Lichen Sclerosus
Health Benefits

Apple Cider Vinegar for Lichen Sclerosus: Natural Relief

| Modified on Aug 23, 2024
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Apple Cider Vinegar.

Apple cider vinegar (ACV) is a natural remedy known for its anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties. It is often used to relieve symptoms of lichen sclerosus, a chronic skin condition that causes itching, pain, and inflammation. ACV's healing effects make it a beneficial treatment for managing this condition.

How Apple Cider Vinegar Helps with Lichen Sclerosus

Apple cider vinegar contains acetic acid, which has anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties. These compounds help to reduce inflammation, soothe irritated skin, and prevent infection. Regular use of apple cider vinegar can alleviate symptoms such as itching, pain, and skin irritation associated with lichen sclerosus.

Topical Application of Apple Cider Vinegar for Lichen Sclerosus Relief

Applying apple cider vinegar topically is one of the most effective ways to use this remedy for lichen sclerosus. Here are some methods:

  • Diluted ACV Spray: Mix equal parts of apple cider vinegar and water in a spray bottle. Spray the solution directly onto the affected area. Allow it to dry naturally. Repeat this process twice daily for best results.
  • ACV Soak: Add 1 cup of apple cider vinegar to a warm bath and soak in it for 15-20 minutes. This method helps soothe larger areas of skin affected by lichen sclerosus.
  • ACV and Coconut Oil Blend: Mix apple cider vinegar with coconut oil to create a soothing blend. Apply this mixture to the affected area to relieve itching and inflammation.

Benefits and Tips for Using Apple Cider Vinegar

Benefits: Apple cider vinegar helps reduce inflammation, relieve itching, and promote the healing of skin affected by lichen sclerosus. It is a natural and gentle option, making it suitable for regular use.

Tips: For the best results, use raw, unfiltered apple cider vinegar with the "mother." Always perform a patch test on a small area of skin before using it extensively to ensure there is no allergic reaction. If you experience any stinging or discomfort, further dilute the vinegar with water.

Additional Reader Tips for Using Apple Cider Vinegar

  1. ACV and Baking Soda Mix: Some readers found relief by applying a mix of ACV and baking soda, followed by coconut oil for added soothing.
  2. Oral Consumption: Drinking ACV diluted in water daily helped some users reduce symptoms internally.
  3. Essential Oil Addition: Adding a few drops of lavender or tea tree oil to the ACV solution provided additional relief from itching.
  4. Consistency: Regular application, whether topically or orally, was key to seeing improvements.
  5. Precaution: Always dilute ACV and perform a patch test to avoid irritation.

Conclusion

Apple cider vinegar is a popular and effective natural remedy for treating symptoms of lichen sclerosus. Its anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties provide relief from itching, pain, and skin irritation. Incorporating apple cider vinegar into your skincare routine can help manage symptoms and promote healing.

Have you tried using apple cider vinegar for lichen sclerosus relief? Share your experience and let us know how it worked for you! Keep reading below for feedback from Earth Clinic readers who have used apple cider vinegar for this condition.

Related Links:

Natural Remedies for Lichen Sclerosus: Effective Treatments


4 User Reviews


Posted by Faith (Whaletown) on 06/14/2017
★★★★☆

Lichen Sclerosus

ACV on a damp cotton swab, dab onto vagina labial and pat dry then apply a mix of baking soda with coconut oil, relieved the itch and burning sensation. Cheap and effective. I stopped the estrogen cream as I suspect this occurred shortly after I started. I don't want to start the steroid cream, as it causes more problems. Also quit smoking 6 days now along with gluten and caffeine and cut back 90%of my sugar intake. Eating more greens, astragalus, oregano and mint and no processed food. Will check in after my next gyno appointment in Aug.


Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Mom (New York) on 11/10/2013
★★★★★

Hi, I have had Lichen Sclerosus (LS) most of my life, it was finally diagnosed 2 years ago and I had surgery 1 year ago. It helped alot. I have tried apple cidar vinegar, it helps a lot, I also will drink it! This is a life savor. I have recenlty found that applying lavender essential oils made thy itching stop immediately! Try a spot to make sure it doesn't burn. It did not burn me, but was slightly warm. It did not cause any other yeast infections or BV at all, which I was worried about. I am one of those weird people who get both at the same time. Try it! It helped a lot!!!

Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Kim (Effingham, Usa) on 08/16/2011
★★★★★

Hello,

I have had some success with all the self experiements I have tried.

The ACV completely stopped all symptoms for me, but I couldn't take the ACV as it thinned my bones and bothered my joints. I found a interesting article at Pubmed indicating that acetic acid (ACV) stops MS symptoms, in relation to inhibiting a gene tranference. The following was a conclusion about LS being related to an oxidized state and recommending anti-oxidants - thus my remedy below.

The enzymatic antioxidant defence in LS was found to be significantly disturbed. CONCLUSIONS: This is the first study to demonstrate oxidative damage to lipids, DNA and proteins in LS, revealing a novel pathophysiological mechanism which may contribute to sclerosis, autoimmunity and carcinogenesis. Therapeutic strategies using antioxidants might be a useful new approach in the treatment of LS and could also help to prevent secondary malignancies.

For the Itch, I buy PURE Aloe Vera, mix with Lysine, Alpha Lipoic Acid, Cystene, Primerose oil (a few drops), Grapeseed extract and it usually keeps that BAD fire at bay without any flare ups and without the itch. I have had it for 11 years and only have (1) 1/4 inch scar. I do have some atrophy, but that came from attempting to use OTC steriod creme (absolute no-no). The scar over my pubic bone completely resolve using the ACV and above remedy. I thought I was totally resolved when I was taking the Vinegar daily, I had nothing, no symptoms and skin was regaining pink color. I stopped taking vinegar because it was demineralizing my bones - started noticing joint and back issues.

I regained minimal symptoms when stopped so continue to use above mixture with good results to stop the progression. I am going to start adding Hyaluronic acid and Niacinamide to the mixture. I am going to start taking niacinamide (small dose as it can be toxic if to much) I am hoping for a straight out healing!!! I am certain it is related to thyroid issues - that started when they put me on Premarin after hysterectomy - causing my thryroid to fail completely. I will post with results.

TED - HELP!!!!

I want to know if Ted would answer a question. I have been taking Armour Thyroid for 11 years, did an Ultra sound found out the thyroid tissue has regenerated. Is there anyway... somehow I can get off of the medication? Have your ever heard of this?

Thanks.

Replied by Kim
(Effingham, Usa)
08/17/2011

Hello again, I wasn't to clear on the MS and LS connection... According to research taking Vinegar stopped MS symptoms (auto-immune symptoms), when I took Vinegar for LS my symptoms stopped. LS is an auto-immune condition. Acetic acid (vinegar stops the reaction). Has anyone else tried oral vinegar for LS? It worked for me, but again I can't do it because it demineralizes my bones.

Replied by Pincky
(Lagos, Nigeria)
02/17/2012

Try chitosan capsules by tiens. It made those horrible white patches on my vulva disappear completely. I mean completely!

Replied by Melissa
(Usa)
04/12/2017

How did you use the ACV? Please share measurements for your mixture. Thank you!

Replied by Wendy
(Salem, Oregon)
04/23/2017

How is apple cider vinegar demineralizing your bones? I thought it made the calcium in foods more absorbable? Please explain.


Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Mary (Valencia, Ca Usa) on 12/15/2009
★★★★☆

I have had Lichen Sclerosus (LS) for 2 1/2 yrs with almost no itching but lots of inflammation and soreness. The steroid ointments just seemed to make it worse. I tried apple cider vinagar on a little cotton with water and this seems to help the inflammation. I can't wear underwear/long pants as it seems to irritate the area. Does anyone else have the same type of LS? I am tired of going around in my nightgown. Thanks

Replied by 3unicoyds
(L.a., Ca Usa)
01/30/2011

In 8/2010 I was diagnosed with L.S. After a routine pap. I am 45, on a high dose estrogen birth control pill. So lack of estrogen, confuses me. 1/2 my clitoris is closed up and I had NO SYMPTOMS! Needless to say I am shocked. I have been battling body pain for 2 years maybe fibromyalgia, symptoms are similiar and on several medications. I did recently test for HPV, but they say no connection. I am using steroid, but no change. Yahoo has an excellent support group for this too. But has anyone found anything to reverse the skin closing? I do not want to have surgery, but seriously my clit. Please there are few things in life I am not willing to give up and that is one of them. HELP. Thanks

Replied by Diane
(Perkasie, Pa)
07/01/2014

Re: Improving Lichen Sclerosus With Diet: I have improved all of my inflammatory conditions through better eating. Everything you put in your body can either cause inflammation or heal it. I am a Wellness coach and have helped others to reverse these conditions through better eating. Start with reading about Mark Hyman or Dr. Andrew Weil, all about how processed foods cause inflammation. Hope this helps

WHB
(Belgie)
05/24/2022

Ook mijn ayurvedische arts zegt geen fabrieksmatig verwerkt voedsel gebruiken.

Dutch Translation: Also my Ayurvedic doctor says don't use factory processed food.

Replied by Robin
(Burlington, Vermont)
10/25/2015

I have LS for years now. No one has ever told me about diet, just a cream from the doctor, it hurts so bad I can't wear pants, what is good for this? I use a fan at night. Please help

Jillery
(Rawlly, Nc)
03/14/2016
86 posts

Read all the remedies in this LS listing and make your own list of what to try from them. Everyone's body is different so there is not telling what will work for you.

There are a few Facebook pages regarding LS. A few are very traditional in their applications but they are good to read so you can see the issues people get from steroids etc.