Apple Cider Vinegar Cure for Eczema

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!

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!

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.

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!!!

I've had moderate eczema since I was 2 years old. By the age of 12, with the help of prescription creams, it had been cleared from all parts of my body, except... my face! I'm 22 now.

For the last 10 years, the only place I had eczema was my face, out of all the places it could be! And it was very stubborn, there was nothing I could do to clear it. I have naturally dark skin ( I am of Indian origin) and so the marks on my face were quite dark ( on anglo/white skin they are red) and prominent. I suffered from low self confidence because of this, and was desperate to find a solution, and tried almost every cream the doctor had prescribed.

After many years of trial and error, and this wonderful website, I've found something that works for me and thought that I should share :)

Firstly, eliminate or drastically reduce sugar in your diet. Sugar is white poison they say... Also look out for it in processed foods - you'll be surprised at how much is hidden in there. I also have eliminated dairy from my diet, due to having a mild allergy to it.

On the days I eat lots of sugar, my eczema flares up. I have noticed this time and time again. Eat a healthy balanced diet, with lots of fruit, vegetables, grains, meat (if you aren't vegetarian) and legumes. Limit processed foods with sugar, additives, preservatives. And most importantly, stop the sugar!

I have also noted on many occasions, that drinking plenty of water every day significantly improves my eczema. So stay hydrated!

And the last and final thing, something you'll hear a lot about on this website: unfiltered oragnic apple cider vinegar (ACV). I have been using this for the last 6 weeks and the reults have been amazing, what a huge difference. My face is almost clear, after years of trying, I am so happy!

I consume ACV 3 times a day before each meal. 2 teaspoons dissolved in a glass of water each time. There are a range of benefits - look at this website for more info :)

I also started applying it topically on my face. Now some people mention immediate results from this, ie within 24 hours it has cleared. I had very stubborn eczema, the skin on parts of my face was dark, cracked, and rough, and had been so for many years.

I used a solution of 50% water and 50% ACV and applied it all over my face ( it is excellent as a general toner used daily, even if you don't have eczema). The first 3/4 times I used this solution it stung!!! The skin became irritated, darker, sore, itchier, and small white bubbles appeared under my skin, it looked terrible! My skin settled down after a few minutes, but the apperance hadnt changed. I did this routine for about 4 days, and my eczema patches became slightly worse ( or at least, they looked worse! ) but I persisted, and after a few more days my skin no longer became irritated, and the affected areas started to peel slowly, leaving healthier skin on the areas of my face where the eczema once was.

If I touch it right now, my whole face is smooth, no areas are cracked or sore. It hasn't healed 100%, but if before on a scale of 1 to 10, the eczema on my face was a 7, it is now a 2! Huge difference! I am so happy! The areas of my face that had eczema are still slightly darker than the rest of my face but this shoukd improve in time. In general the skin on my face is glowing too.

I just follow the ACV toner with a good, gentle moisturising cream/lotion. No harmful doctor's prescribed eczema creams with side effects, that have failed me over the years. Just simple, apple cider vinegar - make sure you buy unfiltered and organic!

So eat healthy, drink plenty of water, excercise, keep a positive attitude, and drink and apply topically ACV as per the instructions above.

Ezcema is also caused my stress, so keep a free mind. I'm also thinking of starting yoga soon

Good luck :) and thankyou to Earth Clinic and all its contributers!!

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.

Hi! This is Susan from Chicago, I previously posted 8/7/2010 and wanted to update my post.... I have been eczema free since posting about my ACV use in 2010. My eczema was dyshidrotic (little blisters which would break and be raw, heal as severely dry skin and then start cycle again). I cannot stress enough how using the ACV topically CURED me (going on 3 years). After a month of application, I have not had to use it since. My life has changed. I can bathe my children, do dishes, see my patients without feeling embarassed. Please try it if you have dyshidrotic eczema, it can't hurt. I used plain old grocery store ACV 50/50 with distilled water twice a day for a month and the eczema I suffered with for 40 years is completely gone :)

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.

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~

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Hi! I am a 42-year-old female who has SUFFERED with eczema since infancy. My eczema has worsened since college, my hands are inflamed, cracked and bleeding almost year round. I have used every steroid cream, spray and tape on the market with only slight improvement. About 6 days ago I came across this site and read about ACV. I figured it could't hurt to try. I stopped ALL steroids and started applying a 50/50 ACV/distilled water solution once in the morning and once before bed (air dry) and continued using my prescription (steroid-free) moisturizer. After about 24 hours my eczema was about 75% clear. It is now completely gone. AMAZING. I am so happy. I am a healthcare provider and need to wash my hands between patients (about 10-15 a day)... This was murder on my eczema but now has been no problem. NOTE: on day 3 I got a little cocky and used the ACV full strength- not a good idea, my hands became somewhat irritated... Went back to a 50/50 solution. Those of you who have suffered as I have can understand my elation. I can't believe something so simple has worked so well after all these years of fighting...Thank you EarthClinic...If you too have severe eczema don't be skeptical....TRY THIS!

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.

I have been suffering from these rashes on my feet for about 6 yrs. I tried all the ointments being suggested by everyone about curing foot problems like "athlete's foot" since that's what I thought I have been having. Just recently, I came across youtube about these same symptoms I have which causes some rash.. It produces blisters then pops up, dries and eventually peel off and leave my skin cracked. Then I knew I have eczema.

Sometimes I couldn't walk coz the blisters hurt. I have to pop it up to feel some relieve but of course, it will damage the area and will turn out to be an ugly skin irritation. So, a boy on youtube posted several progressive videos about his experience making "eczema" disappear. He suggested ACV. I watched him closely and til I watched his 9th video, his face got cleared for about 85%!

I know he's having it on his face, and I have it on my feet, but I wanted to try it. So I did. I bought this Apple Cider Vinegar and Honey which contains the "mother". Some suggested an organic, unfiltered ones but they said they you have to use some honey. So I got the one that both has it.

Today is September 8, 2014. I first applied it last night on the affected areas. It somewhat stung. But felt good after few mins. Then I tried the diet. 2 tablespoons mixed into a glass of water. Then I went to bed. When I woke up early today, some areas got so red but it didn't hurt. Some areas seem to become clearer. The ones that are about to develop in becoming a blister, seemed to stop.

Now as of this writing, after the whole day, my feet stopped from itching and the redness slowly disappeared. I couldn't express the happiness I am feeling right now! I know that the ACV is working and I couldn't wait to give a testimony about it!

Guys, try it! And don't miss a day in medication for fast result. I love ACV! I LOVE EARTHCLINIC.COM! Thank you so much!

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.

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~

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!