What is dimethyl sulfoxide used for. How does DMSO work in the human body. What are the potential risks and side effects of using DMSO. Is DMSO approved by the FDA for any medical conditions. Can DMSO be used safely as a supplement or alternative treatment.

What is Dimethyl Sulfoxide (DMSO) and How Does it Work?

Dimethyl sulfoxide, commonly known as DMSO, is a versatile chemical compound with a fascinating history and a wide range of applications. Originally a byproduct of paper manufacturing derived from wood, DMSO has been used as an industrial solvent since the mid-19th century. In the 1960s, researchers began exploring its potential as an anti-inflammatory agent, marking the beginning of its journey into the medical field.

DMSO’s unique properties stem from its molecular structure, which allows it to easily penetrate biological membranes, including human skin. This characteristic makes DMSO an effective transdermal carrier, enhancing the absorption of other substances through the skin and into the bloodstream. Additionally, DMSO interacts with various biomolecules in the body, including proteins, carbohydrates, and lipids, which contributes to its diverse effects.

How does DMSO penetrate the skin?

DMSO’s ability to penetrate the skin is due to its amphipathic nature, meaning it has both hydrophilic and hydrophobic properties. This allows it to interact with both water-loving and fat-loving components of cell membranes, facilitating its passage through the skin’s layers. Once absorbed, DMSO can carry other substances with it, which is why it’s sometimes used to enhance the delivery of topical medications.

FDA-Approved Uses of DMSO in Medicine

While DMSO has been the subject of numerous studies and is used for various purposes, it’s important to note that its FDA-approved medical uses are limited. The primary FDA-approved application of DMSO is for the treatment of interstitial cystitis, also known as painful bladder syndrome.

How is DMSO used to treat interstitial cystitis?

In the treatment of interstitial cystitis, DMSO is administered directly into the bladder through a catheter. This procedure, known as bladder instillation, allows the DMSO solution to come into direct contact with the bladder lining. The treatment is believed to work by reducing inflammation and pain associated with the condition. Multiple sessions are typically required, and many patients report significant improvement in symptoms such as pain and urinary frequency.

Off-Label Medical Uses and Potential Benefits of DMSO

Beyond its FDA-approved use, DMSO is employed off-label by some healthcare providers for various conditions. These applications are based on clinical experience and limited research, but it’s crucial to understand that they may not have undergone the rigorous testing required for FDA approval.

• Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS): Topical DMSO cream has shown promise in alleviating pain associated with this condition.
• Extravasation injuries: DMSO may help mitigate tissue damage caused by the leakage of intravenous drugs into surrounding tissues.
• Shingles: Some clinicians use DMSO to manage the pain and inflammation associated with herpes zoster infections.
• Wound healing: DMSO’s anti-inflammatory properties may promote faster healing of certain types of wounds and burns.

It’s important to note that while these uses show potential, more research is needed to establish their efficacy and safety conclusively.

DMSO as a Supplement and Alternative Treatment

DMSO has gained popularity in alternative medicine circles and is available as a supplement in various forms, including gels, creams, and oral formulations. Proponents of DMSO claim it can treat a wide range of conditions, from arthritis to cancer. However, it’s crucial to approach these claims with caution.

Can DMSO effectively treat osteoarthritis?

Despite its popularity as an alternative treatment for osteoarthritis, scientific evidence supporting DMSO’s effectiveness is limited. A recent analysis of studies on DMSO for osteoarthritis pain found that it was not significantly more effective than a placebo. This highlights the importance of relying on evidence-based treatments and consulting with healthcare professionals before using DMSO for such purposes.

Is DMSO a viable alternative cancer treatment?

The use of DMSO as an alternative cancer treatment is not supported by scientific evidence. The American Cancer Society explicitly states that there is no evidence to support DMSO’s effectiveness in treating cancer. Moreover, relying on unproven treatments like DMSO could lead to dangerous delays in receiving proper, evidence-based cancer care.

Potential Risks and Side Effects of DMSO Use

While DMSO has numerous potential applications, it’s not without risks. The side effects of DMSO can range from mild to severe, depending on the concentration, method of application, and individual factors.

What are the most common side effects of topical DMSO use?

When applied to the skin, DMSO can cause:

• Skin irritation, including itching, burning, and redness
• A strong garlic-like odor emanating from the skin and breath
• Stomach upset

These side effects are generally mild and temporary, but they can be bothersome for some users.

Are there any serious risks associated with DMSO use?

More serious potential side effects and risks of DMSO include:

1. Severe allergic reactions
2. Headaches
3. Dizziness and drowsiness
4. Nausea and vomiting
5. Diarrhea or constipation
6. Decreased appetite
7. Potentially fatal reactions when used in high concentrations

It’s crucial to note that DMSO can increase the absorption and effects of other medications, potentially leading to serious health issues. This interaction potential makes it essential to consult a healthcare provider before using DMSO, especially if you’re taking other medications.

Safety Concerns and Precautions When Using DMSO

Given the potential risks associated with DMSO use, several precautions should be taken to ensure safety:

How can users ensure they’re getting pharmaceutical-grade DMSO?

One of the primary concerns with DMSO available without a prescription is the potential for impurities. Industrial-grade DMSO may contain harmful contaminants that can be absorbed through the skin. To minimize this risk:

• Only purchase DMSO from reputable sources
• Look for pharmaceutical-grade or USP-grade DMSO
• Avoid products that don’t clearly state their purity or grade

What precautions should be taken when applying DMSO topically?

When using DMSO on the skin:

1. Thoroughly wash the application area and your hands before use
2. Ensure the skin is completely dry before applying DMSO
3. Start with a low concentration (around 10%) to test for skin sensitivity
4. Avoid applying other substances to the skin before or immediately after DMSO use
5. Do not cover the treated area with airtight dressings or bandages

These precautions can help minimize the risk of adverse reactions and unintended absorption of other substances.

Legal Status and Regulation of DMSO

The legal status and regulation of DMSO can be complex and varies depending on its intended use and the jurisdiction in question.

How is DMSO regulated in the United States?

In the United States, DMSO’s regulatory status depends on its intended use:

• As a prescription drug for interstitial cystitis, it is regulated by the FDA
• When sold as a supplement or for topical use, it falls under dietary supplement regulations, which are less stringent than those for drugs
• Industrial-grade DMSO is regulated differently and is not intended for human use

It’s important to note that the FDA does not regulate supplements in the same way as drugs. Manufacturers are not required to prove the safety or efficacy of supplements before marketing them. This lack of regulation underscores the importance of caution when using DMSO products that are not prescribed by a healthcare provider.

Is DMSO legal to purchase and use without a prescription?

In many countries, including the United States, DMSO is legal to purchase and use without a prescription when sold as a supplement or for topical use. However, its use as a medical treatment for conditions other than interstitial cystitis is considered off-label and should be done under medical supervision. The legality and availability of DMSO can vary by country, so it’s essential to check local regulations before purchasing or using DMSO products.

Future Research and Potential Applications of DMSO

Despite the controversies and uncertainties surrounding DMSO, research into its potential applications continues. Scientists are exploring several promising avenues that could expand our understanding of DMSO’s therapeutic potential.

What are some emerging areas of DMSO research?

Current and future research on DMSO is focusing on several key areas:

• Neuroprotection: Studies are investigating DMSO’s potential to protect nerve cells from damage in conditions like stroke and traumatic brain injury.
• Drug delivery: Researchers are exploring DMSO’s ability to enhance the delivery of various medications, potentially improving their efficacy and reducing side effects.
• Cryopreservation: DMSO’s unique properties make it valuable in the preservation of biological samples and tissues at low temperatures.
• Anti-inflammatory effects: Further research is needed to fully understand and potentially harness DMSO’s anti-inflammatory properties for various medical conditions.

As research progresses, we may gain a clearer understanding of DMSO’s mechanisms of action and develop more targeted and effective applications for this versatile compound.

In conclusion, dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) remains a compound of significant interest in both medical and scientific communities. While its FDA-approved uses are limited, ongoing research continues to explore its potential benefits and applications. However, it’s crucial to approach DMSO use with caution, especially when considering it for off-label or alternative treatments. Always consult with a healthcare professional before using DMSO, and be aware of the potential risks and side effects associated with its use. As research progresses, we may gain a more comprehensive understanding of DMSO’s role in medicine and its potential to improve human health.

DMSO: Uses and Risks

Written by Joseph Saling

• Why Do People Use DMSO?
• What Are the Risks of Using DMSO?

DMSO, or dimethyl sulfoxide, is a by-product of paper making. It comes from a substance found in wood.

DMSO has been used as an industrial solvent since the mid-1800s. From about the mid-20th century, researchers have explored its use as an anti-inflammatory agent.

The FDA has approved DMSO as a prescription medication for treating symptoms of painful bladder syndrome. It’s also used under medical supervision to treat several other conditions, including shingles.

DMSO is easily absorbed by the skin. It’s sometimes used to increase the body’s absorption of other medications.

DMSO is available without a prescription most often in gel or cream form. It can be purchased in health food stores, by mail order, and on the Internet.

While it can sometimes be found as an oral supplement, its safety is unclear. DMSO is primarily used by applying it to the skin.

DMSO has been used to try to relieve the pain of osteoarthritis. It has also been promoted as an “alternative” cancer treatment.

People have used it to try to treat wounds, burns, and other injuries. People have also used it to try to treat such conditions as:

• Headache
• Rheumatoid arthritis
• Eye problems
• Scars
• Scleroderma (disease that causes scar tissue to form in the skin)

Other than its use as a prescription medicine, there is little or no scientific evidence to support other claims made about DMSO’s effectiveness.

The American Cancer Society says there is no evidence to support the use of DMSO to treat cancer. Using it that way could cause serious delays in getting proper and effective treatment.

A recent analysis of studies on the use of DMSO to relieve osteoarthritis pain found that it was not significantly more effective than placebo in relieving joint pain.

There are no studies that provide guidelines for determining the proper dose of DMSO. The gel used to treat osteoarthritis typically has a concentration of 25%. It is applied three or four times a day. But DMSO sold without a prescription can range from 10% concentration to 90%.

Some DMSO on the market may actually be industrial grade. Industrial grade DMSO may contain a number of impurities that can easily be absorbed into the skin with potentially serious health effects.

The most frequent side effects from using DMSO on the skin include:

• Stomach upset
• Skin irritation
• Strong odor of garlic

More serious side effects include:

• Severe allergic reactions
• Headaches
• Itching and burning when applied to the skin

DMSO can also cause a deadly reaction when used in high concentrations.

Using DMSO by mouth can cause:

• Dizziness
• Drowsiness
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Constipation
• Decreased appetite

DMSO can increase the effect of some medicines, which can lead to serious health issues. Examples of such medicines include:

• Blood thinners
• Steroids
• Sedatives

The biggest concern of DMSO as a solvent is that when it gets on the skin it will cause anything on the skin to be absorbed. So be sure to wash your hands and skin well before using.

Pregnant women and women who are breastfeeding should not use DMSO, since little is known about its possible effects on the fetus or infant.

You should also not use DMSO without talking to your doctor if you have:

• Diabetes
• Asthma
• Liver and kidney conditions

Always keep in mind that supplements are not regulated by the FDA the same was as drugs are. The manufacturer does not have to prove that a supplement is safe or effective before selling.

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Overview, Uses, Side Effects, Precautions, Interactions, Dosing and Reviews

Overview

Dimethylsulfoxide (DMSO) is a chemical that dissolves many organic and inorganic substances. It’s available as a prescription drug and dietary supplement.

DMSO helps medicines get through the skin and can affect proteins, carbohydrates, fats, and water in the body.

People use DMSO for bladderinflammation (interstitial cystitis), limb pain that usually occurs after an injury, and leakage of an IV drug from the vein into surrounding skin and tissue. It is also used for osteoarthritis, bed sores, stomach ulcers, and many other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support most of these other uses.

Don’t confuse DMSO with Methylsulfonylmethane (MSM). These are not the same.

Uses & Effectiveness ?

Effective for

• Painful bladder syndrome (interstitial cystitis). DMSO is an FDA-approved product for the treatment of this condition. Washing the bladder with DMSO improves some symptoms, such as pain.

Possibly Effective for

• Limb pain that usually occurs after an injury (complex regional pain syndrome). Applying DMSO cream to the skin seems to improve pain in people with this condition.
• Leakage of intravenous (IV) drug from the vein into surrounding skin and tissue (extravasation). Some chemotherapy drugs can cause skin and tissue damage if they leak from the vein. Applying DMSO to the skin might prevent further damage if this happens.

Possibly Ineffective for

• Hardening of skin and connective tissue (scleroderma). Applying DMSO to the skin doesn’t help treat symptoms of scleroderma.

There is interest in using DMSO for a number of other purposes, but there isn’t enough reliable information to say whether it might be helpful.

Side Effects

When taken by mouth: There isn’t enough reliable information to know if DMSO is safe or what the side effects might be.

When applied to the skin: Non-prescription DMSO is possibly unsafe. Some non-prescription DMSO products might be industrial grade. These aren’t intended for human use and can contain impurities that can cause health issues. DMSO is easily absorbed through the skin, so it can carry these impurities into the body. Side effects might include blistering and burning.

When applied inside the bladder: Prescription DMSO is likely safe. Don’t use DMSO products that are not prescribed by a healthcare professional.

Special Precautions and Warnings

When taken by mouth: There isn’t enough reliable information to know if DMSO is safe or what the side effects might be.

When applied to the skin: Non-prescription DMSO is possibly unsafe. Some non-prescription DMSO products might be industrial grade. These aren’t intended for human use and can contain impurities that can cause health issues. DMSO is easily absorbed through the skin, so it can carry these impurities into the body. Side effects might include blistering and burning.

When applied inside the bladder: Prescription DMSO is likely safe. Don’t use DMSO products that are not prescribed by a healthcare professional.

Pregnancy and breast-feeding: There isn’t enough reliable information to know if DMSO is safe to use when pregnant or breast-feeding. Stay on the safe side and avoid use.

Certain blood disorders. Injecting DMSO by IV might cause red blood cells to break down. This might be a problem for people with certain blood disorders. DMSO might make these conditions worse.

Kidney problems: DMSO might harm the kidneys. Check with a healthcare provider before using DMSO if you have kidney problems.

Liver problems: DMSO might harm the liver. Check with a healthcare provider before using DMSO if you have liver problems.br/>

Interactions ?

Moderate Interaction

Be cautious with this combination

• DMSO can sometimes increase how much medicine the body absorbs. Applying DMSO to the skin, eyes, or ears at the same time as applying medication can increase how much medicine the body absorbs. This might increase the effects and side effects of the medicine.

• DMSO might slow blood clotting. Taking DMSO along with medications that also slow blood clotting might increase the risk of bruising and bleeding.

• Using DMSO with sulindac might reduce how well sulindac works to treat pain. There is also a concern that using DMSO with sulindac can increase the risk for nerve pain.

• DMSO can increase a chemical in the body called acetylcholine. Some medications that are used for glaucoma, Alzheimer disease, and other conditions, also increase acetylcholine levels. Taking DMSO with these medications might increase the chance of side effects.

• Using DMSO with verteporfin might reduce how well verteporfin works.

• Using DMSO to dissolve platinum agents onto the skin might reduce how well these drugs work to treat cancer. Examples of platinum agents include carboplatin, cisplatin, and oxaliplatin.

Dosing

DMSO has most often been applied to the skin by adults in various forms, including creams, gels, and solutions. It is also applied inside the bladder. DMSO is available as a prescription and in dietary supplements. Speak with a healthcare provider before use.

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CONDITIONS OF USE AND IMPORTANT INFORMATION: This information is meant to supplement, not replace advice from your doctor or healthcare provider and is not meant to cover all possible uses, precautions, interactions or adverse effects. This information may not fit your specific health circumstances. Never delay or disregard seeking professional medical advice from your doctor or other qualified health care provider because of something you have read on WebMD. You should always speak with your doctor or health care professional before you start, stop, or change any prescribed part of your health care plan or treatment and to determine what course of therapy is right for you.

This copyrighted material is provided by Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database Consumer Version. Information from this source is evidence-based and objective, and without commercial influence. For professional medical information on natural medicines, see Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database Professional Version.
© Therapeutic Research Faculty 2020.

Dimethyl sulfoxide — a unique solvent and medicinal substance

Dimethyl sulfoxide (abbreviated as DMSO) — an organic compound, an aprotic solvent, that is, a solvent that, when decomposed in solution, does not form a free hydrogen ion H + (proton). The substance is a thick liquid, colorless, hygroscopic, with a characteristic odor. The reagent is miscible in any proportions with water, ethyl alcohol, chloroform, benzene. It dissolves well in diethyl ether and acetone.

Dimethyl sulfoxide boils at +189°C, is slightly volatile under normal conditions even when heated, making it a safe and convenient solvent.

It has unique dissolving properties, which is why it is currently widely used in medicine and cosmetology. It easily and quickly (within a few seconds) penetrates intact skin, transferring the active substances of medicinal or cosmetic products dissolved in it into the interior. Thus, it increases the effectiveness of ointments, creams, solutions – dramatically increasing the rate of penetration of active substances through the skin barrier. In addition, DMSO has anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects, and is harmful to many bacteria.

Pure DMSO, on contact with the skin, can cause irritation, therefore, for medicinal purposes, its aqueous solutions of various concentrations are most often used, usually from 10 to 70 percent.

Production of dimethyl sulfoxide

Demand for dimethyl sulfoxide is growing every year as more and more new applications are found for it. On an industrial scale, DMSO is supplied by paper companies, where this reagent is obtained as a by-product.

DMSO Applications

— DMSO is most commonly used as a solvent for organic and inorganic substances. It is used in analytical chemistry and in the chemical industry, in laboratory practice, at home, in biological research.
– In molecular biology when working with DNA sections.
– In microbiological studies using nuclear magnetic resonance, the deuterated form of dimethyl sulfoxide is used.
– The addition of dimethyl sulfoxide to the solution makes it possible to maintain cell cultures, blood, embryos, and other living objects in a viable state at the temperature of liquid nitrogen.
– In the production of electronic boards and devices.
– In everyday life, DMSO effectively removes paint stains, remnants of mounting foam, superglue.
– In medicine as part of external topical agents: anti-inflammatory; painkillers; against bruises and sprains; against ulcers, erysipelatous and purulent wounds; with diseases of the musculoskeletal system; for storing skin grafts. With thrombophlebitis (dissolves blood clots). The trade name is Dimexide. Due to a wide spectrum of action, “Dimexide” is in demand in military field medicine.
– In the military, DMSO is used to enhance the penetrating effect of toxic substances.
– Included in hydraulic fluids, antifreezes.

“PrimeChemicalsGroup”, a chemical reagents store in Moscow, offers to buy dimethyl sulfoxide at a good price, with delivery or pickup. The assortment includes a wide range of other reagents, laboratory equipment and glassware.

Dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO). Properties, features, scope

CAS number: 67-68-5

Chemical name and synonyms: Dimethyl sulfoxide, Methyl sulfoxide, Dimethyl (oxide) sulfur, DMSO, Dimethyl sulfoxide, DMSO, Methyl sulfoxide.

Physical and chemical properties:

Appearance: colorless transparent oily liquid

Molecular weight, g/mol: 78.13
Density g/cm³: 1.1±0.1
Melting point, °C: 18. 4
Flash point, °C: 87
Boiling point, °C: 189
Decomposition temperature, °C: 150
Vapor density: 2.7 (against air)
Vapor pressure, mm Hg Art.: 0.8±0.3 at 25°C

Description:

The substance was discovered by the Russian chemist Alexander Zaitsev in 1866 during the oxidation of dimethyl sulfide with nitric acid. However, for almost a century, DMSO was practically not used, properties and methods of application were not studied. Recorded use in Russian hospitals during the First World War in the treatment of wounds, fractures and injuries.

In 1958, its properties as an almost ideal solvent became known, which caused a sharp increase in research on DMSO. It has become widely used in medicine, biology, cosmetology, military affairs and many other industries. It easily and quickly (within a few seconds) penetrates intact skin, transferring the active substances of medicinal or cosmetic products dissolved in it into the interior.
Dimethyl sulfoxide is highly soluble in water, miscible with acetone, gasoline, benzene, toluene, acetic acid, dimethylformamide, ethyl alcohol.
Known as a drug called Dimexide.

Recommended storage temperature: 15 – 25 °C.

Application:

– As a cryoconservator
DMSO has the unique ability to dramatically lower the freezing point of water while maintaining the viability of most types of tissues and cells. It is integrated into the cell medium in order to minimize cell damage during freezing. 10% DMSO solution is used for safe cooling of cells and for their preservation at liquid nitrogen temperature. DMSO has become widely used in cryopreservation media for stem cells derived from human cord blood and reproductive tissue.

– As a solvent
Since DMSO is capable of dissolving a large amount of polymers, it is used in the casting of polymer films and fibers used in the production of cleaning membranes. With the help of DMSO, polyurethane and polyester residues from the manufacture of parts are cleaned.

Dimethyl sulfoxide is used as a solvent in chemical reactions involving inorganic salts, in particular in nucleophilic substitution reactions. Since DMSO has weak acidic properties, it is used as a solvent in the chemistry of carboanions.

Due to its high boiling point, DMSO evaporates very slowly at normal atmospheric pressure. Therefore, it is good to use it as a solvent for carrying out reactions when heated.

DMSO is safer and more effective than gasoline or dichloromethane as a paint stain remover. Along with nitromethane, DMSO is able to remove “super glue” (hardened, but still fresh) and uncured polyurethane foam.

Able to dissolve sludge, carbon deposits, varnishes formed during the decomposition of engine oil inside internal combustion engines. Why DMSO is added to the oil and directly into the combustion chamber. The flushing is so effective that it is possible to completely free the stuck piston rings and clean the oil drain holes in the pistons. But at the same time, the paint and varnish coatings of engine parts can also dissolve, with subsequent ingress of coating flakes into the oil lines.

– Pharmaceuticals and cosmetics
On average, in 7 seconds it is able to penetrate the skin barrier, carrying along with it the dissolved active substances of cosmetics or medicines. Due to such a sharp increase in the rate of penetration through the skin into the body, DMSO enhances the effect of creams, ointments and solutions.

– Medical
Used for inflammatory diseases of the musculoskeletal system. Analgesic and anti-inflammatory action is based on the mechanism of inactivation of hydroxyl radicals and improvement of metabolic processes in the focus of inflammation, inhibition of the conduction of nociceptive impulses in peripheral neurons, as well as antagonism against the vascular effects of histamine, bradykinin and prostaglandin E1.

The drug has a moderate antiseptic and fibrinolytic effect.

– Crop production
DMSO also increases the permeability of the cell barrier in plants. Therefore, the substance is used in the manufacture of solutions for feeding and protecting plants. In addition, DMSO acts as a natural source of organic sulfur for plants. DMSO is not toxic to plants and does not accumulate in their tissues.
The use of mixtures with dimethyl sulfoxide can increase the frost and drought resistance of plants up to 30%.

– Leather industry
DMSO significantly increases the permeability of water through the leather tissue. The rate of water penetration through the stratum corneum when using dimethyl sulfoxide in solution increases 125 times. The use of DMSO in the tanning process improves the quality of the tanned leather, reduces the tanning time and reduces the concentration of chromium oxide in the spent tanning solution. Leathers tanned with chrome tanning using DMSO have higher physical, mechanical and hygienic characteristics.

– Biology
Used in the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) to inhibit the pairing of parent DNA molecules. It is added to the PCR mixture before starting the reaction. The substance affects the complementary sections of DNA, preventing their pairing and reducing the number of side processes.

– Military
Enhances the damaging effect of chemical weapons. One drop of VX toxin mixed with DMSO (i.e., a lower dose) causes the death of a test animal twice as fast as a drop of a pure poisonous substance. Adding 10% DMSO solution to mustard gas doubles the depth of mustard skin lesions.

Receive:

On an industrial scale, DMSO is supplied by paper companies, where this reagent is obtained as a by-product in the sulfate method of wood delignization. Dimethyl sulfoxide is obtained industrially from dimethyl sulfide by oxidation with oxygen, nitric acid or nitrogen dioxide.

Action on the body:

Non-irritant to eyes and skin, skin allergen. But since DMSO is a substance that easily penetrates the protective skin barrier, while passing through it the components dissolved in it, it is the components of solutions in which DMSO is used as a solvent that are dangerous.

Therefore, when working with DMSO as a solvent, it is necessary to protect the skin with chemical protection gloves. Ordinary household gloves do not protect against the penetration of dimethyl sulfoxide. It is recommended to use gloves made of butyl rubber, fluoroelastomer, neoprene with a material thickness of more than 0.3 mm, or latex with a material thickness of more than 0.4 mm.

When DMSO is used for medical purposes, a dilution of 10 to 70 percent is used, as DMSO in its pure form may cause irritation to the skin. Dimethyl sulfoxide has anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects, and is harmful to many bacteria.

DMSO enhances the effects of blood thinners, steroids, heart drugs, sedatives and other drugs. In some cases, this can be harmful or dangerous.