After applying DMSO to the skin, people have reported headache, nausea, diarrhea, generalized dermatitis, burning on urination, disturbance of color vision, and photophobia, while lens opacities and changes in refractive index have been reported in laboratory animals. DMSO has not been shown to be effective in the treatment of any type of arthritis, nor has its safety been established. As little as 5 grains of aspirin causes abnormal platelet aggregation which may persist 4-7 days. The folate deficient group showed a significantly higher incidence of organic brain syndrome, neuropathy, and pyramidal tract damage. The National Cancer Institute reports the development of tumors in experimental animals given commonly used drugs.
Male animals develop tumors of the seminal vesicles and adrenal glands.
The three types of cancers which developed involved the endocrine system. Cancer of the seminal vesicles are normally very rare in mice. Methapyrilene, an antihistamine found in non-prescription sleeping aids, decongestants, nasal sprays, and sedatives, produced liver cancer in the test animals. An ingredient in antidandruff shampoo, selenium sulfide, produced liver and lung cancers. Within a week after stopping the use of bubble bath the symptoms disappeared.