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Apple Cider Vinegar, Eggplant for Actinic (Solar) Keratosis

Linda (Seattle) on 04/29/2015
5 out of 5 stars

This is my first time posting and I'm unsure if this is the right place to post about this cure. So my apologies if it's not.

I've had 3 rough red spots on the bridge of my nose for a number of years. Doc said they were actinic keratosis (ak) and to keep an eye on them since they can occasionally turn into cancer. They were unsightly and would sometimes get inflamed a little and peel, so I wanted to get rid of them. It's not uncommon for bruises, cuts and other injuries to leave marks on my skin for a long time after they've healed up, so I didn't want to do the cut or burn approach and have marks from that for a year, so I started looking for alternative treatments.

I read about using eggplant and ACV on AKs, so I blended up an eggplant with raw ACV and let it sit in the fridge for a day. Then I'd apply a thick layer of that paste to the lesions and leave it on overnight (uncovered). In the morning the paste would be dried up and firmly attached to the AKs and I had to peel them off or wash them off with lots of water and patience. The AKs got pretty inflammed and sore after a couple of days, then they started to weep and bleed a little. But only the AKs reacted. The rest of the skin in the treated area showed absolutely no reaction to the paste. About 5 days into the treatment the area was pretty sore and inflamed, so I stopped treatment for a couple of days to let it rest. Then I resumed treatment.

There was one spot on the right side of my nose that had been slightly pink, but had never had a visible AK. It got inflammed and sore too, so I assume it was an AK that hadn't surfaced yet.

About a week into treatment the AKs started going away. The AKs started sloughing and the redness and inflammation subsided. Four small pimples popped up on the edge of a couple of the AKs. They were small but quite sore. They lasted for about a week, then they peeled and fell off too. I continued to apply the paste for another week. But when the AKs started peeling the skin stopped reacting to the paste and nothing more happed, so I quit using it.

It's been about 4 weeks since I started the treatment, and at this point the areas where the AKs were are a light pink color, but all of the skin there is soft and smooth now. So for me the eggplant/ACV paste was a success. And it was cheap and easy too. Just one eggplant and about a half of a cup of raw ACV vinegar.

Replied by Linda from Montrose, Scotland on 11/15/2015

I'm 61 and a redhead and have had solar keratosis for about 5 years. Initially one on my face and some on my back and then several on my chin I've been treated with cryotherapy but it takes ages to heal and has always returned. I started treating myself with 'diluted ' cyder vinegar but again it came back. In the last 3 months I have been mixing the vinegar with aubergine and I think I'm finally seeing normal skin.

I have stopped and started and almost given up on several occasions as it got worse and new areas appeared . It's not easy having to burn your face time and time again knowing it will scab over and praying it will heal and not return. I have to virtually perform surgery on my face every day before it's smooth enough to wear make up before I can go out. I'm lucky I'm retired now. That's maybe why it's taken so long but it was either that or be a total hermit. I've stayed in for days to avoid picking the scabs and allow it to heal but to no avail. My husband thinks I'm self harming but what choice do I have when it's on my face.

Anyway, am keeping my fingers crossed and will keep posting. Am not sure if I'll be left with scarring. I also had a biopsy about a month ago and have to wait 6 wks on the result. The dermatologist said she couldn't diagnose my condition because I couldn't leave my skin alone. I need to be checked on a regular basis in future as obviously now high risk for squamous cell carcinoma. I'm keeping my fingers crossed that I will be able to show the dermatologist a positive result.

Replied by Linda from Seattle on 03/29/2016

Update - It's been 11 months since I used the eggplant/ACV paste on the four solar keratoses on my nose, and I can now say that the treatment was a complete success. There are no signs that the keratoses were ever there. The skin is smooth and soft, and there are none of the lingering red marks that often will remain for a year or so after my skin has had an injury.

Replied by Anon from Uk on 07/01/2016

A question. Why Apple Cider Vinegar as opposed to other vinegars. They are all acetic acid. Why not distilled malt vinegar, or even malt vinegar itself. The method seems to promote skin peeling (acid is corrosive) rather than a chemical effect.

Comments please.

Replied by Nanowriter from Hotspot, Texas on 07/03/2016

Anon, go ahead and try the different vinegars on your keratosis and let us know what your results are. I am always interested in what actually works for people. Good luck!

Replied by Anon from Uk on 07/05/2016

A little risky on the face.

Replied by Tallcaramelblonde from Nopesville, Nm on 07/28/2016

I pick at mine too. Been applying ACV for about 2-3 weeks 3-5x per day with q-tip, but I can't help but pick at the things, and now they are all bloody and scabby. Not sure if I should stop the ACV and let them heal? Or just keep on with the ACV and stop rubbing and picking at them. Probably that one. I think I'll try a week of ACV and absolutely NO scraping. Maybe they'll scab over and fall off!

Good luck with yours, too.

Replied by Daisy from Grenada on 08/21/2016

I am in the same position as you. Have been applying ACV for over a week now and my arms are covered in very dry scabs and itchy. I shall continue to apply ACV and see what happens. I might try rubbing aloe Vera on my arms, as they are very dry.

Replied by Doug from Seattle on 10/30/2020

Hi Linda (Seattle).

I know it's been some years since you posted, but did you cook the eggplant first, or did you mash it up raw? Also, have you had any relapse of the keratosis? I've tried just the ACV (no eggplant). It has worked for me temporarily, but each time the keratosis has come back.

Replied by Sandy from FL on 10/30/2020

Just cut up eggplant and soak it overnight in ACV. Pour liquid off into another bottle. I soak a qtip and apply to any affected area.

Works amazingly well.

Replied by ladybug from missouri on 10/15/2023

i bought eggplant powder on amazon, and mixed with vinegar. I use it at night as it is like a mask.