury.(1-3) The AMA is among this group of supporters of DMSO
for these applications. Multiple research suggests that DMSO
applied over the afflicted region may soften the abnormal
connective tissue associated with disorders such as
Dupuytren’s contracture of the hand, Peyronie's disease,
scleroderma and keloids.(4) Each of these four conditions is
similar, in that they share a thickening and hardening of
tissue, and excess collagen and fibrous tissue deposits. As
you read these therapy sections, you will notice
scleroderma and Dupuytren’s contracture are often mentioned
with PD. This is because of the similarity of abnormal tissue
hardening which occurs in each. Suffice it to mention that both
of these conditions are connective tissue disorders of unknown
cause, with similar track records of poor and variable
treatment outcomes. This explains why research for these two
conditions can be used to suggest therapy for PD.
Studies that
Relate to PD
Scherbel did a study(5) on 42 patients with scleroderma using
just DMSO. The disease was considered mild in 18, moderate in
19, and severe in five cases. Several of these patients were
near death from this disease, and others quiet ill. He
concluded that the skin thickening and density of this
condition were slowly but definitely alleviated in certain
patients by application of DMSO. He found long-term therapy of
scleroderma of one to two years is necessary to obtain
significant cutaneous improvement. Specifically, and of great
interest to men with PD, he noted “softening of skin and
subcutaneous tissue” that he rated an “(e)xcellent result --
improvement in all pre-existing disease manifestations”. He
noted certain patients respond to DMSO therapy more readily
and completely than others, while some did not improve. No
serious side effects or toxicity manifestations were
encountered. The side effects most frequently observed in
patients undergoing treatment with DMSO were skin irritation
and characteristic "garlic" breath odor. A second study(6) by Scherbel demonstrated that DMSO has the therapeutic effect of
healing cutaneous ulcers in scleroderma. He concluded that
DMSO is a worthwhile, supplemental, therapeutic agent
providing the limitations of therapy are understood.
In Russia, Murav’ev did a double-blind DMSO study(7) of 20
women at the Institute of Rheumatology AMS USSR. He reported
“convincing results of [the] positive effect of DMSO on the
clinical manifestation” of scleroderma; reduced skin
thickening and hardening, greater movement of affected areas,
increased blood flow, and reduced edema. In summary he
commented on the simplicity and easy availability of DMSO, and
because of its external use the digestive system is not
affected. He concluded, “DMSO is a convenient, effective, and
harmless way of curing systemic scleroderma. It can be
recommended for a wide use in a complex therapy of this
disease.”
Another blind study(8) by Murav’ev in Russia assessed the
effect of DMSO on scar formation and microcirculation in 42
patients with scleroderma, rheumatoid arthritis, and Raynaud's
disease (all conditions have fibrous tissue abnormalities).
He showed the therapeutic benefit of DMSO is determined by its
normalizing action on fibrin formation and increase of local
blood circulation that is achieved by increase of capillary
growth.
A 1999 plastic surgery study(9) is of interest to PD. DMSO is
used in a surgical technique called tissue expansion, which is
used when there is inadequate tissue to fill a surgical need.
After applying DMSO in the technique process, the tissue
treated is capable of being stretched beyond its usual limits.
This demonstrates the ability of DMSO to be absorbed into the
skin and to reduce the connective tissue contraction that
normally limits stretch potential, via fibrous tissue
infiltration.
Similarly, Vinnik reported(10) in 1987 the use of DMSO to
soften collagen during surgery, permitting degrees of
immediate tissue stretching or expansion previously unknown.
In this application a combined use of topical and intravenous
DMSO was used for the first time. He discussed the clear
advantage of this technique over other surgical reconstructive
techniques.
DMSO is reported(11) to be approved in Canada for two
indications: interstitial cystitis and scleroderma.
Interstitial cystitis is a condition of chronic soft tissue
contraction and irritability of the urinary bladder, resulting
in frequent need to urinate.
Drug Interaction
At the time of writing, there were no well-known drug
interactions with DMSO.
Dosage
Not only is DMSO rapidly absorbed through intact skin, but
other chemicals on the skin surface with DMSO are taken in
with it. Therefore, the area of skin (and the hands applying
DMSO) must be clean, because anything on the skin will also be
absorbed along with the DMSO.
For the first few applications, apply DMSO only to the base of
the penis since this is the toughest skin in the area. After
you are confident that you are not sensitive to DMSO, then
proceed to apply to a larger area and to the area closer to
the end of the penis near the glans where the skin is more
thin and delicate.
Apply only enough DMSO to wet the skin. Transfer of DMSO into
the skin is a chemical process, and does not require being
worked or rubbed into the skin. While applying to the entire
shaft is appropriate, special attention should of course be
given to the area directly over the scar or scars.
IMPORTANT: Your body will tell you if you are using too much
DMSO, usually meaning you are applying it too often for you.
If you are using DMSO too often, you will get a slight
irritation or rash. If this happens, simply stop using the
DMSO, rest the skin for a few days, and then begin again at a
lesser frequency and see what you can tolerate. It’s as simple
as that. For more details, see below under “Side Effects”.
Side Effects
DMSO use is not intended for healthy people. It can be
medically administered via three routes: oral, injection
through IV drip, and topically through the skin. Most reports
of adverse effects of DMSO occur when it is taken by mouth or
directly into a vein, although there is controversy even about
this. When DMSO is delivered through the skin the most common
side effect is a garlic-like taste in the mouth and body odor,
and less often, a temporary skin rash. Some people can tolerate
DMSO better than others, but skin rash and irritation
typically occur when using DMSO in the upper concentration
ranges of 80-100%. The DMSO that
PDI uses is formulated at a
less irritating 60% level. Regardless, those who do use DMSO
should consult a doctor familiar about its use. Some doctors do
not recommend the use of DMSO due to concerns about safety and
questions about efficacy. If your doctor has such a concern,
advise him/her of the lower concentration of our preparation,
as well as it being given through the skin. The potential for
contamination exists in DMSO products designed for industrial
use; the DMSO that
PDI uses is of pharmaceutical grade and
purity, minimizing this concern.
While side effects to the use of DMSO are possible, most that
actually occur with any frequency are in the nuisance
category: a brief garlic-like body odor and taste in the
mouth. With continued use this disappears in time. Other less
common side effects include stomach upset, sensitivity to
light, and headache. Skin irritation can develop at the site
where DMSO is applied topically. The possibility of this
happening is minimized not only by the 60% dosage level, but
also by the addition of urea in the special formula
PDI uses.
High concentrations (80-100%) of DMSO are more likely to
irritate the skin, although many use 100% DMSO with no
problem.
If skin irritation occurs on the penis, scrotum, or other area
of contact, immediately discontinue use and seek the advice of
a physician. In addition, contact
PDI with your concern for
additional direction. From our experience, when a rash
develops, it is usually due to DMSO being used too frequently.
Here is a suggested course of action to follow if an itch,
sensitivity or irritation develops where DMSO has been
applied:
1. Immediately stop use of DMSO and the other topical therapy
to the penis. Note how often you were applying the products to
your skin when the irritation started.
2. Wash the area well with mild soap and water only, rinse
well. Air dry.
3. After symptoms subside and skin has cleared, wait three
days before re-applying any DMSO or other product back to skin
of penis.
4. After the skin returns to a normal appearance and feel, with no redness or itch, begin a
small and restricted trial. Apply a smaller amount of both
DMSO and the other topical therapy than you used when the
irritation developed initially. Do this only once a day for
two or three days.
5. If no rash, irritation or itch develops, apply slightly
more of the DMSO and other topical therapy to the penis.
Again, apply only once a day for two or three days.
6. If no rash, irritation or itch develops after this heavier
dose, then begin treatment twice a day, using the same amount
of each of the DMSO and other therapeutic product. Consider
using it three times a day if possible.
7. DO NOT AGAIN USE THE SAME DOSE OF DMSO AND OTHER THERAPY
PRODUCT YOU USED WHEN THE IRRITATION FIRST DEVELOPED.
Technique
First apply one or more primary substance (vitamin E and/or
Super CD Serum) to the skin, then apply DMSO. Allow to
penetrate the skin for full benefit (about 30 minutes), as
determined by complete drying.
When using DMSO for the first few times, it is not unusual
to almost immediately experience a slight temporary and
pleasant warmth or tingle (maybe lasting 30 seconds) where it
has been applied. This is the response of the subcutaneous fat
layer of the skin to the presence of the DMSO. It gets into
your tissue so
fast, the reaction is almost immediate!
Science
The benefit of DMSO on fibrous sclerodermal tissue is
speculative, but supported by many studies. Tissue treated
with DMSO demonstrates major alterations in chemical
composition. Tests(1) show an increase of mucopolysaccharides
(a chemical found in the fibrous tissue elements of skin,
composed of an amino acid and long sugar molecules linked into
repeating polymeric units) in the area treated with DMSO. It
is reasonable to assume the mucopolysaccharides come from
collagen and fibroblasts as they are broken down by DMSO. This
same study reports, as DMSO treatment continued there was
continued change of the cellular structure as the tissue
approached a normal appearance.
In addition, glycosaminoglycan (GAG) and hydroxyproline
accumulation showed intensification of connective tissues
metabolism while under DMSO treatment. This is determined by
the increase level of GAG and the normalization of its
qualitative composition, although this research was based only
on two weeks of testing.
PD Connection
DMSO used alone demonstrates ability to soften the fibrous
hardening of scleroderma, as well as similar fibrous tissue
diseases, and stretch tissue needed during plastic surgery.
While scleroderma is not PD, PD shares enough similar collagen
and soft tissue abnormalities to make it reasonable to connect
the benefits of one problem to the other.
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● DOUBLE
IMPORTANCE OF DMSO ●
1. DMSO has
its own therapeutic properties, probably related to its
sulfur content, that make it a valuable addition to any
therapy program for PD. Used alone, it can soften many
types of dense fibrous tissues.
2. DMSO carries other therapies into the tissue when
they are combined on the skin. Therefore, vitamin E or
copper will be driven in deeper and faster into the
tissue where the PD scar is located. It is said that
DMSO makes other therapies work better. |
DMSO has a second strong PD connection by virtue of its
ability to quickly carry – or as some say, “drive” – other
therapies into the deep tissue layers for additional
therapeutic benefit.
This double-duty action of DMSO has twice the potential
benefit in a broad base PD program. If you are going to use
vitamin E or copper in your plan, then you really should
strongly consider including DMSO just so that the vitamin E
and copper can penetrate deeper into the tissue for maximum potential
benefit.
DMSO Product
Recommendation
PDI could not find a DMSO product that contained both PABA and
MSM. As a result we contracted with Dr. Stanley Jacob’s
Laboratory to manufacture our own DMSO product, called PMD-DMSO
Lotion. This combination was selected because of the
encouraging reports and research behind each therapy. Our
opinion is that this combination is a good way to get as much
additional therapy into the lesion area as possible. We think
you will not find a more pure and safe DMSO product anywhere.
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DMSO is a solvent that will
combine with another substance that is on the skin. When
combined like this, both the DMSO and the other
substance will be taken deeper and more quickly into the
tissue. This combination of two or more therapies
increases their effectiveness in treating your PD, in a
process known as synergy.
The DMSO product from
PDI, called
PMD-DMSO Lotion, is a
unique preparation made by Stanley Jacob’s Laboratory
that contains PABA and MSM for added therapeutic
benefit. This special formula with these ingredients
cannot be found anywhere else. We think PMD-DMSO
Lotion gives you just one more advantage to bring an extra
layer of therapy down to the PD scar.
 By combining Callisto vitamin E oil, or Super CP Copper
serum, with a layer of DMSO over the scar area – or even
using vitamin E and copper at the same time along with DMSO – you receive not only the benefit that each is
taken deeper and faster into the tissue, but the DMSO
has its own therapeutic advantages as well.
Click Callisto OIL or Super CD Serum to
learn more about how these products can be used in
putting together your PD therapy program, along with
DMSO. |
By now you know
the philosophy of
PDI is to treat the scar aggressively with
as many different therapies as possible, for maximum
therapeutic potential. Remember the
PDI treatment philosophy
is a lot like ganging up on your problem, “USE EVERY GOOD
RESOURCE YOU CAN FIND, ALL AT THE SAME TIME, FOR AS LONG AS IT
TAKES TO START SEEING RESULTS, THEN CONTINUE UNTIL YOUR BODY
HEALS TO THE BEST OF ITS ABILITY.” We advocate approaching the
PD scar very aggressively with very conservative measures. To
do less than that is to take a grave risk that could result in
a failure that no man wants to endure. Using a DMSO product
that already contains PABA and MSM, and then using that to
drive vitamin E or Super CP Serum into the tissue is an
excellent way to put that philosophy into action. In addition,
PABA/MSM also contains urea to protect the delicate skin of
the genital area.
PMD-DMSO
Lotion comes in a shatterproof polyethylene bottle
with a handy dispenser spout for ease of application.
We are
proud to offer PMD-DMSO
Lotion to you,
because it is our unique product that we think is a great
addition to any PD treatment plan. We highly recommend its
use not only to carry vitamin E and Super CP Serum into the
tissue of the penis, but because of the potential combined benefits of
DMSO, PABA and MSM.
For ideas and suggestions putting DMSO and other goodies into
a treatment plan, click
Create a PD Treatment Plan.
Order DMSO
Why Buy from
PDI?
1. Service
PDI offers email support and
assistance for the products and services we provide. We
provide experience and interest in helping you with PD.
PDI
is here to help you with questions about the
products we sell. This is an extremely valuable service
the others cannot possibly match.
2. Quality and Quantity Repairing the Peyronie’s
scar is such an important mission. It is critical you
use a high quality and quantity of nutrients. We have
done the hard part selecting good companies and
products. Buy with confidence.
3. Value
PDI has a competitive pricing structure
of which we are proud. We doubt you can find better
products that deliver the quality and quantity for the
prices we have set.
4. Convenience The longer you take to start
treating PD, the longer and more difficult treatment
becomes, and the likelihood of success deteriorates.
Everything you need is here, right now, in one place. |
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1. [No authors
listed]. American Medical Association. Dimethyl sulfoxide.
Controversy and current status-1981. Council on Scientific
Affairs. JAMA 1982;248:1369-71.
2. Jimenez RA, Willkens RF. Dimethyl sulfoxide: a perspective
of its use in rheumatic diseases. J Lab Clin Med
1982;100:489-500 [review].
3. Swanson BN. Medical use of dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO). Rev
Clin Basic Pharmacol 1985;5:1-33.
4. Jacob SW, Wood DC. Dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO). Toxicology,
pharmacology, and clinical experience. Am J Surg 114:414-26.
5. Scherbel AL, McCormack LJ, and Layle JK. Further
Observations on the Effect of Dimethyl Sulfoxide in Patients
with Generalized Scleroderma (Progressive Systemic Sclerosis)
Departments of Rheumatic Diseases and Pathology, Cleveland
Clinic Foundation Cleveland, Ohio
6. Scherbel AL. The effect of percutaneous dimethyl sulfoxide
on cutaneous manifestations of systemic sclerosis. Ann N Y
Acad Sci (United States) 1983, 411 p120-30d
7. Murav´ev UV, Aliab´eva AP, Sigidin IA, and Guseva NG. The
Efficacy of Long-Term Application of Dimethyl Sulfoxide in a
Complex Therapy of Patients with Systemic Scleroderma.
Institute of Rheumatology (Director: Academic AMS USSR Prof.
V.A. Nasonova) AMS USSR.
8. Murav'ev IuV; Loskutova TT; Anikina NV; Shcherbakov AB;
Sokolov VB. The effect of dimethyl sulfoxide on the
thromboelastographic indices and the microcirculation in
patients with rheumatic diseases. Ter Arkh (USSR) 1989, 61
(12) p106-9
9. Raposio E, Santi PL: Topical application of DMSO as an
adjunct to tissue expansion for breast reconstruction. Br J
Plast Surg 1999, 52:194-197.
10. Vinnik CA, Jacob SW. Dimethylsulfoxide (DMSO) for human
single-stage intraoperative tissue expansion and circulatory
enhancement. Aesthetic Plast Surg.1991 Fall;15(4):327-37.
.Department of Surgery, Oregon Health Sciences University.
11. Namaka M.; Briggs C. DMSO revisited. Health Sciences
Centre, Winnipeg, Man. Canada. Canadian Pharmaceutical Journal
(Canada) 1994, 127/5 (248-249+255)
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