Eczema Remedies
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Eczema or dermatitis is a group of skin conditions. Mild eczema is characterized by dry, hot and itchy skin, while severe eczema is characterized by broken, raw and bleeding skin. Stress and environmental factors are currently being explored as possible causes of eczema. Eczema is a very common condition, occuring in about 1-2% of adults and as much as 20% of children!
Below are some of the best home remedies to cure eczema & contact dermatitis, as reported by our readers. Please let us know if you have had any luck curing your eczema with folk remedies!
DISCLAIMER
Our readers offer information and opinions on Earth Clinic, not as a substitute for professional medical prevention, diagnosis, or treatment. Please consult with your physician, pharmacist, or health care provider before taking any home remedies or supplements or following any treatment suggested by anyone on this site. Only your health care provider, personal physician, or pharmacist can provide you with advice on what is safe and effective for your unique needs or diagnose your particular medical history.
POPULAR REMEDIES:
| APPLE CIDER VINEGAR | 27 YEAS |
| COCONUT OIL | 10 YEAS |
1 YEA
[YEA] 12/10/2006: B from Attica, IN writes: "After being diagnosed with IBS and perioral dermatitis I knew I had to make a change. I did my research and talked to a few people at the health food stores and then added probiotic acidophilus to my diet. The first week I took 2 times the recommended amount, the second week I cut it down the recommended amount and then have stayed on that amount rather well the past 10 years. It has fixed all the problems with my skin as well as my digestinal tract. All the diseases of the body start in the stomach and colon, the acidophilus either in capsule form or yogurt help correct this imbalance. By fixing the imbalance, everything else falls in line. My skin is beautiful now. I would recommend this to any one suffering from any skin lesions and digestive problems."
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1 YEA
[YEA] 10/29/2007: Natalie from Evans, Georgia writes: "My daughter had awful eczema on her face. I saw one reference to an ingredient called quercetin (spelling?) that I knew was supposed to be in apple skin. I buy organic apples and slice one up every morning for her breakfast. She only eats half an appple, but the eczema is now easily controllable with a little half percent cortisone. If she ate a whole apple, I feel like she would not need the cortisone at all. I'd like to get her to try the ACV, but know she'd hate the smell. Love this site...just found it!"
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27 YEA
5 BETTER BUT NOT CURED
1 SIDE EFFECT
1 QUESTION
[BETTER BUT NOT CURED] 03/16/2010: Nvr2fit from Sacramento, Ca writes: "Apple Cider Vinegar has nearly cured my arms of eczema after only 3 days. I still have slightly bumpy forearms on the tops of both arms, but I am so amazed it is nearly gone. I took 1 tablespoon of ACV 3 times a day so far for 3 days and will continue for 7 more days for a total of 10 days. Incredible since 3 days ago the tops of my arms were enflamed incredibly itchy, unsightly red bumpy patches from my wrist to past my elbows. I have never given my testimonial about anything and had to for this because I am truly surprised it works so well and so fast! I was on the verge of picking up my prescription for Elidel which I knew would only mask the problem rather be the cure, but I was getting desperate as the eczema was spreading up my arm. On top of that with my insurance is costs $160! Bottom line, I'm a believer in the power and potency of ACV and encourage anyone to use it for their eczema. If necessary I know I will use it again and again."
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[BETTER BUT NOT CURED] 03/02/2010: Valerie from Miami, Florida writes: "Apple Cider Vinegar helped my 10 year old with her eczema. My daughter has slight eczema since age 2. After moving to Florida, with the ocean and the sun, we forgot all about this ugly condition, but the unusual cold wheather this year has caused her eczema to flare up all over her arms and legs. I tried lots of creams and ointments, but she still scratched her self on a daily basis...I use this site a lot and I went to search for a cure and it worked!
I got a spray bottle and poured 2-3 table spoons of ACV 'organic' and some water to dilute the solution maybe 2-3 table spoons or less, I didn't measure.
I had her spray it on the sores and she said it burned but the itching was gone. After the solution dried I had her apply a gentle, organic face cream to keep the skin moisturised.
She does this in the morning and at night and its been a week and she feels great. Too soon to tell if its gone, but my baby feels better and thats great!!!
Thank you all so much for your wonderful suggestions.
Be well."
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[YEA] 02/05/2010: Jim from Dublin, Ireland writes: "I had suffered badly from eczema when I was a baby. I had it on and off during my childhood and teens, but nothing too bad. In my twenties it was pretty much not there. Around three years ago (I'm in my early thirties now) it flared up in a big way. I had been trying to deal with it for the past three years and it was annoying but not debilitating. Then about 8 months ago it just started getting worse and worse to the point where I had to take time off work.
I tried cortisone cream and gave it up. I was moisturising with emollients all the time. I tried Chinese herbs and acupuncture, to no avail. Then I came across ACV here. From the first day I tried it I felt better -- I actually felt like a human being again. I was drinking two imperial tablespoons in hot water three times a day and putting it neat on my skin twice a day and letting it dry in and it felt great. I stopped using those horrible emollients which I finally realised are like plastic. I got some pure shea butter instead to put on my skin, as the ACV dried it out for the first two weeks or so and I thought it needed natural moisturisation.
After about two weeks it seemed that when I applied the ACV the eczema felt itchier immediately after (it stings also) but after half an hour that would go away. I could actually sleep through the night without being woken by it. And I felt better in many other ways too.
I've been using it now for the last two months and my eczema has got better and better to the extent that I can say it's cured my eczema. There are still patches that are dry and are prone to get a little bit itchy. So I'm continuing to take ACV, as well as eating well, drinking less alcohol and exercising more. I've been waiting for the day when I could write this, because my life was hell for a long time. Thanks earthclinic."
02/23/2010: The Moon-atomic from Pulaski, Tennessee, Usa replies: "i put the acv on my arm for the first time after reading how its a marvelous cure. so i'm trying it. it stings and burns. but i like it, because it doesn't itch. what is it supposed to look like when i put it on? it looks so red now, but i'm guessing thats good? can you give me some points and tips? Thank you so much :)."
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[YEA] 12/31/2009: Katie from Atlantic, Pa writes: "First I love love your site I have had a flare up of awful eczema like a beard on my face and have always took lecithin to hold this time i has not helped at all so I started half acv/water in a spray bottle in the shower just 5-10 seconds 6 days later gone I could swear my pores are smaller and my skin is glowing thank you thank you my brother also uses it for dry scalp"
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[YEA] 12/20/2009: Penelope from Toronto, Canada writes: "apple cider vinegar /eczema
Wonderful information here has helped so much. I have finally cured my eczema with ACV. I was reluctant to use it around my eyes and had been told to use cortisone creams sparingly as the eyelids are so sensitive. I was reluctant to try ACV but when I did - presto! Everything calmed down and now a week later, it seems that my problems with eczema are a thing of the past. I used about 1 Teaspoon diluted in a 1/2 cup of water. I applied it twice a day. Wonderful! Fabulous! Thanks so much."
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[BETTER BUT NOT CURED] 12/08/2009: Cynthia from Auckland, New Zealand writes: "Eczema - Apple Cider Vinegar
Hello I wrote a post about Neem and Baking Soda and how it was working well for me. It was good but not as good as Apple Cider Vinegar! I just added that to the combo. I dab it on my skin and it stings especially for first two days. Now my weeping ecezma has stopped itching!!!!!!!!! It is drying out. I don't put creams on just let it dry - it looks like cracked desert but I don't mind coz it doesn't itch. It also flares up less if I sweat like sitting at the movies etc.I am going to keep applying it and hopefully write back soon when it is all gone!!!!"
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[YEA] 10/23/2009: Soh from Adelaide, Australia writes: "I was at my wit's end with eczema and inflammed skin. I had deep cuts and bleeding cracks on my right hand. I followed Earth clinc's advise and applied ACV topically (store bought ACV) - it burnt but it stopped itching. I also started taking ACV internally twice a day (I do not mind the taste at all, I enjoy a glass of water with a tsp or two of ACV. Also, my headaches are gone and I feel refreshed and clear-headed and full of energy the whole day - we are talking peppy and clear headed after an 8 hour meeting here - the ACV is working wonders for me:)
I have not had an itching episode for over a week now...and slowly but surely the hand is healing. Thanks Earth Clinic :)"
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10/12/2009: Mo from Irving, Tx writes: "Hi, I see that everyone is pretty much having some great success with ACV. I just found this site today and am going to buy some today after work and begin use immediately. The only real question I have is about moisturizers. I use petroleum jelly and eucerin. Can I put these on right after ACV use or is this a moisturizer in itself. Also I am currently on a steroid cream. I am 25yrs old and have had Eczema since I was a baby and in June began the absolute worst breakout of my life. I just got relief. I mean this had me in tears it was so bad. I had so many black regions all over and sores, rashes, etc. It hurt to bathe! I pray that this ACV works and please let me know about the moisturizers. Thanks so much for you success stories!!! We need them!!!"
10/29/2009: Kath from Hartford, Ct replies: "Mo from Irving TX wrote that he wanted to use petroleum jelly and eucerin. Our family is very sensitive and cannot tolerate these products. They make the hand worse (for us). What has been good has been a product from the health food store which is similar to petroleum jelly, yet it has not petroleum in it! Maybe you could check your health food store for this. I just started taking apple cider vinegar today for energy and my eczema. At night, sometimes I put this non petroleum jelly from the health food store on my hand thickly and then I put a cotton sock over it and go to sleep. Also, do you have food allergies? When I eat food which I am allergic to, it makes the eczema very bad. Additionally, we cannot tolerate regular soap which may be in public bathrooms. We need to get the olive oil and aloe soap, and health food store laundry detergent.Best wishes!"
11/17/2009: Masa from New York, New York replies: "In regards if you can use a moisturizer on your skin after Apple Cider Vinegar, yes you can. I do it all the time AND it actually works better than moisturizer, so much better."
11/29/2009: Nicky from Martinez, Ca replies: "I have psoriasis - I know this is a diff. ailment but I think the remedies are the same. I have been using organic ACV both externally and internally, plus better choices in foods & beverages. I do use moisturizers in addition to applying the ACV. I find it best to do the moisturizing immediately after showering or bathing when your pores are open. I start with S. Ive's Intensive Healing lotion (fragrance free & just as good as Eucerin & a whole lot less exp.), then I do the organic ACV in a squeeze bottle and complete the whole process with Aquaphor (fragrance free & similar to consistency of petroleum jelly - costs more but so worth it - you don't have to get this in health food store either). I have had this problem since I was 13 - I'm 49 now. I cannot believe the difference this has made for me even though I've been this only for about 6 months now. I have been been unable to wear many types of clothing in the past but now it has cleared up so significantly that I expect by next summer, I'll be able to wear sun dresses and maybe even a bathing suit in public!"
11/30/2009: Nicky from Martinez, Ca, Usa replies: "Fragrance free laundry detergents are very important, as well as staying away from scented soaps and scented body washes too!"
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[BETTER BUT NOT CURED] 10/03/2009: Marylou from Richmond, British Columbia, Canada writes: "I have been so frustrated with my eczema, on my entire left and right arms so i tried looking for cures online, after using hydrocortisone used up one whole tube but still nothing. thanks very much for all inputs here, i went to buy ACV, and today is just my 4th day, the itch subsided to almost totally no itch at all, unlike nights when i could not sleep cuz of itching. i directly wipe the ACV onto my arms, after i bathe, and again like 2x within the day, i dont care if i smell at work, with a cotton ball, stinging happened but it will go away in a few minutes. now my skin is slowly like peeling off, which i think it's changing to new skin. thank you to whoever thought of this."
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[YEA] 09/01/2009: Vermillion from Australia, Brisbane writes: "My 7yr old son had eczema since hes a baby, it gotten worse lately due to eating a much more variety of food. Its dry, flaking, oozing out pus.Theres always a layer of dead skin on his mattress,all of us couldnt have a good nite sleep because we would hear him crying due to the intense itch n also scratching in his room.he couldnt even straighten his arms/legs because its that dry n the skin might tear.We had to get him off school as school mates makes fun of him.We tried all the creams, bath oil everything u can find at the chemist, even when to a speacialist. He was given a strong steroid syrup to stop itching but at the same time it stops him from growing.
Now hes on 1 capful of ACV mixed with a glass of warm water or sometimes with his morning tea. I also use the above mixture in a bowl with cloth or sometimes my fingers n dab the mixture on the sores, scratch marks n open skin. It worked so far but i still will have to continue this to see results.Its good to see him not scratching or itch in pain anymore.
best of luck to everybody whose had this annoying, unsightly 'disease'. I know how u feel n has gone thru a lot too.."
09/15/2009: Dana from Vaughan, Ontario, Canada replies: "Dear Vermillion, for eczema very good is nettle; two spoons and water boil for couple of minutes; when cold wash your son's body a couple times a day and for sure before bed time. It should calm the ich and cure the skin. Lately i have discovered _____ Noni.You might want to read about Noni too. Best of luck, Dana"
09/16/2009: Kathy from Dubois, Pa replies: "I think of eczema as a sign or syndrome...it crops up when something isn't right, but since it is a sign or syndrome, rather than a disease, the cause of it varies from person to person.
So just to throw this data point into the mix, my husband cropped up with a latex allergy awhile back. Latex had never given him a problem before, but he was having alot of stress at work, and that may have added to his problem. Well, he had this darned eczema all winter and spring but then come summer, when he was able to get out into the sun, it started to clear up. That got me to thinking that maybe it was a Vitamin D deficiency that was bothering him, so I told him to put some Vitamin D right on the eczema patches (prick a capsule and squeeze out the contents). Bingo...the itching stopped, the eczema went away and has stayed away. He also added more Vit D-3 to his diet (with supplements) and goes out in the sun. He's just relieved that he doesnt' have to suffer when winter comes this year."
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[YEA] 08/25/2009: Zb from Ny, Ny writes: "It's a miracle. I tried out the remedy for eczema......i put apple cider vinegar on my legs and it burned and it still itched but at a bearable level....so that i could control myself from itching ... and stop that constant cycle of calm skin and the urge to itch!
I also tried taking apple cider vinegar 2 tablespoons of it mixed with a cup of water and 1/2 a teaspoon of baking soda once a day that was also suggested on the website, that helps too, with digestion and also with drying out the skin, i think....so it can heal!
As regards the creams....i have tried sooooo many....recently i have tried out ___s baby oil....and as of now...it nourishes the skin...without contibuting to any itching.
Good luck to all, who are dealing with this....and god bless all the people who have put down their ideas and thoughts and suggestions on this website in order to help people like me who stumbled onto this website. It has changed my life, as regards dealing with this, thank you, one and all!"
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[YEA] 06/14/2009: Meg from San Jose, CA, USA writes: "I had been desperate to find something to help my husband with the itch of eczema, which particularly drove him nuts at night, although he would scratch like he had fleas all day long too. I accidentally found your site and looked up eczema. Many seemed to have found success using ACV (Apple Cider Vinegar) so I decided, since there was no harm in using this natural remedy, we would try it. My husband has been using ACV, 2 teaspoons sweeten with honey (probably about 2 tablespoons) in 6 to 8 oz. of hot water 3 times a day for about 2 months now. It took perhaps three weeks for a complete alleviation of the itching, but, miraculously, the eczema itself is history, not just the itch! We had been told, as have so many others, I'm sure, by well-meaning but brainwashed dermatologists, that eczema cannot be cured. It is difficult to find strong enough words to thank the people who run this site, as well as the folks who are willing to share their valuable information with others. You are all helping to put a nail in the coffin of the greedy pharmaceutical giants who have the ears and trust of the dedicated doctors in this and many other fields fields. You are also helping individuals save a lot of money and get real and lasting relief. I can't begin to tell you how much money we had spent on this problem before finding you, and what appears to be an inexpensive 'cure' although I hate to use that word. I have waited this long to report back to you because, notoriously, various creams, etc. will help dramatically for a few weeks, and then the condition returns with a vengeance! Not so this remedy!..... I will continue to use your site, and continue to recommended EarthClinic.com to my friends and acquaintances. Thank you so much again.
Meg"
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06/02/2009: Heather from Glen Allen, VA writes: "My son who is now 10 months has eczema and has since 4 months. i tried putting the acv on his body and he screamed. i couldn't bear it, so i put him back in the tub and rinsed him off. should i dilute with water? or maybe not do it right after a bath? i'm tired of using the steroid lotions and ointments. it keeps coming back. he had some flare ups on his legs. i've been using the ointment for a week and 1/2 and now all of sudden he's got it all over again. any help from any one would be greatly appreciated."
07/06/2009: Mom2_3 from Baltimore, Maryland replies: "Be vigilant with your trials. You will find what works. Change your laundry detergent to a "Free & Clear", also your fabric softener. I have done away with the softener and I use vinegar (1/4 cup) every load and no one knows noticed a difference! Also the shampoo and soap you use can cause it. I use 100% all vegetable soap sold at a "Traders" store, make sure the babies arms and neck get rinsed thoroughly, sometimes residue gets caught in the folds of their skin. Keep up you hard work!"
07/08/2009: Joyce from Joelton, Tn replies: "Hello Heather,
Try leaving off soap when bathing your little one and see if that gets rid of the eczema. Just use a l00% cotton wash cloth and water for bathing and I'd also use a l00% cotton towel for drying him off.
If you feel you must use something besides water, you might try 1/3 cup of ACV in the bath water, just be careful and don't get any in his eyes. The reason he probably screamed when you put it on him is because the fumes makes your eyes burn like fire. It shouldn't have that effect so much when it is greatly diluted in water."
08/28/2009: John Waters from Baxledy.ga, Ga. replies: "My wife and little girls have eczema, we tried some much stuff and the only thing that we could find that would work was lavender. My wife mixes it with water and not for sure on the ratio, but it works and does not sting, only smells good . John W."
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04/21/2009: Adzaa21 from Crownpoint, New Mexico writes: "I am a first time user of apple cider vinger. I have been doing anything and everything to help my inflammed skin, which is Eczema. Right now, I'm taking 1 tablespoon to two tablespoon in distilled water for drinking and 1 teaspoon to 1/2 cup of warm water for toner? I am not certain if that is correct amount but at least a start. This is only my first day. I had a question, do I use only water or can I substitute with others like tea or juice as I can't stand the smell."
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[YEA] 04/02/2009: Amanda from Lakeside, Arizona writes: "Apple Cider Vinegar for Excema: My daughter who is now six years old has had excema since she was 5 weeks old. We have tried everything to cure her excema. She has it the worst on her cheeks and around her mouth. I finally found this website that said to use Apple Cider Vinegar. I thought we would give it a try. Two nights ago I gave her 1 tsp. in a glass of juice. She didn't like it but she tried it. Then we took a cotton ball and rubbed it all over her face. She said it stung for about a minute then it went away. I only did this once that day, then the next morning it was absolutely amazing. Her face looked better than it has in years. We did not even give her the APV orally yesterday we just rubbed it all over her face again before bedtime and this morning her face is completely cleared up. I have been calling every family member I know telling them about this. We have quite a few kids in the family that have excema that have had no luck. I am so grateful I found this website. Thank you."
01/23/2010: Natalie from Tillamook, Or replies: "Eleny, I would def get ur children checked for food intolerances. My daughter was born with horrible eczema covering her entire body. We put her on hypoallergenic formula and it went away. When she was one they thought she had grown out of her issues so they wanted her on cows milk but for the next year I was constantly finding spit-up on the floor and her eczema would come and go. She suffered for 5 months with bronchitis and antibiotics were not helping her. Her doctor suggested a food sensitivity screening. She was sensitive to eggs, wheat, gluten, dairy, casein & chicken. After we changes her diet not only did her eczema clear up but her behavior changed also. She was a pleasant child now, before she was very cranky, she never minded and even though she was growing she seemed to be having some developmental delays. She is now ahead of the game for he now being three. The is tall, smart and healthy. I would try goat milk in place of dairy to see if that reduces some of your childs issues. My daighters both have the same food sensitivites so they both drink goat milk. ACV does work great, but eczema is a symptom of something else. Our doctor told me eczema is digestive related. i hope that this helps u and I hope that ur child stops their itching soon!"
01/23/2010: The_phoenix from Townsville, Australia replies: "Hi All,
Our 3 children were all weaned off the breast around 1 year old (Mother Nature signals the timing by the appearance of the first teeth ... ask any breastfeeding mother about that). They went straight onto home made Almond milk (fine strained with honey as the sweetener) and mashed fruit and cooked veges. They all grew up healthy and well until their teens when they discovered junk food :-(
Others have posted in this forum about feeding babies with other non dairy liquids (Barley milk etc).
Technically speaking, from a nutritional point of view, they don't need 'milk' after they can eat solid food but I think it is emotionally comforting and nutritional support for them in the transition from breast to solid food.
There are good arguments against eating dairy at all, ever. My kids didn't eat any dairy products in their formative years and I haven't drunk animal milk for decades (I do eat cheese and yoghurt in small - moderate amounts). The difficulty with lacto-vegetarianism is getting enough protein ... without meat/fish and dairy it doesn't leave many sources of complete and dense protein so mothers taking babies off the breast need to account for protein intake for the baby.
(Note that nutmilks are not suitable for babies whose sole source of nutrition is from 'milk' because it does not contain the full spectrum of required nutrients on its own).
BTW I have tried vegetarianism, lacto-vegetarianism and macrobiotics (amongst other things) and the most difficult part of all of those diets is the social side ... you can't visit someone and tell them you don't eat eggs, or cream, when they lovingly offer you a home baked three tier chocolate cake with cream garnishing ... you just have to join in with a smile ;-)"
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02/18/2009: Eleny from Graham, WA writes: "I have three kids and two of the three have eczema. My daughter suffered as an infant and into her toddler years but ever since I started using all natural products on her it has ceased. Unfortunately my sons condition is still running rampant and is the worse case out of the two. He has is on both cheeks, his stomach, and his upper thighs. It's patchy and in some areas I have noticed some scabbing. It seems as if though it is worse on his face and no matter what remedy I use it only offers temporal relief and nothing more them a full 24hrs. I use 100% refined Castor oil mixed with a blend of natural oils and it offers some relief but that is about it. I just recently discovered that my son is Gluten Intolerant and wonder if that has anything to do with his eczema. I believe he might be allergic to cow's milk, not too sure because when I offer it to him he only drinks a little bit and usually gives the cup back to me. I hate seeing him like this. Would it be okay to give him ACV with Baking Soda and what would be the recommended dosage for a 14 month old? He is still nursed and just learning to eat solids because of his gluten intolerance condition. I occasionally take ACV so I would assume that he is getting a small amount of it in my milk. Considering this, should I increase my dose so that he will get more, and if so, how much should I drink daily or should I give it to him orally or topically? Please help..."
[YEA] 03/20/2009: Jennifer from Ajax, Canada replies: "Hi Eleny,
I also have an eczema baby (who's now 22 mths old). It started when he was 3 months and showed on his face (oozing weeping sores that scabbed) and migrated down his body. Happily he's now eczema free with the occasion itchy spell. What I have been using since day one is 1 cup of ACV and some epsom salts in his bath. I put calendula oil on his immediately after his bath and slather him up with cream. At 9 months we took him to the allergist and discovered that he had Dairy, soy and egg allergies. At 15 month he was tested and he was gluten intolerant as well. Since I was breasfeeding we cut out all the dairy/soy/egg/gluten in my diet and slowly his skin improved to where his skin is perfect.
I was taking ACV with baking soda religiously as well and I think it did improve things. But also he has flax seed oil (omega 3) everyday (1 tsp X 2-3 meals) and eating alot of apples. I think his digestion needed to mature alot because he seemed to be sensitive to rice/banana at first but now can eat it without problem. Plain vinegar on the skin seems to stop the itchies, and keeping the skin well moisturized helps lessen the damage.
I know how horrible it is to have a child with eczema so I wish you all the best"
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[YEA] 01/25/2009: Bianca from Baton Rouge, La writes: "I found your website by doing a general search to find if acv could help my infant son with his eczema. My son has had it since he was a month and a half. After his 2 month vaccination, it went crazy. He has been prescribed every cortisteroid cream and even Elidel. He was given a four day dose of oral steroids. It cleared him up beautifully. A week later the eczema was back with a vengeance and worse than before. So I began to research. I started using acv on his skin two days ago and the eczema is drying up very fast and actually the dead skin is slowly peeling away. I have spent so much money on expensive lotions, creams, and whatever else he pediatrician advised. When I asked her about the acv...."Oh that stuff will never work," she said. Of course not. There's too much money to be made by prescribing all of the harmful medicines!!! I am a true believer of this stuff. This morning I gave him a teaspoon in about 3 ounces of apple juice. You can't even tell the difference in the taste. But without the juice... Whoa Mama, that stuff is strong! Everyone in the house will have daily doses of acv from now on. Thank you guys so much for the truth. My son's skin looks so much better already. He doesn't look like a little lobster anymore."
02/16/2010: Mikaylei from Panorama, California/usa replies: "Hello EarthClinic! I have an 8 month old baby girl and she suffers from eczema when she was 3 months old. I tried everything. The creams and the steroids don't work. I even changed the detergent, put air humidifier at home, but still the eczema is still there! I recently found your site and read some of the testimonials and I am curious of trying ACV on my daughter as I am really hopeless! I do not want to see herself suffer from this. Do I rub it on her skin or let her drink the ACV (may i know the ratio of water and ACV) since she is still a baby. Thank you so much and I hope ACV works for my baby!"
EC: We also have a section on apple cider vinegar and infants that you may find of interest: http://www.earthclinic.com/CURES/children_and_infants.html#ACV
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12/23/2008: Sia from Washington, DC writes: "Just found this site and was wondering if the apple cider vinegar also clears up the scars left from eczema. I have had scars on my stomach, legs, and arms for about five years but recently they have become darker and more noticable and I'm ashamed to wear tank tops or shorts. I really need help because the creams and pills don't work. Please somebody reply!"
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[QUESTION] 12/05/2008: Sidrah from Islamabad, Pakistan writes: "Is it important to use ACV or can we use any vinegar? Like the plain white one that we usually get in the shops...i am asking this because the place i live in only has the plain white one...its the second day that i am using it for eczema and acne and so far there isnt any side effect that i see...please reply!"
01/17/2009: Robert from Kendall, WI replies: "Apple Cider Vinegar (remedy) Eczema (ailment):
No, DO NOT USE WHITE VINEGAR. ONLY APPLE CIDER VINEGAR that is MADE FROM APPLES. White Vinegar may be harmful. Apple Cider Vinegar is NATURAL. There is much more to say about this - with significant studies, but only successful with true Apple Cider Vinegar. I believe that this is true in all Natural uses of Vinegar for healing or reversing disease conditions."
03/24/2009: Q.S from Cincinnati, USA replies: "Were you able to get ACV from Islamabad, Pakistan?"
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[YEA] 10/04/2008: Michelle S from AUSTRALIA, NSW writes: "I would like to say.. THANKS.. I just tried the ACV. My eczema started to break out and found this site.. I rubbed some ACV dirrectly on to the area and it burnt for a little bit and went away.. so did the itch. I am going to try a week of drinking it as well to see if I don't break out at all... yet again thanks.."
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[YEA] 08/07/2008: Kitty from Bellingham, WA writes: "ACV: At 59 last fall I got a case of eczema for the first time in my life on the calf of one leg Itched like crazy. It was an oozing mess for awhile. I was using hydrogen peroxide (oxygenated water) for awhile but it didn't help much. Then I tried ACV (I used Bragg organic) and like someone else said it burned like crazy but from then on it started to heal. I just soaked a cotton ball with ACV and applied to my skin. I ran out of ACV and didn't use for a week and the eczema came back. Now 6 months later it is about all healed. Occasionally, it starts itching and I apply the ACV again and it stops the itching. Also I know I need to look at the underlying cause which is probably stress and too much sugar. I have been able to decrease both somewhat. Also when it was really bad honey helped (It was hard to take all that burning from the ACV on half of my calf) but honey is so messy. I used the top of an old sock to cover it and it did dry up the oozing mess and I could more easily apply the ACV (less burning) I always look for natural cures. I haven't been to a doctor in over 30 years."
11/16/2009: Cory from Pittsburgh, Pa replies: "i am pouring the ACV over my hands and also taking a shot (2tbsp) followed with a glass of water. this is my 2nd day i can see it's drying up however now these hard white puss filled pimple bumps are now forming on my hands in place. this happen to anyone else? please email me coryandme@hotmail.com"
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[SIDE EFFECTS] 07/03/2008: Leslie from Oriental, North Carolina writes: "Hi! About two weeks ago I started taking acv. I take 1 tbsp in the morning, again at noon, and then again before bed (totaling 3 tbsps a day). I first drink several gulps of water, then take the acv like a shot, and follow with at least 8 oz of water. I've suffered from seasonal and indoor allergies since I was a child and about 4 days after starting the acv I had a horrible allery attack that lasted a little over 24 hrs. After the attack my right ear clogged up (I had been having problems with it for weeks) for 12 hrs or so. Then 5 days ago I had an eczema outbreak. At first it began on my chest, underarms, sides of and under my breasts. That cleared up and then it appeared on my wrists, knees, ankles, inner thighs, and the backs of my thighs. My eczema has always occured only on my hands and started after the birth of my son, it was severe for several years but then cleared up and has only popped up mildly since. The only other time I've had eczema on the rest of my body was last November after learning my mom had cancer and it cleared up after about three days. Anyhow since the allergy attack and clogged ear I haven't had any more problems and with the exception of the eczema I have felt great.
My question is could the acv be the reason I've had these symptoms and is it because it's flushing all the toxins from my body? Or could I be having some type of allergic reaction? The eczema is clearing up completely and I suspect will be gone in a day or so and I haven't sneezed once since the allergy attack a week ago. I'm really hoping this is just the course the acv can take you on, feeling worse before feeling better. I've also bathed in acv several times, maybe I over did it? Lastly I started taking filtered acv first because it was all I could find but for the last four days I've taken organic raw acv with the mother that I found at a health food store.
Sorry to be so long winded, I just wanted to be as detailed as possible! Thanks in advance for any feedback!"
07/10/2008: Ted from Bangkok, Thailand replies: "Leslie:
Most eczema, not all, are often a result of a fungus or mycobacterium that exists along the skin or some minute amounts leading to eczema. The condition is often metabolic acidosis which initiates the eczema, but at the same time the ACV have certain properties which may raise the immune system through its malic acid and mineral content found in the ACV. For example the malic acid is converted into malates which is used by the Krebs cycle giving more energy to the cells. If the energy to the cells is increased, the immunity is increased in the long term. The problem about ACV is it's acid content which does kill the fungus and mycobacterium by the actions of malates or organic components that leads to longer term alkalization. But since the body has insufficient bicarbonates to neutralize the acidity, the mycobacterium may cause greater growth when the body is temporarily acid in the short term, and hence the eczema. This eczema is the result of temporary metabolic acidosis.There is a way to prevent side effects from ACV use by what chemist use to buffer the acidity to make it more alkaline in many consumer products and medicine we used. One of the simplest buffer is the baking soda, which raises the pH of the Apple Cider vinegar to a close 7 or 7.5 pH, which is closer to biologically active pH that doesn't support short term mycobacterium growth. Mycobacterium, fungus, and other usually flourishes in a more acidic pH. Therefore, this remedy was resolved mostly by taking 2 tablespoons of Apple Cider vinegar plus at least 1/4 teaspoon of baking soda in 1/2 or preferably 1 glass of water. Taken usually three times a day. However, if the conditions of eczema is present, usually I will raise the baking soda remedy from 1/4 teaspoon to 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda plus 2 tablespoons of ACV in 1 full glass of water taken at least twice a day instead.
However, I am not dealing with the fundamentals here. I have a bad history of eczema myself. In an attempt to understand the basic cause of eczema just for me I decided to take an experiment with a carbicarb remedy. The carbicarb remedy used by me is 1/4 teaspoon of sodium carbonate (washing soda...a precursor of baking soda) plus 1/4 teaspoon of sodium bicarbonate (baking soda) in one full glass of water taken twice or three times a day will stop the eczema within a matter of an hour at most. For me it stopped within a couple of minutes. Mycobacterium, fungs and bacterium won't generally grow whenever the body's pH is raised to an alkaline level. It is this reason why the Ocean's water is so sterile: salinity and alkalinity. The alkalinity of Ocean's water is 8.
As to where ACV comes in is that the malic acid raises the energy level of cells raising the immunity of the cells at the same time - the cells simply have more energy to fend off invading organisms. There may be other elements found in ACV, such as acetate, which has limited antifungal.
The problem about temporary eczema may go away with ACV use, but in some cases eczema may be persistent too. The issue appears that some people may have limited ability to neutralize the acidity from the ACV using the body's available bicarbonates to neutralized them and hence why baking soda was added to put less pressure on the body to come up with the bicarbonate currency to make it biologically compatible with the body's pH of 7.35. So some cases eczema may persists and some may get better, but if baking soda was added immediately before use, eczema wouldn't flare up, generally speaking.
Am I missing any other factors on eczema besides alkalization and immunity issues? One other additional fact is most people's diet, with industrialized farming practices, has caused humans, cats, dogs, cows, chickens, and pigs to have low level of omega 3. Low level of omega 3 didn't happen in humans first. It happened in farm animals. Chickens source of food were originally high in omega 3, if raise in the wild, but with modern methods, the omega 6 to omega 3 has risen lowering greatly omega 3. This happens in cows in U.S. as farming practices changed from grass fed to grain fed to economize. When we do that omega 3 goes precipitously down.
Omega 3 is responsible for immune conditions and anti-inflammatory properties and reduction in eczema. So much of the problems in the benefits of raw food of Pottinger Cats, and the eating of animal fats from Weston A. Price is useless since the animals we eat today (unlike Weaton A. Price's time) is that the omega 3 has droped precipitiously. So what we have now in U.S. is an Omega 6 to Omega 3 of 20: 1 instead of an ideal 4:1 or 1: 1 omega 3 to omega 6 ratios. Currently the country that has the highest known omega 3 is Japan at 4: 1 or Omega 6 to Omega 3. Fish oil is the supplements I would very likely take for my eczema besides just the baking soda be added to the apple cider vinegar.
However in a more severe cases of eczema I used a stronger alkalization method, which is commonly called the carbicarb remedy as mentioned already, which causes the eczema to go away in a matter of hours. As a hint to further reduction the use of dechlorinator of sodium thiosulfate added to drinking water may further help (chlorines and fluorine are pro-inflammatory) while sodium thiosulfate will at least neutralize the chlorine. A simpler way to remove chlorine is to add a couple of drops of 3% H2O2 per glass of water, such as 2-3 drops, which will neutralize the chlorine.
If there is anything i forget about the other cause of eczema, its that certain foods, such as wheat products, cheese tomatoes, aspartame, potatoes, peanuts, sugar, fruit juices (contains fructose), yeast product, peppermint in toothpastes, and other fermented products are some of the common causes of eczema due to the mycotoxin and fungus content found in these products. Interestingly the reason why antibiotics causes eczema is it is acid forming, raises free heavy metals, and has mycotoxins and fungus. Antibiotics is usually made from fungus, and hence it's no surprise that it causes eczema too. Meats now cause eczema because it raises the body's omega 6 as omega 3 is now reducing. So
I greatly doubt if unethical industrialized farming practices using GMO cows, pigs, chickens raised on grains, cannibalism and steroids injection is going to have much positive impact on practitioners of raw food diet, paleolithic diet, Atkins diet, eat right for your blood type diet, or any other similar diets fads if the foods we are now eating are toxic. The issue that pervades any dietary practice is to avoid bad industrialized farming practices (U.S. may be the worse), which is a lot simpler theory I proposed than the other guru diet fads. Much of my eczema comes from bad farming practices by corporate world. Now we have babies, dogs and cats to worry about because they eat from the same source of food which comes from processed foods and using the same bad farming practices. Perhaps this is where some of the eczema is coming from.
Ted"
04/02/2009: Amy from Rockville, IN replies: "Ted from Bangkok:
Thank you so much.!!!! This was exactly what I have been looking for. An answer to the whys and hows.
Again Thanks!
Amy"
10/22/2009: Joy from Vancouver, Wa replies: "Wow that was a good article and I plan to try it. Except where do I get washing soda?"
12/08/2009: Cynthia from Auckland, Nz replies: "I get hives when I get hot and itch from my eczema. Well I was using Neem oil for a while and this was good - got my heat somewhat under control. Now I also use ACV and this is the best to date. No itch. Less heat. When i feel a twinge of nerve heating up body I put ACV on and it takes it away - it stings a bit - but I dont get that allergic response coz I don't itch! I dab it on leave it to dry - my skin very dry at present but don't mind coz no itch. My hives also used to start with visible red nerve lines. I try to wear cotton to keep cool."
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[YEA] 07/01/2008: Helene from Warwick, USA writes: "For about three weeks, I have been taking 2 tablespoons of ACV in water before bed. I have been absolutely thrilled with the results...I have had eczema for what seems like a lifetime. I have tried medication, internal and external...steroidal creams, lotions...herbal or not, nothing has EVER helped...they may have masked the eczema for a bit but it never went away. My bleeding hands and swelling have healed to the point of actually feeling good. They were so painful from the tiny erosions...no more!"
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