The effect of percutaneous dimethyl sulfoxide on cutaneous manifestations of systemic sclerosis.

DMSO exerts a palliative, therapeutic effect on healing of cutaneous ulcers in systemic sclerosis. The therapeutic response was variable and, therefore, the concentration of DMSO, as well as frequency and duration of treatments, should be individualized to obtain maximum healing effect with a minimum of adverse reactions. There was no evidence of ocular toxicity or other serious toxicity manifestations in this group of patients treated with topical DMSO for one year or longer. Delayed improvement was observed in the untreated extremity in the majority of patients studied. In no instance did improvement in the untreated extremities exceed improvement in the treated, bilateral counterpart. It is believed this resulted from a systemic, carry-over effect of DMSO rather than spontaneous improvement in the disease course. DMSO is a worthwhile, supplemental, therapeutic agent providing the limitations of therapy are understood.