Dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) has been investigated for its potential in treating bruises due to its anti-inflammatory and membrane-penetrating properties. Several studies, primarily from the 1960s to 1980s, explored DMSO’s ability to reduce pain, swelling, and promote healing in soft tissue injuries, including contusions (bruises). DMSO is thought to work by reducing local inflammation and edema, and by scavenging free radicals generated by tissue injury. Animal studies and a handful of human trials suggest that topical DMSO application may accelerate resolution of bruising and decrease associated discomfort. However, the quality of the available evidence is mixed and often limited by small sample sizes and methodological flaws. DMSO is approved for specific clinical uses in some countries (notably, interstitial cystitis in the US), but its use for bruises is off-label and not universally accepted in mainstream medicine. Despite this, DMSO is sometimes used in sports medicine and by alternative practitioners for soft tissue injuries, based on early data and anecdotal reports. Side effects such as skin irritation and garlic-like odor are common. In summary, there is limited but real scientific evidence supporting DMSO’s use for bruises; however, more rigorous, modern clinical trials are needed to firmly establish its efficacy and safety profile for this indication.