How to Use Apple Cider Vinegar for Psoriasis

Co-authored by Heather Richmond, MD and Eric McClure

Last Updated: May 15, 2022 References Approved

Apple cider vinegar is a popular ingredient in a variety of different DIY remedies. Unfortunately, while it may be helpful in very small amounts when it’s added to your diet, it’s probably going to do more harm than good when it comes to skin conditions. With that said, there are plenty of ways that you can soothe your psoriasis outbreaks and reduce discomfort. If you want to learn more about why apple cider vinegar isn’t ideal and learn about the proven treatments that will work, you’re in the right place!

Question 1 of 7:

Does apple cider vinegar help with psoriasis?

No, it’s probably not going to do much for your psoriasis. Some people claim that apple cider vinegar is antibacterial or anti-inflammatory, but there’s not a lot of good evidence that this is the case.^{[1]
X
Research source} In fact, it doesn’t actually appear apple cider vinegar does much of anything to help improve the health of skin.^{[2]
X
Trustworthy Source
PubMed Central
Journal archive from the U.S. National Institutes of Health
Go to source} If anything, it’s likely just going to irritate or damage your skin if it’s already feeling sensitive.^{[3]
X
Expert Source

Alina Goldenberg MD, MAS, FAAD
Board Certified Dermatologist
Expert Interview. 16 August 2021.}^{[4]
X
Trustworthy Source
PubMed Central
Journal archive from the U.S. National Institutes of Health
Go to source}
- Very few of the apple cider vinegar skin remedies out there are based on any scientific foundation.^{[5]
  X
  Trustworthy Source
  PubMed Central
  Journal archive from the U.S. National Institutes of Health
  Go to source} It’s true that people have historically used apple cider vinegar for a variety of conditions for hundreds of years, but there’s just no science behind a lot of those practices.^{[6]
  X
  Research source}
- There isn’t any good evidence that vinegar will prevent infections, either.^{[7]
  X
  Trustworthy Source
  PubMed Central
  Journal archive from the U.S. National Institutes of Health
  Go to source}

Question 2 of 7:

Why isn’t apple cider vinegar ideal for psoriasis?

1
Apple cider vinegar won’t soothe any of your symptoms. Vinegar is slightly acidic, and the premise here is that when you have a skin problem your skin’s pH is off, so adding an acid should rebalance it.^{[8]
X
Trustworthy Source
National Eczema Association
Nonprofit organization dedicated to improving the lives of those with eczema through research and education
Go to source} Unfortunately, vinegar doesn’t appear to have anything more than a temporary impact on skin pH, and you’re likely to experience additional pain or irritation on your already-sensitive skin.^{[9]
X
Trustworthy Source
PubMed Central
Journal archive from the U.S. National Institutes of Health
Go to source}
2
Vinegar can’t treat the underlying causes of psoriasis. Even if apple cider vinegar were good for your skin, it still likely wouldn’t help with the underlying problem. Psoriasis is caused by an overactive immune system and it often flares up due to environmental triggers.^{[10]
X
Trustworthy Source
Mayo Clinic
Educational website from one of the world's leading hospitals
Go to source}^{[11]
X
Expert Source

Lydia Shedlofsky, DO
Dermatologist
Expert Interview. 30 September 2020.} Unfortunately, putting apple cider vinegar on your skin won’t help your immune system, and it won’t minimize the impact of environmental triggers.
- The topical medications doctors prescribe for psoriasis are all designed to slow skin cell growth, reduce inflammation, and minimize plaque buildup.^{[12]
  X
  Trustworthy Source
  Mayo Clinic
  Educational website from one of the world's leading hospitals
  Go to source} Apple cider vinegar has no influence on skin cell growth or plaque, and it can actually cause inflammation in rare cases.^{[13]
  X
  Trustworthy Source
  PubMed Central
  Journal archive from the U.S. National Institutes of Health
  Go to source}

Question 3 of 7:

Is it safe to put apple cider vinegar on your skin?

Not really, since it can potentially damage or burn your skin. Apple cider vinegar is acidic, and it’s prone to irritating sensitive skin. In fact, roughly 4-8% of vinegar is acetic acid, a naturally-occurring chemical that can physically erode your skin. There are instances of people chemically burning their skin with apple cider vinegar treatments, so you’re better off skipping this one.^{[14]
X
Trustworthy Source
PubMed Central
Journal archive from the U.S. National Institutes of Health
Go to source}

Question 4 of 7:

Will drinking apple cider vinegar help with psoriasis?

There’s no evidence one way or the other. There isn’t any conclusive evidence that drinking apple cider vinegar will have an impact on your skin. It’s safe to drink in small amounts, and there’s some minor evidence that it can help you lose weight, but you likely won’t fix your psoriasis by drinking apple cider vinegar. If you do want to drink it, dilute it heavily with water. Vinegar’s high acidity can irritate your throat or erode tooth enamel if you drink it straight.^{[15]
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Trustworthy Source
Harvard Medical School
Harvard Medical School's Educational Site for the Public
Go to source}
- Don’t do this if you’re diabetic. Consuming apple cider vinegar can alter your insulin levels.^{[16]
  X
  Trustworthy Source
  Harvard Medical School
  Harvard Medical School's Educational Site for the Public
  Go to source}

Question 5 of 7:

Can I use apple cider vinegar for scalp psoriasis?

Yes, it may help relieve an itchy scalp! There aren’t a ton of studies on this, but the National Psoriasis Foundation does suggest using apple cider vinegar specifically for psoriasis on your scalp. Use 100% organic apple cider vinegar and dilute it with water so that it’s 50% vinegar and 50% water. Apply the vinegar and water to your scalp by hand and rinse your scalp with water after the vinegar dries.^{[17]
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Research source}
- Doing this several times a week may reduce your itchiness and irritation.
- Do not do this if you have open wounds, cracked skin, or your scalp is bleeding.^{[18]
  X
  Research source}

Question 6 of 7:

What’s the most effective treatment for psoriasis?

1
Topical creams, light therapy, and medication are all effective. There are three ways that doctors will approach psoriasis treatment: creams, light therapy, and medication. These are all effective options, but what works for one person may not work for you. See your doctor to explore the various options out there. ^{[19]
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Trustworthy Source
National Health Service (UK)
Public healthcare system of the UK
Go to source}
- Topical creams and ointments reduce inflammation, soothe pain, and moisturize your skin.^{[20]
  X
  Trustworthy Source
  National Health Service (UK)
  Public healthcare system of the UK
  Go to source}^{[21]
  X
  Expert Source
  
  Lydia Shedlofsky, DO
  Dermatologist
  Expert Interview. 30 September 2020.} You can buy medical-grade creams that have been clinically tested.^{[22]
  X
  Expert Source
  
  Heather Richmond, MD
  Board Certified Dermatologist
  Expert Interview. 15 September 2020.}
- Try applying thick emollient lotions throughout the day, especially within the first few minutes of a shower.^{[23]
  X
  Expert Source
  
  Lydia Shedlofsky, DO
  Dermatologist
  Expert Interview. 30 September 2020.}
- Avoid buying them from unknown websites on the internet.^{[24]
  X
  Expert Source
  
  Heather Richmond, MD
  Board Certified Dermatologist
  Expert Interview. 15 September 2020.}
- If their price is extremely low compared to their retail price, they may not be worth buying.^{[25]
  X
  Expert Source
  
  Heather Richmond, MD
  Board Certified Dermatologist
  Expert Interview. 15 September 2020.}
- Light therapy involves exposing your skin to high levels of UVB light for a few minutes. This stunts the growth of skin cells, which are the cause of those obnoxious rashes.^{[26]
  X
  Trustworthy Source
  National Health Service (UK)
  Public healthcare system of the UK
  Go to source}
- Oral medications and injections help to suppress inflammation, or keep your immune system from overreacting.^{[27]
  X
  Trustworthy Source
  National Health Service (UK)
  Public healthcare system of the UK
  Go to source}
2
Work with your doctor to find the best combination for you. Some people get no benefit from something like light therapy, while others see massive benefits. Everyone is different, and what’s ideal for you may not be ideal for someone else. This is why it’s so important to work with your doctor to find the best treatment combination for you.^{[28]
X
Trustworthy Source
National Health Service (UK)
Public healthcare system of the UK
Go to source}
- It may take a bit of trial and error to find the best treatment for you. It can be irritating to spend so much time trying treatments that don’t work, but rest assured that psoriasis is very treatable once you find the best combination for you.

Question 7 of 7:

How can I speed up the healing process for psoriasis?

1
Reducing your stress levels will have a huge impact. Stress is a common trigger for many people with psoriasis. If possible, avoid situations where you suspect you’re going to get stressed out. Develop a coping mechanism, like deep breathing exercises, to treat stress in the moment. Get plenty of sleep, exercise regularly, and eat a healthy diet. All of this should help to minimize your outbreaks and speed up healing time.^{[29]
X
Trustworthy Source
Harvard Medical School
Harvard Medical School's Educational Site for the Public
Go to source}
- Soaking your skin in Epsom salts may help alleviate psoriasis discomfort.^{[30]
  X
  Research source}^{[31]
  X
  Expert Source
  
  Alina Goldenberg MD, MAS, FAAD
  Board Certified Dermatologist
  Expert Interview. 16 August 2021.}
- This can become a vicious cycle if your psoriasis causes you stress. You see the skin patches, they stress you out, and then the stress makes things worse. Do your best to remind yourself that psoriasis is exceptionally common, and it will go away. If you don’t treat it like a big deal, it will disappear sooner than you can imagine!
2
Keep your skin clear and healthy, and avoid inclement weather. Avoid harsh and abrasive soaps, don’t scratch, and put sunscreen on if you’re going outside. The more your skin gets damaged, the more likely those psoriasis patches will be to stick around. Crazy changes in the weather can also keep your skin from healing, so cover up if you’re heading out in the cold or keep your skin clear if it’s going to be hot outside.^{[32]
X
Research source}
3
Apply a corticosteroid, vitamin D, or retinoid cream to your skin. Your doctor may have prescribed you a cream or ointment, and if they have, use that as directed. Otherwise, swing by your local pharmacy and pick up a healing cream or ointment containing vitamin D or retinoids. Read the label and apply the healing cream to your skin as directed. This should help your psoriasis clear up.^{[33]
X
Trustworthy Source
Mayo Clinic
Educational website from one of the world's leading hospitals
Go to source}
- You could also use a product that contains salicylic acid or coal tar.^{[34]
  X
  Trustworthy Source
  Mayo Clinic
  Educational website from one of the world's leading hospitals
  Go to source} These are less popular options for psoriasis, though.

Expert Q&A

Question

What are the disadvantages of bathing using apple cider vinegar?

Alina Goldenberg MD, MAS, FAAD
Board Certified Dermatologist
Dr. Alina Goldenberg is a Board Certified Dermatologist. She specializes in allergic contact and atopic dermatitis, patch testing, skin cancer screening and treatment, and medical and cosmetic dermatology. Dr. Goldenberg has published numerous peer-reviewed publications, textbook chapters and received grants and awards from organizations such as the National Institutes of Health and the American Skin Association. She holds a BA in Public Health from The University of California, Berkeley, a MAS in Clinical Research, and an MD from The University of California, San Diego.

Alina Goldenberg MD, MAS, FAAD

Board Certified Dermatologist

Expert Answer

Despite possessing antibacterial and antifungal properties, you shouldn't bathe in vinegar, as that may lead to skin irritation in atopic dermatitis and is not recommended.
Question

How does apple cider vinegar help skin?

Alina Goldenberg MD, MAS, FAAD
Board Certified Dermatologist
Dr. Alina Goldenberg is a Board Certified Dermatologist. She specializes in allergic contact and atopic dermatitis, patch testing, skin cancer screening and treatment, and medical and cosmetic dermatology. Dr. Goldenberg has published numerous peer-reviewed publications, textbook chapters and received grants and awards from organizations such as the National Institutes of Health and the American Skin Association. She holds a BA in Public Health from The University of California, Berkeley, a MAS in Clinical Research, and an MD from The University of California, San Diego.

Alina Goldenberg MD, MAS, FAAD

Board Certified Dermatologist

Expert Answer

Apple cider vinegar is one of the most commonly utilized natural remedies in dermatology. Vinegar can help rebuild the skin barrier by reforming the acidic mantle — the acidic pH of the skin barrier, which is often broken in atopic dermatitis and contact dermatitis. That said, it should only be used diluted and with professional supervision.
Question

What should I use instead of apple cider vinegar?

Alina Goldenberg MD, MAS, FAAD
Board Certified Dermatologist
Dr. Alina Goldenberg is a Board Certified Dermatologist. She specializes in allergic contact and atopic dermatitis, patch testing, skin cancer screening and treatment, and medical and cosmetic dermatology. Dr. Goldenberg has published numerous peer-reviewed publications, textbook chapters and received grants and awards from organizations such as the National Institutes of Health and the American Skin Association. She holds a BA in Public Health from The University of California, Berkeley, a MAS in Clinical Research, and an MD from The University of California, San Diego.

Alina Goldenberg MD, MAS, FAAD

Board Certified Dermatologist

Expert Answer

Sea salt has been used for decades as a remedy for inflammatory skin conditions, particularly psoriasis. Imitating the concentration of the Dead Sea, which has been shown to improve psoriasis symptoms, may offer a limited benefit as a psoriasis treatment.