Eczema
Natural Remedies

Apple Cider Vinegar Cure for Eczema

| Modified on Sep 22, 2024
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Apple vinegar is Earth Clinic's most popular natural remedy for eczema. With this simple and inexpensive remedy, dozens of our readers have found relief from eczema.  Some of our readers have been shocked to find this cure after dealing with eczema for years, often with much expense at doctor's offices and on medications, only to find that the cure was in the cupboard all along!

How to Use Apple Cider Vinegar for Eczema

Apple cider vinegar can be used internally, externally, or both ways for eczema.  Most readers use it externally, and some also add a dose internally.

Internally

Add 1 teaspoon of raw apple cider vinegar to a glass of water. Drink a glass of this tonic 1-3 times a day. If it suits you and you are not yet seeing the results you would like to see, you can increase the amount to 2 teaspoons per glass of water. Some even take an entire tablespoon in each glass of water. But it is best to increase your dose slowly to ensure it agrees with you.

Externally

Apple Cider Vinegar Spray Recipe

Add 1/2 cup of raw apple cider vinegar and 1/2 cup of water (distilled or spring water would be best) into a spray bottle. Spray eczema patches twice daily. Some of our readers rinse the solution off after 20 minutes. Others let it dry. At first, you will smell like a salad, but the smell dissipates as it dries.

Special Directions for Sensitive skin

In a way, all skin affected by eczema is sensitive. But if the skin is broken, or if eczema is on a delicate part of the body, or for children, apple cider vinegar should be diluted more for topical use. Start with just 1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar per cup of distilled water. The vinegar solution can be kept in a mason jar, and cotton balls can be used to apply the solution.

Follow up with a Moisturizer

Because apple cider vinegar can dry the skin, it is best to follow up its use with a moisturizer. Some good choices for this would be coconut oil, shea butter, castor oil, emu oil, or almond oil. Each of these oils has healing properties as well.

Side Effect of Apple Cider Vinegar for Eczema

Some people find that apple cider vinegar stings when applied to the skin, especially inflamed or broken skin. If you experience stinging or burning, do dilute the apple cider vinegar further before using it on the skin. Some find that skin will seem more irritated or flaky with the use of apple cider vinegar. Others find their symptoms seem worse. This can be a detox reaction. Either reduce the amount of vinegar in your solution or try a different remedy if this happens to you.

Have you tried apple cider vinegar for eczema? How did it work for you? Please share your story with us!

Continue reading to see what our readers have experienced with the apple cider vinegar remedy for eczema.


70 User Reviews

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Posted by michael (north lanarkshire) on 03/02/2022
★★★★★

I am using apple cider vinegar for Eczema, even as my skin is broken and inflammed. It stings for a while but after about 15 minutes the itching stops for about 6 hours, have used a spray bottle half Apple Cider Vinegar and half water, just sprayed it on and let it dry then put a dressing on the affected area, able to get a decent sleep now.


Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Jackie (Alaska) on 06/29/2019
★★★★★

I started using acv 2 1/2 years ago to see if it would help lower my elevated blood pressure. Just 1-2 Tbsp per morning in my morning water, after drinking 8 ounces of plain water first. It took months, like maybe 4 and I noticed my eczema hadn't been bothering me. Then for the next 2 years I lived without eczema. I ran out of acv before going on a 2 week trip. Came home and was lazy about buying more acv. Results, after about 3 months of being lazy, I started itching my scalp. Month 6 my back of my head is now extremely itchy and scabs from scratching is back in full swing. So I started acv again. BUT, the reason I got lazy about buying acv was I had been to an herbalist about my gut issues. And she mentioned anyone with Type O blood should not do vinegar. That lemon juice would be better for my blood type. And now I am in bad straights with eczema again and it won't quit itching!


Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Emma (Iowa) on 04/17/2018
★★☆☆☆

Today is my second day using the apple cider vinegar. Yesterday I drank a tablespoon diluted in some water, and took a bath with apple cider vinegar. This morning I drank it again, applied diluted mix to my rash and tonight I'll take another bath. I follow all this with aquafor and castor oil. It looks worse and I'm just so disappointed.... everyone here seems to have instant success and mine is still angry and painful. My eczema is severe so maybe it just takes time.....

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Replied by Epeach
(Ga)
04/18/2018

Dear Emma,

My beautiful baby girl suffered from severe eczema, she is now 21. We learned so much over the years. Sea salt in the bath water worked wonders. Zinc based diaper cream before bed helped heal.

We had her allergy tested. She was allergic to everything including mustard. Allergens removed helped tremendously. We put plastic over mattresses, removed heavy drapery, bought leather furniture, and put in hardwoods. Anything that traps dust and heat caused a flair up.

Visits to the beach made a healthy return.

I would have tried apple cider vinegar, but she had such sensitive baby pink skin, I would have worried about the burning. I would not give up on using castor oil, it has such wonderful healing qualities. I would not use Aquafor, she would cry as it contains alcohol and burned her, and it is drying. Most commercial products contain alcohol as a preservative and to fight bacteria. We quit using those items.

I pray this helps.

>
Replied by Mama To Many
(Tn)
04/19/2018

Dear Emma,

I love apple cider vinegar but it did not help me with eczema. Borage oil, did, however. (I tried so many things for it before trying Borage oil.) I took 3 1,000mg gelcaps of it each day.

For my daughter, hers went away when added nettle and home made kefir to her diet. Nettle was just in capsules. I started giving it to her for her asthma but both asthma and her eczema went away from that treatment, which we continued for 6-12 months. It has been 2 years and has not returned though she no longer uses either.

It can be tricky to figure out what will help each person; be encouraged by the stories at EC on the eczema pages!

~Mama to Many~


Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Happy (Colorado) on 10/15/2017
★★★★★

I'm amazed with the results! I used ACV to completely cure a patch of eczema on my hip bone that was about the size of a silver dollar and had been slowly getting bigger over the course of about 2 years. It started out as a very tiny dry-skin spot. It was itchy but not red at all, so I thought it was just due to my skin being too dry there and from being chaffed from my pants rubbing on it. It stayed small for quite a long time, and I keep using moisturizing cream on it to no avail. It began to increase in diameter and became red and more itchy over time - finally this summer I assumed it just wasn't "dry skin."

So I searched online to find out what it might be and eczema sure seemed to be it. I then searched for home remedies, found this thread and began to apply a cotton pad soaked with ACV once a day for 15-20 minutes on it. I tried the ratio of 1:1 water to ACV for a few days, but that was too strong for me - it stung the spot too much and really made it redder. I then diluted the ratio to 2:1 water to ACV. That ratio was perfect.

I wish I had noted the first day I started using ACV, but I'd say after about 4-6 weeks of applying the ACV/water soaked pad to the spot each day it is now completely gone! I also applied coconut oil on the spot occasionally.

I will mention that you might, as I did, find when removing the ACV pad that the eczema will be very itchy for a few minutes and might even be a bit redder, but that subsides. I did start to pat a little plain water on the spot after removing the pad which seemed to stop the itching at that point.

I must say I'm so pleased with the outcome and am now an even bigger believer in the "powers" of ACV to heal. Thanks to all who have shared their stories of healing. I hope my post will help even one more person.


Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Alex (Thessaloniki, Greece) on 09/21/2017
★★★☆☆

I used apple cider vinegar for about 15 days and aborted it. I have eczema on my calves which is getting worse in summer and when wearing socks for a lot of time. ACV only temporarily relieved me from scratching and the next day the same bad itching and swelling continued. Redness never subsided. I used it only externally.

Coconut oil was way better for me and if the redness also disappears in the future, it would be a total heal. I also use low height socks in order to let my calves perspire, breath and not friction.


Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Jessica90 (Toronto ) on 05/29/2017
★☆☆☆☆

I have been using ACV for 4 days now, morning and night soaking my hands in it. So far I haven't seen an improvement, if anything it might be getting worse. Does anyone know if I should continue using it or should I stop? I've read so many positive reviews of ACV helping eczema so I was really hoping I had finally found some relief but now I'm not sure what I should do.

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Replied by Michael
(New Zealand)
05/30/2017

To Jessica90 of Toronto.

I suggest you discontinue the treatment for two or three weeks and (after that), revert to diluting half and half with good quality water if you have not gone backwards in the meantime.

If, after resting from your (current) treatment, you are still getting worse, then a different protocol may be more appropriate for you.

Neat ACV can be too strong for some people - I am thinking you overdid it! Best to start any new treatment cautiously. I hope you were using the best quality ACV as outlined on this site and not a poor substitute?

Try a slight smear of good quality Coconut oil externally and, if you don't mind the taste, a teaspoon internally once or twice a day. Again, do not overload your system!

Cheers,

Michael

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Replied by Patrick
(Vancouver, Bc)
07/29/2017

I cannot say for sure that there just can't possibly be no improvement. Eczema is a complicated skin defect/disorder that includes a multitude of attributions. You must take onto account that the symptoms are the result of triggers that are caused externally as well as internally. I'm sorry that Avc isn't fully working for you, but since I'm don't know your lifestyle or eating habits it's hard to say. I can tell you that stress plays a major roll on the severity of your flareups and I can't stress that enough, you must retain your stress levels! Keep in mind what you ingest is also a big factor. Try to rule out certain foods that your intolerant to and have a allergy test done. Stay away from fast foods, junk food, processed foods that includes but not limited to canned foods, dairy, nuts, vegetables in the nightshade family. Check your body's pH level and only eat foods that are alkalizing. Definitely stay drug free if you can including antibiotics and away from topical steroids but at your own discretion. As for other topical products, chemical free is a must avoiding perfumes or colognes, even scented soaps and what-not. I have done all that and more to see real results. You must eliminate all negative factors or everything that you have done will just be overridden and contradictory to your treatments. I know it is tough and the battle is very real, but if you've tried atleast some of the things I mentioned above I'm sure you would see some results..even from apple cider vinegar. I wish you best of luck.

>
Replied by Patrick
(Vancouver, Bc)
07/29/2017

About my first reply to you and I'm not sure if you will get this one, but I don't think I correctly answered your question or addressed your problem. Simply, if the apple cider vinegar is doing worse to your Eczema, I would stop immediately and wait a few days. The problem might lie in the strength you apply the apple cider vinegar. Please revise your dilution ratio as you are burning your skin if soaking in full strength, as in undiluted. I would recommend 3:1 water to cider ratio or higher water ratio until if your skin is more sensitive. If all else fails and the condition continues to worsen, discontinue immediately. As a suggestion, try drinking the apple cider with the recommendation of a tablespoon a day mixed with water and honey. Again, I wish you best of luck.


Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Wish (United Kingdom) on 02/10/2017
★★★★★

Editor's Choice

Hi everyone. I am one of those people who have suffered immensely for about 2 years with trying every single steroid which the best of skin specialists prescribe. I was diagnosed as having atopic/allergic dermatitis. I also tried homeopathic medicine but nothing calmed my skin down. It always started with little red itchy bumps all over my body and the scalp which were terribly itchy. I would go mad itching my body 24*7 which was also embarrassing. It all started with a patch of these red bumps one of my foot and it just kept increasing in surface area. In a few months time it covered the whole of my foot, also reaching my leg. This then started weeping dreadfully. And before I knew it, it was all over my body. I was in a miserable state as I was weeping and itchy all over the body and I had my clothes sticking to me. Everything irritated my skin. Had no clue what to do.

I got an NHS appointmt (which is a nightmare in this country) and all they gave me were different doses of antibiotic, antihistamines, steroids, emollients, doublebase dayleave gel and what not. In the end when nothing stopped my problem they decided to wrap my whole legs n zincbandage which was the worst thing they could do. I was left with no option but to go to India and consult the skin specialists there as it was a waiting time of 12 months to see the specialist here in the UK. I met the skin specialist there and the first thing that they said was to remove that bandage. I was given a high dose of steroid to calm the flare up.

My skin looked completely burnt wherever I had the flare up. It was a very scary image. But then I was prescribed a permanent dose of steroids and was told whenever any new bumps started to appear I had to start applying those steroid creams. I had a comprehensive allergy test done as well which just came up with a grass panel allergy. So in essence nobody knew what the problem was! I was completely exhausted with this disease, didn't know what to bath with, what to eat, what to wear. I literally wanted to die!

But then one day my partner decided to get to the bottom of the problem and started to look on the internet for natural remedies for eczema. And he also came across the Earth Clinic website. He advised I tried some of the remedies with best reviews. The ones that I tried were ACV, Himalayan sea salt+epsom salt, mustard oil and coconut oil.

I applied the salt fluff formed by boiling Himalayan sea salt + epsom salt (50-50) in little water and added little turmeric (for its antibacterial properties) on the open wounds and guess what, it actually started working by a blood clotting sort of a mechanism. This is similar to what people in old age used to do when they had wounds-apply salt!

The second and best thing which I am living on today as well is ACV-Apple Cider Vinegar (organic and raw with the "mother"). I drank 2 teaspoonful in warm water twice a day, applied 50% diluted in water on the new bumps and at least twice a day(the more times you apply the better). And I would just see them disappear. You have to have belief and patience with these remedies as you might have to continually apply it for a few times before it starts to reduce in intensity and then disappear completely. And a rule to follow no matter how bad it is - DO NOT ITCH, just makes it worse. I am using this ACV same way every single day and I haven't had to apply a single steroid which just is a poison for you.

I do not use any soap, just shower in plain water. I used to take bath in above mentioned salts every day when I had the full flare up but now I have reduced it to just once a week or even less. And now the only thing I use to moisturise the skin is pure kachi ghani mustard oil from Dabur or Patanjali (found on Amazon). These things improve your skin over time and make your skin barrier stronger which has been destroyed due to this disease.

I hope this helps. I have tried to be very descriptive in my review so it can help as many people as possible.

Thanks!


Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Haley Dye (Utah) on 01/02/2016
★★★★★

I was born with Eczema and have had trouble with the rashes for 18 years before finding Apple cider vinegar (ACV). I mix half water and half ACV in a spray bottle and use it in the shower. I spray in all over, let it sit for a minute, then rinse it off. I have found this to be very effective for me, as I get the rashes from my face to my feet. However, at first I used the ACV every day in the shower and after a while it irritated my skin and made my skin dry and the rashes worse. I now use ACV only 1-2 times a week in the shower and haven't had a problem since. Long term use has been effective for me.

>
Replied by Jared
(Kansas City, Mo)
02/06/2016

I washed my face with soap and water before spraying the recommended solution on my face. It stung pretty good, lol. I assume this is normal? After rinsing, I followed with a thin layer of the organic coconut oil. Is there anything else you use or do that you have found helps in addition? Thanks!

>
Replied by Mmsg
(Somewhere, Europe)
02/07/2016

Jared, dilute the ACV!!


Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Lisa (Mesquite, Tx) on 07/06/2015
★★★★★

I had tried several things with no luck. I was living day to day, my asthma looked worse daily. I was in severe pain and decided I'd go to the doctor next payday; 7 days from this point. I took 1/2 cup each water & ACV and mixed in a mason jar. I took a piece of paper towel and soaked it. I rubbed over my arms and hands. I followed this treatment with a thin layer of Vaseline; this prevented my skin from over drying. After several applications on the same day, my scaled, bright red arms had relief. I couldn't believe this worked! The first few applications of ACV burned and stung. The Vaseline made the difference and expedited the healing. In only the days my inflamed eczema is almost completely gone. The red patches I have lived with for years (had no idea this was ezcema until now) are healing. The red patches on my cheeks are going away, again I didn't know this was eczema either. THIS SITE SAVED MY LIFE!


Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Dean (Christchurch, New Zealand) on 05/25/2015
★★★★★

Been using your site for several years. I have had eczema around my right hand fingers for 4 years and in the last two years has appeared in the arch of my left foot. Very dry skin then when in contact with hot fluids gets very itchy followed by small blisters when scratched. Tried creams from doctor with little success. By chance I saw a remedy to reduce foot odour by rubbing apple cider vinegar on feet before putting on socks. Works great but could not believe that after 2 week of applying once in the morning that my eczema had completely gone...5 weeks on and still ok. I am using double strenght acv 1 capful half in one hand rub hands together and apply to foot, repeat for other foot. The acv runs between my fingers as well....that is why eczema from hand has gone as well. No doubt this has worked, should work for other eczema sufferers as well.


Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Beth (Chicago, Il) on 03/17/2015
★★★★★

Eczema:

After reading everyone's comments, I went out and bought a bottle of organic apple cider vinegar. I took some paper towels, folded them, put some faucet water on them, then poured some ACV on too. I placed the towels on my rash (the worst one is on my arm) for about 20 or so minutes, and saw a big improvement. No more itching and the rash seemed to shrink a bit. After lunch, I had a flare up (I don't know what I ate that may have caused it, or if it was just a coincidence) so I repeated the above with fresh paper towels. And again, the red, itchy flared up skin calmed down significantly.

I don't know if the ACV is a temporary source of relief or can cure rashes, but I'm going to keep using it. And later I'll apply the same to my shoulders.


Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Shereen (Australia) on 02/22/2015
★★★★★

For eczema - Hi, I use Apple cider vinegar on cotton wool and leave my hands to soak it up. When I use the apple cider vinegar it also helps with the itching. It drys the blisters up. Then I put on coconut oil on the day after to keep them moisturised. Soon as you see any sign of blisters, soak hands in Apple cider vinegar.


Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Joella (Az, US) on 01/22/2015
★★★★★

Thank you so much for the suggestions, have tried all lotions - coconut oil - shea butter etc with little result. I sprayed a solution of 30% Apple Cider Vinegar 70% water directly on area. Itching stopped immediately. Rash has cleared up within a week. Tried to also keep clear of all clothing.


Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Paseuth (North St Paul, US) on 11/07/2014
★★★★★

Apple Cider Vinegar is amazing! I am a medical interpreter and remembered one time a podiatrist telling one patient to use apple cider vinegar for his foot. I started to developed dyshidrotic eczema on my hands and feet. It is probably because of stress, allergy, or drinking coffee. I will never know. After using Apple Cider Vinegar for couple of days, I was very happy about the result. Thank you so much.

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Replied by Janelle
(Grenport, Ny)
01/09/2015

I'm sorry but do you drink the apple cider vinegar or do you use it topically?

>
Replied by Mama To Many
(Tennessee)
01/10/2015

Dear Janelle,

Many people use Apple cider vinegar topically and internally. When I use it on my skin, I dilute it with at least half water. If you have broken skin, I would only use 25% ACV.

I like to follow up topical ACV with castor oil which is healing and hydrating, but you will have to see what works for you.

You can try 1 teaspoon to 1 tablespoon of ACV in a tall glass of water once or twice a day, internally.

These things work well for many people. They did not work for me. 3 Borage oil capsules a day is what finally knocked my eczema out a couple of years ago.

Hope you are all healed soon!!

~Mama to Many~

>
Jessica
(Florida)
03/15/2016

This is for Mama to many,

Can you give borage oil capsules to children? If so how? I have tried borage oil lotion for my toddler not much relief.

>
Mama To Many
(Tennessee)
03/15/2016

Dear Jessica,

I would probably try borage oil for a toddler of mine if I had need to, but I have never had a toddler who took pills. I would probably squeeze the contents of a small capsule onto a cracker or mix it into oatmeal or yogurt.

I would also highly recommend milk kefir. I gave that to my daughter for her asthma and it cured her eczema as a bonus!

~Mama to Many~

>
Replied by Brandon Lee
(Hong Kong)
07/05/2015

Does it have to be apple cider vinegar? Can I use white vinegar as well?

>
Replied by Wendy
(Columbus, Oh)
07/06/2015

For eczema, only use organic Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV), the one that begins with "Br". White vinegar is used for cleaning sinks and counter tops, etc., not for drinking. Also, organic ACV contains "the mother" which is the nutrient-rich sediment at the bottom of the bottle. Just shake the bottle before using. Start off by mixing a solution of 1/2 distilled water and 1/2 ACV, and apply this solution to your eczema with a cotton ball.

Also, eczema is caused by too much sugar in the body. Completely stop ALL sugar, ALL caffeine, ALL processed foods, ALL white rice (in fact, stop anything that's white in color). White rice turns to sugar after ingesting. Only eat raw vegetables and very little fruit, eat good-quality beef and chicken. After a month of eating "very clean", the eczema should disappear.

>
Replied by Dan
(Windsor, On)
08/05/2015

I have not tried the ACV on my eczema, but I did give up all the foods that Wendy listed, also all grains. You will be surprised at what products they put wheat in, so be careful to read all labels.

The only time my eczema returns is when I eat any of the foods listed


Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Mark (Owego. Ny/usa) on 10/24/2014
★★★★★

O k folks... I'll be brief. Had CRAZY outbreak of ECZEMA.. Did nothing more than clean gently... And used cheap"ACV!!! Drank it 3 times/day & applied several times TOPICALY.. Little over 12hrs.... AMAZING IMPROVEMENTS!!! Itching subsided FAST... INFLAMMATION took cple. Hrs. Almost healing... BEFORE MY EYES!!! Absolutely AMAZING!!! Dont think about it... JUST DO IT!!! Cheap & it WORKS... Period!!!



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