Eczema is a chronic skin condition characterized by dry, itchy, and inflamed patches of skin. Many people with this condition seek out traditional home remedies to supplement their prescribed treatments, and apple cider vinegar (ACV) has long been a popular choice for skin issues. While scientific evidence is not extensive, ACV is widely used for its potential to soothe and rebalance irritated skin.
Understanding How Apple Cider Vinegar Interacts with Eczema
The theoretical benefit of using apple cider vinegar for eczema is restoring the skin’s natural protective barrier. Healthy skin maintains an acidic pH level. This acidic environment is crucial for keeping moisture in the skin and protecting against external irritants and harmful microbes.
Eczema-affected skin has a higher pH level, which can impair the skin barrier function. Since ACV is naturally acidic, applying a highly diluted solution may temporarily help to lower the skin’s pH. Restoring this acidity is thought to improve barrier function and help the skin retain moisture. While some small studies show ACV soaks can temporarily decrease skin pH, its long-term effect on eczema symptoms requires more research.
Apple cider vinegar is also recognized for its antimicrobial properties. Eczema skin is often colonized by Staphylococcus aureus bacteria, which can worsen inflammation and infection during flare-ups. Dilute vinegar can inhibit the growth of skin pathogens like S. aureus. This suggests that ACV could potentially help manage secondary infections that are common when the skin barrier is broken from scratching.
Step-by-Step Methods for Applying ACV Safely
Apple cider vinegar must always be diluted to avoid irritation on sensitive skin. The two most common and effective methods for application are a full-body bath soak and a localized compress or spot treatment.
ACV Bath Soak
A full-body bath is the gentlest way to use ACV, as the vinegar is dispersed over a large volume of water. To prepare an ACV bath, fill a standard bathtub with warm water. Add between one-half to two cups of apple cider vinegar directly into the bathwater and mix it thoroughly.
Soak the affected areas in the diluted solution for about 10 to 15 minutes. Prolonged soaking can lead to further drying of the skin. After the soak, drain the tub and rinse the body thoroughly with clean, cool water to remove any residual vinegar. Once out of the bath, pat the skin gently dry with a clean towel. Immediately apply a fragrance-free moisturizer or any prescribed topical medication to lock in moisture.
ACV Compress or Spot Treatment
For localized areas of eczema or for a more targeted application, a highly diluted ACV compress can be used. A safe and commonly recommended dilution ratio is one tablespoon of apple cider vinegar mixed into one cup of warm water.
To create the compress, soak a clean cotton cloth, gauze, or paper towel in the diluted mixture until it is fully saturated. Gently wring out the excess liquid so the cloth is damp, but not dripping, and then apply it directly to the affected patch of skin. The compress can be left in place for approximately 10 minutes to allow the diluted acetic acid to interact with the skin. After the application time, remove the compress and rinse the area with fresh water before immediately applying a gentle moisturizer.
Essential Safety Precautions and Product Selection
Before attempting any ACV application, it is absolutely necessary to perform a patch test on a small, unaffected area of skin. Apply the diluted solution to a dime-sized patch of skin and wait 24 hours to monitor for any adverse reactions, such as increased redness, burning, or irritation. If any discomfort or worsening symptoms occur, discontinue use immediately and consult a healthcare provider.
The most important safety rule is to never apply undiluted apple cider vinegar directly to the skin. Since ACV is highly acidic, applying it without proper dilution can cause significant irritation, burning, and even chemical damage, especially on already compromised skin. This remedy should also be avoided on skin that is broken, cracked, weeping, or severely inflamed, as the acidity will likely cause intense pain and further damage.
When purchasing apple cider vinegar for skin use, it is best to select a product labeled as “raw” and “unfiltered” and one that contains “the mother.” The mother is a cloudy formation composed of beneficial bacteria, yeast, and enzymes that are created during the fermentation process. While the specific health benefits of the mother for topical application are not fully proven, this raw form is generally preferred over clear, filtered, or pasteurized varieties, which lack these components.