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 Lkforster (Olympia, Wa) on 02/25/2013
★★★★★
Apple Cider Vinegar for Excema/Dermatitis: I have never quite known the name of my skin problems, nor gotten a proper diagnosis. But here's the gist: severe itching of the hands, followed by small blisters, the blisters break, then the skin itself cracks and peels. Once the skin somewhat heals? Repeat cycle. This went on for 15 years, in varying degrees, with little respite-whenever I got rid of it for a short period of time, it would rear its ugly head again some time later. And it was ugly, believe me... Showing off your new engagement ring on a hand that looks like it was chewed by a dog detracts from your overall happiness in life. I'm not trying to be dramatic, it just really did suck.
About four years ago, I had gone a pretty significant length of time without any significant problems-then, one night, I awoke to the horrible itching in my hands, and by morning my hands were blistered and painful. That's when I got online, and discovered Earth Clinic-I was looking for ANYTHING that might help. The first remedy I tried was apple cider vinegar-I had some in my pantry already, and figured it wouldn't do any damage. On the contrary, it did wonders! I applied it directly to a cotton ball, which I then applied directly to my skin-it stung like a #$%@^, but seemed to immediately work. The blisters that had already cracked dried up, and the ones that had yet to open receeded. After applying the vinegar for several days, maybe a week, my skin showed no signs of distress. I haven't had an issue since then-if I see any kind of flare up, I apply the apple cider vinegar, and it immediately disappears.
I was diagnosed with Celiac Disease last year, which I now think was the possible cause of my skin problems. However, I went three years prior to my diagnosis with relatively no skin problems because of the apple cider vinegar. I recently began drinking a tablespoon in a glass of water twice daily, and I think it helps with digestion too. Try it... It certainly won't hurt, and you may be surprised at how well it works!
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 Su (Victoria, Canada) on 01/26/2013
★★★★★
ACV saved my life. I had a very mild case of eczema over my body, but my face was a total disaster. After reading the above comments and replies, yesterday I bought an organic ACV with "mother" and applied 50/50 ratio on my face and hands. Overnight, the marks, the redness and itching has disappeared. I was soo happy when I looked at my face today morning, and believe me, I haven't felt happy like that in a long time. Unlike some commenters, it did not frizzle and hurt like hell (I dont know why) but agree with the smell factor. Since I have a very oily skin, I applied aloe right after instead of coconut oil. I think it soothed the skin a lot. I want to thank all of you for suggesting ACV.. It is definitely a gift from mother nature for all of us who suffer.... :)
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Mama To Many (Tennessee) on 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~
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Meg (San Jose, CA, USA) on 06/14/2009
★★★★★
I had been desperate to find something to help my husband with the itch of eczema, which particularly drove him nuts at night, although he would scratch like he had fleas all day long too. I accidentally found your site and looked up eczema. Many seemed to have found success using ACV (Apple Cider Vinegar) so I decided, since there was no harm in using this natural remedy, we would try it. My husband has been using ACV, 2 teaspoons sweeten with honey (probably about 2 tablespoons) in 6 to 8 oz. of hot water 3 times a day for about 2 months now. It took perhaps three weeks for a complete alleviation of the itching, but, miraculously, the eczema itself is history, not just the itch! We had been told, as have so many others, I'm sure, by well-meaning but brainwashed dermatologists, that eczema cannot be cured. It is difficult to find strong enough words to thank the people who run this site, as well as the folks who are willing to share their valuable information with others. You are all helping to put a nail in the coffin of the greedy pharmaceutical giants who have the ears and trust of the dedicated doctors in this and many other fields fields. You are also helping individuals save a lot of money and get real and lasting relief. I can't begin to tell you how much money we had spent on this problem before finding you, and what appears to be an inexpensive 'cure' although I hate to use that word. I have waited this long to report back to you because, notoriously, various creams, etc. will help dramatically for a few weeks, and then the condition returns with a vengeance! Not so this remedy!..... I will continue to use your site, and continue to recommended EarthClinic.com to my friends and acquaintances. Thank you so much again.
Meg
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Renata (Chicago, Il) on 09/05/2013
★★★★★
Hey guys, thanks so much for all these wonderful reviews! My eczema is gone! I have struggled with this eczema for about 3 years now. It appeared on my hands and it was awful since I work with children and I have to wash often my hands. Last Thursday I read about Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV) used externally and I applied it on my hands before going in the bed. By morning I could see noticeable signs. Unbelievable! Friday I did the same thing a couple of times during the day and then hydrating the skin with natural oils (coconut, olive etc). Friday night I could see a major improvement. I am on a glute-free Vegan diet and I also drink 2 tablespoon of ACV in a glass of water and raw honey for taste. Every day I prepare a large glass of vegetable juice from green veggies (parsley, cilantro, kale, cucumber and zuchini, celery, apple for taste). I eat at least 2 plums a day for a better digestion. I have bought an enema bag from amazon to detox my body. So far, I feel fantastic and my eczema is gone in less than a week! . None of those oinments cortizone, triamcinolon, fluocionide etc did not work as the ACV. I am so happy!!
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.....
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Patrick (Vancouver, Bc) on 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.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Patrick (Vancouver, Bc) on 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 Dan (Windsor, On) 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 Raffy (San Diego) on 07/27/2014
★★★★★
I have my eczema for about 8years. After trying all the recommended meds by professional not even single meds works for me. But one day when I diluted 50/50 vinegar and tap water and apply into affected area just for two times application day and night then using virgin oil day and night my eczema has been gone.
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.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Michael (New Zealand) on 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
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Jared (Kansas City, Mo) on 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!
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Mama To Many (Tennessee) on 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~
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Estelle (Toronto, Canada) on 03/19/2014
★★★★☆
The last two weeks I've had a full breakout of eczema on my hands. I have not experienced this since childhood, so it's alarming and concerning to me. My hands have been so itchy that I have trouble sleeping at night, waking every few hours because of the discomfort.
Last night I applied the 50/50 ratio of water and Apple Cider Vinegar to my hands and left it on for as long as possible. It didn't burn where the actual eczema was, only where there were open cracks in my skin. The sting wasn't unbearable.
I didn't rinse it off and immediately applied coconut oil to my hands, put cotton socks on them and went to bed. I also took a glass of water with Apple Cider Vinegar to bed with me for drinking (which I do every night anyway).
I did not wake even once with the urge to itch my hands - the itch disappeared within the first few minutes of application. When I got up in the morning, the eczema was still visible, but NO itch at all today and the redness/inflammation is all gone!
I am going to do this treatment each night and I believe the eczema will dry up and disappear completely after a few days. Amazing. I highly recommend trying this solution.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Arlene (Jekyll Island, Ga) on 04/01/2013
★★★★★
ACV worked for my eczema. I applied it to the itchy rash on my hands and between my fingers and in a few days the rash was dried up and gone. Thank you for all your wonderful feedback and emails.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Grace (London, UK) on 12/02/2012
★★★★★
I am so grateful for this wonderful website. Thank you so much! This site is truly an amazing resource.
Apple Cider Vinegar is amazing!
I have had constant eczema on my face for well over a month now which was spreading and looking very unsightly. I tried everything: applying topically very high concentration cortisone cream, coconut oil, aloe vera, E45 which is a cream that contains uric acid, bleach (which I do not recommend it just burnt my skin), salt, shea butter and more.
When I first tried the ACV it did not work because I applied it neat this burnt my skin too much. However I tried again this time I diluted 50% ACV and 50% water. When I first applied it in the evening my skin itched, tingled, the eczema turned red and patches even turned white and fizzled. I did this once more before going to bed. The next day it was a bit better but it appeared to have spread as if it was trying to escape the treatment. I almost gave up but did not I persevered and applied again that morning.
Once again the skin turned red and white patches sizzled. That day the eczema looked like it was slowly drying up although the skin was still red and irritated. Once again I did not know whether to continue. However I did and cotton-swabbed the mixture of ACV and water twice more onto the affected area. I also cleaned my face with the leftovers, using it as a toner and noticed my complexion looked brighter.
This morning on the third day of this ACV treatment the eczema is much improved. It has not disappeared as yet but it is so much better and I can see the treatment is working and slowly but surely drying out my eczema! Very happy and relieved.
Of course I am aware that eczema is caused by underlying internal problems so I am not only treating externally but getting to the root of the problem. I had been on a detox diet and when I stopped this the eczema came back so now I know I have to cut out all wheat, dairy, gluten, eggs, sugars (apart from a few berries), red meat and limit citrus fruits as oranges and lemons can also cause eczema. I will eat a diet rich in vegetables in order to keep my system alkaline.
Thanks again earth clinic for another amazing remedy! This is the best site ever.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Swati (Delhi) on 07/21/2016
★★★☆☆
BETTER BUT WITH SIDE EFFECTS
Hi, I am also an indian. Recently got such itchy blisters omly on face. Applied ACV, which reduced it. But my skin looks very dark now. Pls tell me how soon can my skin regain its original colour.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Jennifer (Sunrise, Fl, Usa) on 07/05/2012
★★★★★
I have to give another resounding YES for the ACV Eczema remedy. I did a chemical peel to my face the other day which caused my eczema to flare up all over my face. It was extremely embarassing and I didn't go out yesterday during the 4th of July because of it. I was applying coconut oil to it regularly and while it helped, the eczema would flare up again a few hours later. I was at my wit's end.
After trying for a couple of days to treat it without success, I decided to try the ACV remedy. I just applied it full-strength on a cotton pad and swiped my face. OUCH! It was quite painful as some of the skin was broken. My face turned red and the eczema looked a lot more red, raised, and angry. I let it sit as long as I could stand it and then applied coconut oil on top of it to soothe the skin. I also took a tbsp of ACV in water internally to maximize the effect.
An HOUR later, the eczema was 85% gone. I couldn't believe it! I reapplied right before going to bed last night and this morning my face is 100% clear.
Another miracle of ACV! I can't live without this stuff.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Andrei (Las Pinas City, Metro Manila, Philippines) on 04/26/2012
★★★★★
It's a YEA for me. It all started with Sebhorrheic Dermatitis when I was in high school which caused flaking skin on the creases of my nose. Sometimes, there would also be on my eyebrows. This would usually make my skin red too.
Later on, I needed to go to the Dermatologist to get some treatment on acne as suggested by our university phsyician when I had my first annual physical exam in college. I went on some medication for acne. Later on, I asked for treatment on my drying skin too... Then came the hydrocortisone. It worked for a while. But later on, my skin would dry again.
I actually stopped with the acne meds since it seemed like my breakouts were under control already. For the drying skin problem, though, the meds were upgraded to Desonide cream, which is a stronger topical steroid cream. It worked so I stopped seeing my dermatogologist. I used it for about 8 months and then I decided to stop.
It was because it thought it was such a strong chemical and I wanted to take a ore natural route. In just 3 days, my face got terribly worse to the point where it would be embarrassing to go out of the house. The worst part is that I had to graduate college having that on my face.
At first, I was using coconut oil topically and internally. I only had minor relief from it. Later on, the drying and scaling came back again and it felt like days were just passing by with no progress. I started to research more on this condition and went through different words like staph infection, dermatitis, etc.
I finally came to the conclusion that this was eczema. I also decided to research more on what to do with it since VCO did not seem to budge anymore. I ordered different products like Sunflower Seed Oil and Flaxseed Oil. But I ended up using Apple Cider Vinegar.
I did the internal and external way again. The first two times I put it on my face, it really burned! And I felt like it was a good thing because at least something was happening. After 2-3 days, all the dryness have already fallen down. It was one of the best times of my life! It even happened during New Year's Eve. Haha.
Now, it's already about 4 months since I have been freed from that torture. I still use the ACV both ways. I have no problem with depending on it because it is organic. I don't drink too much of it though because it is said to be able to cause problems when taken in excess.
The mark where the eczema once was could still be seen on my face. It's actually like a 5 o'clock shadow so it has the tendency to look natural --- optimistically. Sometimes, though, there would be a bit of mild flaking but still to a point where ACV could easily take over.
As for my hopes, it would be that it would never come back again. I also hope that the mark would eventually fade and match my natural skin tone. To those who are still going through this eczema, just try to beat I with ACV! I have a good feeling it really is designed for it. :)
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Cchi541 (Auckland, Nz) on 07/31/2011
ACV Allergy! It's the preservatives that do it to me!
I've developed eczema over the last year (I'm 22) and have tried a lot of natural remedies. I first tried ACV and found that it made my eczema WAY WORSE. I was drinking about 2-3 oz a day and applying it topically (50/50 with water). I only did this for 2 days because I instantly saw negative results. I later discovered that I have an intolerance to sulfites, which is in ACV in high amounts (all vinegars, wine and dried fruit have loads of sulfites in them)...
I've been staying away from all preservatives and using BioOil mixed with Tea Tree oil and Lavender Oil and my eczema is slowly getting better. I was getting it on and around my lips as well as a big patch on my wrist and neck and it's almost completely gone on my mouth and more bearable on my wrist. Give a preservative-free diet a try!
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Vincent Rosaldes (Manila, Philippines) on 06/15/2011
I've been suffering from mild to moderate eczema (actually seborrheic dermatitis, but I know this is one of its subtype) for about 1 year already on my face. I get these rashes and dry patches on my face. For almost a year, I've been using Candibec cream (antifungal with steroid component). It helps with the inflammation and itching, but it just comes back. I know the reprecussions using steriods so I'm trying it the natural way.
I was inspired to see someone from a video blog who got "rid" of his eczema. That's why I'm starting on my ACV. I'm drinking ACV (2 tbsp of 1/4 cup of water), and applying some diluted ACV. It'll be one week tomorrow. There's no significant changes, but I'm just happy to know I've been off steriods for almost two weeks now. Flare-ups occur on and off, but it's not too bad.
Aside from these, I take 1000mg of Vit C, 400mg of Vit E and 3 soft gel capsules containing omega 3, 6, 9. I try to eat healthy as much as possible.
Sometimes, I want the easy fix, but I try not to hold off the steriods for the time being. I know this will take some time and lot of effort. I will update you guys a month from now if I see any huge improvements. We can do it guys!
