Hi Vanessa:

DMSO is used as an anti-oxidant and supposedly helps block pain signals just under the skin. So sensivity is lessened. Some people do react to it and you should always ask your doctor. It also is used as a transfering agent, so you must apply to clean skin, it will take anything applied on top of it deep into tissue so you have to be careful not to touch medication or such with this stuff on you. There is a lot of controversy on this medication but it can be bought online. I bought Nature's Gift DMSO w/Aloe Vera at www.herbalremedies.com. I researched which brand for about a week. This seemed the most pure and best
to try. My doctor approved saying it wouldn't hurt me.

This is something I saved from my searches "When applied to the skin, DMSO penetrates rapidly and will pass into the tissue below. Scientists believe DMSO may produce a wide range of pharmacologic actions, including anti-inflammation (reduces swelling), local analgesia (relieves pain), bacteriostasis, diuresis, cholinesterase inhibition, potentiator of the action of concomitantly administered drugs, influence on collagen, nonspecific enhancement of immunity, vasodilation, and lessening of adhesiveness of blood platelets."

Some online sources of information about this:
http://www.arthritis.org/resources/a...plorations.asp
http://www.medicinehouse.com/guidepages/PRrsd.html

Yes, it also is a type of paint thinner, but so are bugs!
I hope this helps! Please let me know if you have more questions. I must have about 25 links on RSD.
Smiles,
Septmystic