Dermatitis
Natural Remedies

Apple Cider Vinegar Treatment for Dermatitis

| Modified on Jun 29, 2023
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Shopaholic (Saint Paul, Minnesota) on 12/05/2014
5 out of 5 stars

I have eczema on my buttocks since I was 7 years old. I've tried ointments and creams but it was not cured. I read from a post in Earth Clinic that ACV can treat eczema topically. I followed the procedure of wetting cotton with ACV and applying directly to the buttocks. I got immediate relief from the itchiness after a few minutes. The itch did not occur since then. I decided to continue application until the skin condition is fully healed.


Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Niculo (Philippines) on 09/11/2014
5 out of 5 stars

I have a 1 year old boy who suffers from ectopic dermatitis. the doctor has recommended cetaphil lotion and cleanser but didn't work well with him. So I tried ACV when his taking a bath. but it didn't give much effect when you rinse it. So what I did I had an empty spray diluted 50/50 of water and ACV, then everytime he feels like scratching the skin, I would just spray some of the diluted ACV. After a day or two the redness is gone but still has to keep his skin hydrated so I put a lil petroleum gel.


Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Lauren (New York, Ny) on 06/12/2012
5 out of 5 stars

Hi everyone. This site has been really helpful. I had horrible dermatitis all around my nose, chin, and side of mouth area. Nothing seemed to help. It's almost gone now after a few months of trial and error, and here's what did it: Apple Cider Vinegar was great as an astringent on my face and in water every day. About 1 tablespoon daily. I also took acidophilus and biotin, though those didn't seem to make a massive difference, I definitely do think they helped some. Then I bought Nixoderm and I use that morning and night. It's great. Then my friend who specialized in natural food remedies told me to start eating lots of cucumbers and cut out dairy. Wow. In just a few days the redness was going away, I had more energy, no more bumps, it's almost completely gone!! I HIGHLY recommend the cucumbers and no dairy combo. The skin of cucumbers is very good for your skin. Lastly - take a look at the stress in your life. Is there something that's bothering you nonstop? I found resolving a stressful situation in my life definitely dimished the bad outbreaks. Good luck!!


Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Erica (New Jersey, US) on 03/08/2015

You should use coconut oil to moisturize.


Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Kc (Los Angeles, Ca) on 06/22/2011
5 out of 5 stars

I diagnosed myself with PD after a discouraging appointment with my dermatologist who gave me hyrdocortisone which would work for one day then my PD would come back (and charged me $75-140 a visit w/ health insurance). It started as a small area close to my lower lip and had spread to my entire lower lip and sides of mouth skin area. I really started freaking out and began my search online. I read tons of the posts here about apple cider vinegar and decided to give it a chance before I went back to the derm. I started taking probiotics (acidophilus included) and the ACV (topically and ingested). And it worked!!! My PD is ALL gone, I can't believe it and am soo happy. I really didn't think it was gonna work as well as it did.

At first, I put the ACV straight on my skin (twice a day) and it stung, bad! But I liked it because I thought it meant it was worked. The tiny bumps disappeared quickly but the redness got worse. I think it got worse though because I was burning my skin with the ACV. So then I started diluting the ACV to about 1part ACV and 3-5parts water. REDNESS GONE! The whole process did make my skin dry and flaky so I used pure aloe vera (from the plant) which worked ok. After about a week with only dry flaky skin around my mouth I used a little bit of my cerave face moisturizer and it solved my dry skin problem. I use the diluted ACV soultion once a day or every other day ( for fear that it will come back) and don't use any moisturizer around my mouth. I'm sooo happy!!! Thanks everyone for your posts! You're the reason I'm posting right now, to let you know that your comments aren't falling on deaf ears!!


Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Sienna (San Diego, Ca) on 09/08/2011
5 out of 5 stars

Well my MIRACLE arrived! I really don't even want to celebrate too early. But I washed my face following my new DErmatologist instructions with Betadine diluted and Peroxide and then metrogel on top. I slept all night and woke up with my skin ALL DRY and peeling, all the yucky gunk washed of this morning. I have NEW clear skin, very red and tender but looks so much better.

Now in retrospect I think the Vinegar DID WORK. Maybe for my very sensitive skin I went to aggressive and should have started with very diluted but anyway, now that it is all peeled I think it did work. The metrogel will keep it clean I hope but I will keep the washes with ACV too, just diluted. And I am also drinking very diluted ACV twice a day. PRetty much eating only fruits and yogurts and yesterday I had a bite of grilled chicken. Drinking loooots of water too.

Yesterday I was near a nervous breakdown and today I couldn't believe it.

The one thing I also did was listen to my relaxing tapes 2-3 times telling myself that my skin would clear soon, and trying to relax a lot. Maybe all together worked.

So hey if you feel like POD is hell, and you are miserable, there is light at the end of the tunnel.

Just be VERY patient for me the ACV process took 2 weeks to the big peel today. I do have lots of redness but looks soooo much better.

THANK YOU ALL!!!! HEALTHY VIBES YOUR WAY EVERYBODY! I think I learned a lot from here, really, thank you!


Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Alice (Sydney, Australia) on 06/24/2012
4 out of 5 stars

I've been doing the Candida Diet (gnarly detoxing along with probiotics, ACV and yoghurt masks) for over a week and have experienced huge improvements, the only issue I'm troubled by is the spread of the dermatitis to the skin around my eyes. When I put the ACV near my eyes I can feel them respond and so I never put it too close, can I? Is the yoghurt mask making it worsen in this area? Are there any other solutions out there?

Preemptive thanks for helping cure my zombie eyes! I sincerely appreciate any advice and wish everyone the best with their health quests.

Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Mmcgraw (Hamilton, Ontario) on 08/08/2011
5 out of 5 stars

This website essentially saved my life! I was at the end of my rope after having the worst outbreak of my entire life the other week! I have had POD for 10 years and I am only 23. My family doctor would say it was Eczema and prescribe me steroids or vitamins. It has taken a very emotional toll on myself and confidence. My boyfriend always said it never bothered him but it always has bothered me. I would have dry red skin on my chin and above my lip.

Recently after seeing a different doctor he prescribed me metrogel and doxycycline then the POD spread to my cheeks, nose, chin.. Basically all around my mouth and cheeks. I then went off of the prescribed medicine and only used vaseline, which helped a bit. I decided to try a new cleanser without SLS (which I think may be the trigger) then I goofed up and put moisturizer on after washing my face. The next day I woke up to the worst outbreak of my entire life! I had risen bumps, red sores and tiny pimples all over!

I did some research and found this site! So ran out and bought some ACV.. Even though my friends and family thought I was crazy that it would only make it worse. It was like a miracle! My skin was almost 90% better after two days! I had big sores and bleeding and after 2 days they were healed! I put on the ACV in the morning and at night. It hurt like a bugger! But I figured that was because of the open sores, well it still stings and I have no cuts, it almost hurts more now actually! Not sure why? I also drink the ACV Now I am just waiting for a little bit of the pinkness to go away and then it will be all better! The only issue I have now is the flaking. I still get the flaking really bad and have been putting on vaseline to keep it somewhat moist. Does anyone know of a moisturizer that I can use?

Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Cassie (Sydney, Nsw) on 06/19/2011

Hi Dawn I have only recently developed POD. Initially I went to my doctor and was given antibiotic for 12 weeks. Rather than take these I went to a naturopath. She did a number of tests and apparently I have an overgrowth of candida and bacteria in my body. So she has prescribed probiotics, yogurt, a yeast free diet, fish oil, and colodial silver (topically and injested). This coupled with the ACV & yogurt masks, so far so good.

Basically I think my diet triggers my POD so maybe that is worth looking at.

All the best


Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Erika (Toronto, Canada) on 04/24/2007
5 out of 5 stars

hi I'm erika from canada, i was diagnosed of contact dermatitis last march i dont have this b4 maybe i got this from a glycolic peel now i have sensitive skin i cant use make up at all b'coz it reacts easily to may skin. until i found a site about th acv. .i dont internally use it but i put some on my face like i tbs 2x day believed it or not the rash is gone my acne is gone now is april i can tell you since i started putting acv on my face together w/ lemon for the acne my skin is clear. that's the truth and I'm really happy of the result.. so anyone who suffer from acne or allergy why not try this first. you will know the wonder of the acv. it works for me.. hope this will help .. God bless us all...mwahhh


Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Eric (Perth Western Australia) on 05/31/2006
5 out of 5 stars

Apple Cider Vinegar cured my Discoid Dermatitis. I wish that the dermatologists that I have consulted during the last 10 years would have told me about this wonder cure. But no, they rather sell you the expensive, useless and harmful steroid cremes. No wonder that our health system is so expensive and that the pharmaceutical industry is so profitable. Rotten to the bone!!! My positive feedback: I am cured!!!


Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Lindi (Vancouver, Bc, Canada) on 05/14/2012
5 out of 5 stars

Man oh man, am I so glad to have found this site! I had seborrheic dermatitis around the folds of skin by my nostrils as a child. I had used a myriad of corticosteroids, which never cured, and did, at best, a decent job of treating redness. Eventually, the SD went away from my face (to later colonize my scalp and ears). But it was quite a releif to have a clear face through my teen years, and into my early 20s.

Now, at 23, I broke out with PD all around my nose. Like many of you, I had just used my corticosteroid cream from my SD for my face... Bad, bad idea. I had been battling the redness with my creams for a month, until a couple days ago my face got much, much worse.

The dermo had told me to stop using my SD creams, and prescribed me something ... A concoction of topical antibacterials or antifungals... I'm not sure, I never bothered to pick it up from the drugstore. I hate dermos and their never-ending creams and stuff that is expensive and doesn't work. :(

I found this site and I'm so thankful I did. Its been 2.5 days now, and my severe PD rash is still there, but VERY mild in comparison, the skin is smooth, and makeup will easily hide the redness. Here's what I did:

Apple Cider Vinegar, diluted equal parts water. I used the cheap ACV I had in my pantry. Its Heinz, so I doubt its "with mother" but it worked anyways. The first day, I really went at it with the ACV. Every 2 hours or so I'd dab a cotton ball or swab into the ACV and water, and dab it on the PD. At first it stings a lot, but it gets better.

I also took some biotin supplements that'd I'd bought months ago, just for kicks, but I doubt that it contributed significantly to my results.

The second day I started putting aloe vera on my PD once the ACV had dried up. I probably only applied it 2-3 times.

Today, I woke up and there was MUCH less redness. There was a considerable amount of flakes attached though. A cotton swab, gently rubbing it while applying the ACV really helped. The skin underneath is a bit pinky, but the inflammation is seriously, considerably less. The margins of the PD have been reduced also. I'm SO happy!!!! I bet that by the end of the week it will be barely visible. I'm so impressed!

Thanks everyone!!


Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Jay (Toronto, Ont, Canada) on 08/12/2011

To Mmcgraw from Hamilton, Ontario: For starters, you would be much better off using organic virgin coconut oil rather than the olive oil to moisturize. It is very good the skin and hair and is naturally antibiotic and antifungal.

From my experience, this type of skin condition acts like a fungus in the sense that it will withdraw or appear to go somewhat dormant in the area that it is being attacked. It spreads to other parts of the body and returns to the skin once the attack (your ACV treatment) has stopped. You need to attack it vigorously on several fronts if you want to totally eradicate it. This inclued a strong probiotic because the gut is usually the main hiding place. Go to refrigerated section of a good health food store and buy a probiotic with at least 6 different strains of probiotics and follow directions on the package. You need to continue taking these and continue with the ACV for at least a month after you feel the skin condition has been resolved to have some confidence that the problem has been eliminated.


Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Loveandbread (Bohemia, Ny, United States) on 08/16/2011

Aloe vera from the plants is best.


Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Yeisa (Ashford, Al/ us) on 06/26/2012

Apply yougurt on the affected area for 20 -30 minutes and you would see all the flaky skin going away. It will leave your skin smooth. I've tried and it worked wonders, it reduced the flakiness and the redness. This is my second day using yougurt, vinegar, oregano oil and calendula, I am seeing some improvements. I guess I need to be patient.


Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Amber (Australia ) on 11/05/2015

Maybe try calendula cream? You can buy it from a health food store or a chemist. Try and get a fairly pure one. My skin tolerates that when its very irritated and flaky. Or maybe rub a little Extra Virgin Coconut Oil in to your skin? Look it up on this site and see what people say about using it on skin, but it's great for a whole range of ailments, a bit like the organic ACV (which I swear by for loads of things).


Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Connie (Greensboro, Nc, Usa) on 05/29/2011
5 out of 5 stars

Hi All, I am so happy that I found this site, just as I was about to give up and resort to long-term antibiotic treatment. I'm into my second round of prednisone, prescribed by my dermatologist, who admitted he had no idea what the flame red, swollen, itchy rash encircling my mouth and creeping up into my eyebrows and on my eyelids could possibly be. This is even more frustrating since it's difficult to treat a condition that is so hard to identify. Thank goodness for the internet, and to all the brave souls suffering with this ailment that took the time to share their experiences.

My PD started after weeks and weeks of raging allergies, which caused me to blow my nose from morning till night. The skin directly under my nose was bright red and never would clear up. I thought I was doing myself a favor by using the tissues with aloe or the anti-viral ones. Boy was I wrong.

During this time I also developed cellulitis and was prescribed strong antibiotics to treat the infection. I take probiotics regularly, but I must not have been taking enough to counteract the strong antibiotic therapy. My first visit to the dermatologist I was prescribed a mild corticosteroid and told to apply it 3x a day. I smeared it all over the affected area, and it seemed to work for a few days. About a week into the treatment, after applying to the area under my nose, everywhere I put the ointment starting to burn, swell, turn red, and itch like crazy. I never thought for a minute it could be the steroid ointment causing all this mischief.

Back to the Drs. office to find out what was wrong. They didn't have a clue; gave me more samples, and a round of prednisone to calm things down. Of course, the prednisone cleared up everything, and I kept applying the new steroid samples to that area. Then just like before, it all came back with a vengeance. Back to Drs. Office for 3rd time. They are more puzzled than ever; prescribe another round of prednisone, and still more samples to try! I was also instructed to stop using the treated tissues, stop all makeup, moisturizers, etc. This was becoming a nightmare of endless agony to the point where I was too embarrassed to leave the house---except to go to the doctor.

I knew there had to be an answer out there somewhere, it just takes persistence and people willing to share. Like the suggestions from others I went to the health food store and got the avc "with the mother", organic greek plain yogurt, a bottle of high count probiotics. Started the treatment last night and can't get over the remarkable difference already. I am taking the Apple Cider Vinegar by mouth and applying a 50/50 dilution with water to a cotton wipe and applying it over the affected areas on my mouth, chin, and eyebrows. I also did the yogurt mask and it really was so calming. The visible peeling flakes of skin have almost completely disappeared, the redness is almost not visible.

The Keflex for the cellulitis really threw everything into turmoil and the topical steroids, along with the prednisone just added to the mess. I feel certain it's a yeast overgrowth underlying these skin issues. Unfortunately, the treatment that the dermatologist recommends makes matters worse with no end in sight. Thank you, thank you, thank you all. I hope everyone has the quick response I've had. It's truly a miracle.


Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Sjaan (Slc, Ut, Usa) on 11/03/2010
5 out of 5 stars

I have suffered from DH for about 8 years now. I have stopped eating gluten, sugar, changed my whole diet really as well as all soaps and detergents in the house, installed a central vacuum system etc, etc. However, I would still occasionally flare up with a horrible rash on my face, arms, back, legs and thighs. It would itch, burn and after scratching it to the point of bleeding, it would look absolutely scary and disgusting really... To the point where I became a recluse. The doctors would prescribe triamcinolone (which would help if I put it on right at the onset of an outbreak), betamethasone for around the eyes and Allegra for the swollen eyes. None if these really helped. My last attack started 2 months ago after a trip to Europe. Nothing seemed to help, even the Kenelog shots did not, and my face felt and looked like someone had poured acid on it. My eyes were swollen to the point where I could not see out of one eye. To those that suffer from this, I don't have to tell you how painful this is and how much it affects your psyche. After 2 months of pain I became depressed and just saw no way out. I could not think of anything else and that is how I found this site.

I tried the 2 tbs of ACV with equal amount of water 3 times a day on an empty stomach. Splashed my face with diluted ACV or put a rag on my face which was soaked in a bowl of ACV for 10 minutes (That stings the first few days:() and then applied VCO(virgin coconut oil) all over my face followed with hypoallergenic moisturizer. Two days later I saw a slight improvement and the stinging was not as severe. Then I added cayenne pepper to the drinking mix and a splash of agave to mellow the vinegar taste. That night I started to sleep like a rock, the dreams were amazing, and after another 3 days the itching was GONE. On the 7th day, when I woke, my face was no longer red and swollen. I felt human again and hopeful for the first time in 8 years of not having to take meds my whole life. YAHOOOOOO!!!! I will continue with the ACV probably forever. I still have a little dry skin but nothing the VCO can't handle. I love that stuff, soooo soothing. To say "thank you" to all of you who contribute to this site seems insufficient. Please know... You change lives. I know, you changed mine.


Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Zsaqwe (Brownsville, Texas, Usa) on 09/14/2010
5 out of 5 stars

After more than 15 years suffering from dermatitis in my face and chest, I am free. I drink ACV with the mother everyday to curb my appetite. It has change my whole skin organ including the scalp, no more dandruff. But the way I was cure from my face and chest from dermatitis was:
1. Washing my face. (with anything)
2. A cotton ball with Ethyl alcohol to clean the area(this kind of alcohol does not dry my face)
3. A cotton ball with ACV with the mother to apply in the affected area (painful in the open wounds, but the cure is fast in less than a week it will not hurt anymore)
4. I finish with natural aloe vera when the ACV is dry. Natural Aloe Vera from the plant is like a gel, When it dries it feels tight like a transparent mask that keeps the moisture in. Now the problem area around the eyes, just do it carefully I do clean around my eyes with the cotton ball with ACV and the alcohol. Just to have clean eyelashes. I don't have the problem around the eyes. It has never gone inside the eye. Be careful and nothing is going to happen , perhaps only it will hurt get over with it. You will be free from that crippling disease in no time and forever, as I did. I will shout it in the mountain top to anyone who have ears to hear.


Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Tam (Corpus Christi, Texas) on 10/13/2011
5 out of 5 stars

I suffered with POD after using topical steroids on my face for several months to keep outbreaks at bay, unfortunately it became ineffective and once I discontinued the topical steroids on my face it went into a full angry rage of POD in a couple of days. I came across this website which saved me, I was so depressed as it contiuned to get worse each day, so severe that it had me in tears, I was even to embarrassed to allow my loved ones to see my face. Eating and talking was difficult, as the corners of my mouth were split which prevented me from opening my mouth very wide.

I began with the ACV diluted on a cotton ball twice a day, it initially burned and I had a tremendous amount of redness , but the burning subsided after a few days, I also followed up with tea tree oil at night, it didn't heal overnight or in a few days for me, it was several weeks before it cleared, which seemed like a lifetime, but don't give up and be consistent. I also gave up fluoride toothpaste which helped. I haven't had an outbreak in 6 months. I hope this works for someone else. Good luck because I know how devastating it is.


Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Sienna (San Diego, Ca) on 09/06/2011
0 out of 5 stars

I am at my wits end.

This started 1 year ago when 2 little red bumps showed up in my face. I went to the dermatologist and I was prescribed Desonide for 3 weeks, and I was told to change my moisturizer. To repeat if it did come back. I did that, it went away but kept coming back. NOT knowing I was putting steroids on my face I kept reapplying the Desonide as instructed.... Maybe for about 3 or 4 times total. Well, I finally googled what I had and realized it is Perioral Dermatitis and the desonide IS THE CULPRIT and not the help. So I stop it 1 week ago, and.... It is been down hill since then.. OMG I am miserable. I was able to hide it with natural makeup or nothing the first few days, now my face is a big giant red mess. One side under my mouth and a bit around my nostrils. The ACV seems like it is irratiting it more. I did buy the one Organic with the Mother. I do put the yogurt mask. I do drink a cup with 1 little lid of vinegar with water. And I have been taking oral antibiotics now for 4 days with no improvement....

This morning I woke up with tons of white little bumps, so the pustules have pus now... Beautiful sight in my face... PLEASE HELP! What am I missing? Why is it soooo red? It looks like a wound not just red little bumps. Did I make it worse by putting the vinegar? Looks like it. Please help!

Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Heidi (Minneapolis, Mn - Usa) on 02/24/2011
4 out of 5 stars

After reading all of the suggestions for using apple cider vinegar on your dermatitis I decided to give it a try. I did not drink the ACV, but rather just used the solution of half ACV and half water and with a cotton ball swabbed it on the area affected (the skin on either side of my nose) two times a day - morning and night. After letting it air dry, I put a moisturizer protectant over it - Cetaphil - which has no dyes perfumes to irritate further. Within two days I saw a huge improvement and I am sure in a couple more days it wil be completely gone. I am so glad I found this website!


Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Shaz (Melbourne, Victoria, Australia) on 09/14/2009

To Susan from NY- I suffer from POD and from sinus problems so I was very interested to hear that their may be a link between the two problems. I am going to try the ACV on my face first and then see if I can bear to drink it and see if it helps with the sinus problems too.


Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Teresa (London, London) on 09/13/2008
5 out of 5 stars

I had to write and leave feedback as another testimonial that ACV is a miracle cure. I have suffered with Dermatitis/ Rosacea (the doctors couldn't decide what it was) on my forehead for 6 years. I used steroid creams for years that controlled it but never cured it but even they stopped having an effect in the last year or so. I saw ACV testemonials on this website so I tried it. Within a day or 2 the ACV I applied had stopped the spots appearing, the the redness and swelling went down. I use it every night and i'm now free of all symptoms - it only took about a week to cure it all together! It's so so frustrating that doctors don't/ can't tell you about these things. Thank you so much to this website - It's changing a lot of people's lives.


Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Lynda (Los Angeles, CA) on 12/08/2007
5 out of 5 stars

Hi! I have had dermatitis on my arms since I was a child, and have bought those nasty psoriasis/dermatitis tar treatments that smell terrible, are expensive - and don't work!! The label says dermatitis is incurable, and that is FALSE! I tried putting ACV on a cotton ball and applied it to my arms once a day - the dermatitis is gone! It works! Thank you so much.


Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Kimberly (Nova Scotia) on 08/18/2006
5 out of 5 stars

I was diagnosed with contact dermatitis on my hands and feet. It was caused from exposing my hands to spray nine without the use of rubber gloves. I have been reading so much about apple cider vinegar and decided to try it. Well, I was also diagnosed with Type 2 Diabetes and also came the slightly high blood pressure and cholesterol a tad high. I started to take the acv and low and behold, my next bloodwork was the best it has been in 5 yrs. If my next 2 check ups are like this last one I may go off my diabetic and blood pressure pills all together. WOW! Thank you GOD for having the acv at our disposal.



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