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DMSO as a Herpes Treatment

Proponents of Dimethyl sulfoxide, or DSMO, make claims that it is an "all-natural" substance derived from wood pulp. Many natural health practitioners advocate its use for treatment of conditions such as herpes and arthritis.

  1. History

    • DSMO is actually a byproduct of the paper manufacturing process. According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, DSMO is a solvent similar to turpentine.

    Forms

    • DSMO is used in various forms. The only FDA-approved use of DSMO is in the sterile form, called Rimso-50, used for treating interstitial cystitis, a rare bladder condition.

    Theories/Speculation

    • Some theories state that DMSO, applied properly, is effective in the treatment of herpes, by entering your cells and killing the herpes virus.

    Significance

    • Proponents, while encouraging the use of DSMO as a treatment for herpes, acknowledge that only the highest-quality DSMO, in the purest form, should be used, and as a solvent only.

    Warning

    • According to the FDA, there are no controlled studies showing the safety and effectiveness of DSMO as a treatment for herpes. The FDA also states that DSMO in an impure form can carry bacterial toxins into your bloodstream when applied topically, thus being very dangerous. For serious medical conditions such as herpes, consult your physician before pursuing any type of treatment.

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