The comments below reflect the personal experiences and opinions of readers and do not represent medical advice or the views of this website. The information shared has not been evaluated by the FDA and is not intended to diagnose, treat, or prevent any disease or health condition. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional for medical concerns.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Shopaholic (Saint Paul, Minnesota) on 12/05/2014
★★★★★
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
★★★★★
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
★★★★★
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 Lindi (Vancouver, Bc, Canada) on 05/14/2012
★★★★★
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 Mmcgraw (Hamilton, Ontario) on 08/08/2011
★★★★★
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 Jill (Novi, Michigan) on 08/04/2011
★★★★★
Day 5 of using ACV, yogurt and Acidophilus. My skin is looking so much better that I cancelled my appointment with the dermatologist for today. Can anyone recommend a moisturizer to use though? The skin under my nose is very dry and peeling, but looks so much better underneath. Such a relief, I can't even tell you.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Kc (Los Angeles, Ca) on 06/22/2011
★★★★★
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 Connie (Greensboro, Nc, Usa) on 05/29/2011
★★★★★
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
★★★★★
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
★★★★★
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 Kat (Seattle, Wa) on 04/29/2010
★★★★★
I've never had PD and was recently diagnosed with it. My naturopath recommended the apple cider vinegar along with honey, vitamin C and probiotics. She thought yeast might be the culprit based on what my lips looked like. The directions were as follows: splash a little bit of apple cider vinegar on a cotton ball and lightly touch the skin around your lips - once a day. The vinegar will dry out the lips and take away moisture yeast needs to thrive. 10 days should be enough, but everyone is different. Meanwhile, apply honey on the lips for moisture and to prevent cracking once or twice a day. Use a double doze of probiotics during the 10 days, adhere to a well balanced diet and take vitamin C. My naturopath suggested 2000mg a day for me. Overall, my PD took around 3 weeks to clear. The important thing is to watch out for infections from the dried lips and consult a doctor/naturopath if you feel the rash has changed.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Linda (Treorchy, Rhondda South Wales UK) on 04/05/2009
★★★★★
YEA!!! I have NEVER had a good skin. In my teens I did the lot, steaming, OTC creams, liquids perscription stuff nothing worked. Then about 15 years ago I started getting hot red patches, this was the start of rosseaca. BAck to the GP, more creams pills andhospital visits nothing. I spent 100's on miracle cures, some helped a little, but never enough to justify the huge price tag. In the end I was prescribed Veil Cover Makeup. This was horrible. and made it worse by bring me up in spots. Finally I found tht rooibos tea applied to my face helped tremendously, and is also great for nappy rash (I used it on my grandaughter). However the past 5 days my skin has gone in to freefall, and not even that helped. I had masses off white pimples, red imflamaed areas, and my face was so sore. I tried the ACV cure, and I am amazed so far. This morning when I got up my face looked as if it had had boilling water thrown at it over night, and felt like it too. So before my bath this morning, I gently cleaned it with warm water and dabbed ACV over it, yeah it stung a bit, but not that bad, and not for long. Afterhalf an hour I looked in the mirror and I had a differnt face!!!! Its not all gone of course, nothing would work that fast, but the redness was down by about 50%, the soreness has gone 100%, and my skin looks less raw. This was just using cheap supermarket ACV from ASDA (.79p a bottle). I'm off to Cardiff tomorrow to find a health food shop and get a bottle of raw ACV.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Jen (Portland, Maine) on 12/18/2008
★★★★★
I also have been suffering off and on from Perioral dermatitis. I was using a steroid cream I had prescribed for something else. Big Mistake. I had to go through the 2 weeks of awful withdrawals, but luckily I had been warned how bad it would be from this site and similar ones. Definitely DELUTE the ACV and make sure you get the ORGANIC as well.
I mostly used this topically, as I find the 2 tbls really hard to drink, even with juice, BUT when I do it really helps out heart burn for like a week at a time just from one dose!:) I use ACV every other day at least. It will burn like heck at first, esp. on delicate skin-my was very bumpy, peely, and pink from withdrawal reaction.
What ever you do...quit your steroids. I was also on Flonase for my mild allergies; I thought back to when I first was prescribed that and it correlates to the first signs of my PD!
Best of luck- It has been about 5 weeks since I quit the cream and started using ACV and I have hardly any red left and only 1 or 2 tiny remnants of a bump. :)
2 more tips:
Crush up an aspirin and mix it into plain organic yogurt-on those bad days- make a soothing mask and relieves the swelling of the bumps a little.
And also rest your face in your clean hands with cold water in the sink. This seems to help a little as well.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Jenna (Philadelphia, PA) on 11/21/2008
★★★★★
I guess i have had this mouth rash problem for quite some time now but never admitted to having a problem. I blamed it on allergies. Now that i think about all the mornings i would make Green Tea and press the warm tea bag on my face. This helped temporarily, really just stopped the irritating feeling, never took away the discoloration. It has been 48 hours since i first used the ACV applied by a cotton ball (2 morning applications, 2 night applications) My face has not looked so good in years. I am 25 and have had this for about 8 years now. Wow am i happy i learned this trick from you guys. I will be starting my probiotic supplements when they get delivered and will be sure to try out the yogurt too. Thank you so much. If i could see you guys i would hug you :)
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Teresa (London, London) on 09/13/2008
★★★★★
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.
