i know that it has been used on horses for inflammation and pain for many years now, thats about all i know

Most of us don't know what all the letters stand for when listed. Please spell out what

DMSO stands for.

DMSO = dimethysulfoxide --it is a very potent solvent.
MSM -- methylsulfonylmethane -- a common supplement for arthritis/joint issues in supplements orally.

This has been around for a LONG time--decades.

The problem with it, is that it is basically a carrier...a solvent.
So it is can be used to carry other things into the body.
In fact it is used to treat some bladder disorders as an irrigating solution, introduced directly into the bladder. This is not common, but if you Google it you will find it.

So the skin should be very clean before using it.

I am unaware of its benefit for PN. But I will search it tomorrow to see if any newer data exists.

My continuing impression is that it is a double edged sword.
Good for arthritis etc, but perhaps not a cure all.

Thanks, mrsD. I am reading all number of things about it...one site indicates it can cure cancer...

Hey george, thanks for the reminder...but I wasn't all together sure what it stood for either!!! LOL

Check this site for what DMSO stands for - it tells you all about it:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dimethyl_sulfoxide

The Neurologist I used to see recommended this, although I never could get past the fact it is a solvent, so never did try it. I understand that it leaves you with a garlicky aftertaste, not that you should drink it...

Cathie

It gets into you and creates a significant ODOR... that some
people claim is heavily GARLIC.

Also if you decide to try it, you must buy "clean" DMSO, as since it is a solvent, the industrial grade may have contaminants in it which it will carry thru and into YOU.

http://www.racoon.com/herpes/main/dmso.htm

I also saw a question posed to The Cleveland Clinic which stated that they do NOT use it. Not enough evidence of effectiveness or safety.

There is this paper (text not available), whose title says
DMSO caused a PN:
http://www3.interscience.wiley.com/j...TRY=1&SRETRY=0

The PDR entry:
http://www.pdrhealth.com/drugs/altme...&contentId=607

My general take is that DMSO has been around for DECADES.
If it were so great, we'd have heard about it before now.
It appears to me to be a "mixed" bag. Still, with just anectdotal data.