Methylsulfonyl Methane (MSM) is a volatile organosulfur compound with a molecular formula (CH₁SO₀). It is also called methyl sulfide and has been considered somewhat inert chemically. This colorless, odorless liquid is derived from fossil fuels and it contains one or more hydrogen sulfide units. Methyl sulfides have a distinctive unpleasant odor and are widely used as degreasers and solvents.
Methyl sulfide is highly reactive with organic compounds and its solubility in water is quite high. In some conditions the compound can form a covalent bond with organic solutes like oxygen and chlorate. Its effects on biological systems are not completely understood.
A number of organic compounds, most notably chlorate, are sensitive to this chemical. Methyl sulfides have the effect of dissolving chlorates and calcium carbonate in seawater. The resulting organic carbonate particles are generally insoluble in seawater. Methyl sulfides also dissolve inorganic compounds such as magnesium, iron, lead, copper, and zinc.
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) studies have shown that methyl sulfonyl methane (MSM) has the potential to promote the growth of cancer cells in the lungs, bladder, and colon. There are also reports that MSM can cause changes in hormone levels in male reproductive organs, affect bone marrow function, and possibly cause cancer in the pancreas and liver. It has also been found to cause birth defects in animals.
Methane is the primary component of natural gas and petroleum products. Exposure to Methane may result in severe respiratory, gastrointestinal, and circulatory system infections, as well as the development of blood clots, which can travel to the lung and cause aneurysms or brain lesions.
Methyl sulfide causes kidney failure, respiratory tract infection, pulmonary edema, and lung scarring. Methyl sulfide poisoning can cause a host of skin problems, including blisters, hives, crusts, rashes, inflammation of the skin and tooth decay. Symptoms of severe poisoning include skin blistering and discoloration, increased redness, blistering, and bleeding.
There are many cases of MSSA poisoning that involve medical intervention. Treatment options depend on the severity of the problem. If symptoms do not respond to conventional treatment, then hospitalization may be necessary. In serious cases of MSSA poisoning, dialysis is used to remove excess fluid from the blood, along with antifungal agents such as Amitiza and Cefadroxil.
If symptoms do not improve after several days of hospitalization and treatments have been unsuccessful, then surgery may be needed. The surgery involves removal of the tonsils and/or adenoids and replacement with bone grafts or a part of the jawbone. The jawbone is replaced or reshaped to the extent that the jawbone is no longer visible above the gum line. Antibiotics can also be used in this case to kill bacteria that have invaded the jawbone.
Once the surgery has healed the patient, there are some very effective ways to treat symptoms of Methyl sulfonylmethanethanesulfonyl methane. Methicillin is usually used, but it can lead to a recurrence of the infection if it is not taken properly, which is why antibiotic treatment should be stopped once the problem is under control.
Many topical antibiotics are available to treat symptoms of Methylsulfonylmethane poisoning including Metronidazole, Butoconazole, Tioconazole, Miconazole Hydrochloride. These medications are often given as eye drops. Some patients may find relief by applying Benzoyl peroxide drops directly on the affected area, but this is not a recommended method as the chemicals contained in these drops are harsh and may result in drying out of the affected area and skin irritation.
Topical solutions and other therapies can help control the symptoms of Methylsulfonylmethanethanesulfonyl methane and should the infection reappear and cause significant skin irritation. In some cases of MSSA infection, oral antibiotics such as Miconazole are used to treat the infection.
Although the above treatment options will give some relief from symptoms of Methylsulfonylmethanethanesulfonyl methane, there are times when the symptoms get worse and sometimes the patient will not be able to control them or get rid of them completely. Therefore, it is a good idea to seek the assistance of a doctor who can guide you through treatment and recovery.