“Derb—Your second ‘expert’ on DMSO is correct. DMSO (for DiMethyl

SulfOxide) is quite harmless by itself and is used as folk remedies for

common ailments in Mexico and other places. The problem comes when it’s not

pure. You see, DMSO is a fantastic solvent (I use it in the lab all the

time to dissolve samples), and DMSO has the property that it is quite

readily absorbed through the skin. When it’s absorbed through the skin,

it’d better be pure. Or else everything dissolved in it will also go right

along with it. I always wear gloves when working with DMSO as I don’t want

to be poisoned by all the other stuff around the lab that might make its way

onto my hands.”