dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO)

Dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) is a versatile chemical with a wide range of uses, primarily in medicine and industry. It is a colorless, sulfur-containing liquid known for its ability to penetrate skin and other tissues easily. Medically, DMSO is used as a drug delivery agent and has anti-inflammatory properties, often in treating certain conditions. Industrially, it serves as a solvent for chemicals and pharmaceuticals due to its capacity to dissolve many substances. Despite its usefulness, DMSO must be handled carefully because it can carry impurities through the skin and cause side effects if misused.