From the Guidelines
DMSO is not a recommended treatment for Raynaud's phenomenon due to limited scientific evidence and potential side effects, and conventional treatments like calcium channel blockers and phosphodiesterase 5 inhibitors should be used as first-line therapy. The most recent and highest quality study, published in 2023 in the journal Nature Reviews Rheumatology 1, does not mention DMSO as a treatment option for Raynaud's phenomenon. Instead, it recommends dihydropyridine calcium channel blockers, such as nifedipine, as the initial treatment, followed by phosphodiesterase 5 inhibitors or intravenous iloprost for severe cases. Another study published in 2023 in the same journal 1 also supports the use of calcium channel blockers and phosphodiesterase 5 inhibitors for treating Raynaud's phenomenon. The 2023 update of the EULAR recommendations for the treatment of systemic sclerosis, published in the Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases 1, also does not mention DMSO as a treatment option for Raynaud's phenomenon.
Some key points to consider when treating Raynaud's phenomenon include:
- Using dihydropyridine calcium channel blockers, such as nifedipine, as the initial treatment
- Considering phosphodiesterase 5 inhibitors or intravenous iloprost for severe cases
- Avoiding the use of DMSO due to limited scientific evidence and potential side effects
- Keeping extremities warm and avoiding triggers to prevent Raynaud's attacks
- Using FDA-approved medications and treatments that have been proven to be effective in managing Raynaud's phenomenon.
It is essential to prioritize the use of evidence-based treatments that have been proven to be effective in managing Raynaud's phenomenon, rather than relying on unproven or unconventional treatments like DMSO. As stated in the 2023 study published in Nature Reviews Rheumatology 1, treatment of systemic sclerosis, including Raynaud's phenomenon, should be organ-based or aimed at disease modification, and should only be done under medical supervision.
From the Research
Treatment Options for Raynaud's Phenomenon
- The primary goal of therapy is to reduce the frequency and intensity of Raynaud's attacks and to minimize the related morbidity rather than to cure the underlying condition 2.
- Treatment strategies depend on whether Raynaud's phenomenon (RP) is primary or secondary 2.
- Calcium channel blockers are currently the most prescribed and studied medications for this purpose 2, 3.
- Other treatments that have been studied include alpha-1-adrenergic receptor antagonists, angiotensin receptor blockers, topical nitrates, fluoxetine, phosphodiesterase inhibitors, and endothelin-1 receptor antagonists 2, 3, 4, 5.
DMSO and Raynaud's Phenomenon
- There is no mention of DMSO as a treatment option for Raynaud's phenomenon in the provided studies 2, 3, 6, 4, 5.
- The studies discuss various pharmacologic and non-pharmacologic treatments, but DMSO is not included as a potential treatment option.
Alternative Treatments
- Some studies suggest that alternative treatments such as phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitors, endothelin antagonists, and botulinum toxin may be beneficial in reducing symptoms of Raynaud's phenomenon 4, 5.
- However, these treatments are not universally effective and may have varying degrees of success depending on the individual patient and the severity of their symptoms.