Effect of dimethyl sulfoxide on permeability of human skin in vitro.

A diffusion flow cell is described for the continuous monitoring of skin permeability. The technique was used to study the permeability behavior of human skin subsequent to treatment with dimethyl sulfoxide. Such treatment produced an increased penetration rate of tritiated water, which was dependent upon the time of exposure and the concentration of dimethyl sulfoxide applied. Removal of the solvent resulted in partial recovery of barrier capacity. Skin, incubated in vitro in growth medium containing dimethyl sulfoxide, survived only at very low concentrations. Degeneration occurred after a few days in 4.5% dimethyl sulfoxide and much sooner at higher concentrations.