Apple cider vinegar for psoriasis is touted as a safe, effective natural cure. But there isn’t a lot of research behind it. “I tell my patients it’s a good home remedy, but it doesn’t replace prescription medications,” says Deeptej Singh, MD, founder of Sandia Dermatology in Albuquerque, NM, and an assistant professor of dermatology at the University of New Mexico.
Apple cider vinegar itself is touted as a miracle cure for everything from weight loss to diabetes control to immune system booster to heart health. Apple cider vinegar is a form of acetic acid, notes Singh. It comes from fermented apples. It’s mostly water, with small amounts of iron, calcium, magnesium, zinc, sodium, sugar, and potassium thrown in. It’s been used for thousands of years to disinfect wounds and treat infections. You’ve probably seen apple cider vinegar drink recipes on social media sites like TikTok.
Here’s a closer look at apple cider vinegar for psoriasis: how it works, whether it helps to relieve symptoms, plus how to apply it.
Can Apple Cider Vinegar for Psoriasis Help Symptoms?
The National Psoriasis Foundation does recommend apple cider vinegar as a “natural” way to relieve scalp itch from psoriasis. But there’s not a lot of research to back up its claims. There appear to be no published studies on apple cider vinegar and psoriasis. One small study of 22 patients with atopic dermatitis, another inflammatory skin condition, had patients soak one arm in diluted apple cider vinegar and the other in water for 10 minutes a day for 2 weeks. At the end of the trial, there was no improvement in symptoms, and the apple cider vinegar group actually developed skin irritation. Another 2021 study of people with atopic dermatitis found that daily apple vinegar soaks didn’t change the bacterial composition of the skin, either.
“When patients ask about apple cider vinegar, I always say ‘why not,’ but I do tell them there’s no research to show it’s effective,” explains Singh. “But it’s fine for them to try it. They just need to continue to take any medications I may prescribe to treat their psoriasis.”
How Does Apple Cider Vinegar for Psoriasis Work?
It’s thought that apple cider vinegar, like other acetic acids, may help normalize the pH balance of your skin, says Singh. This in turn may improve the skin barrier, which can help to improve symptoms of psoriasis like redness and itching.
There’s a practical purpose, too: apple cider vinegar acts as a natural exfoliant, Singh says. It removes your body’s top layer of dead skin cells and makes your psoriasis look less scaly.
2 Ways to Use ACV for Psoriasis (and 2 to Avoid)
You should always check with your dermatologist before you use apple cider vinegar to treat your psoriasis. They may recommend that you apply a small amount of diluted apple cider to a small patch of your body and wait a few days to see if your skin has a reaction. If you don’t, it’s probably safe to use.
DO use diluted apple cider vinegar baths.
- Add 2 cups of apple cider vinegar to a lukewarm bath.
- Soak in the tub for 15 to 20 minutes.
- When you’re done, drain the bath, then rinse your entire body with cool water.
- Follow immediately with your favorite moisturizer.
DO use apple cider vinegar wet wraps.
- Mix 1 cup of warm water with 1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar.
- Apply the mix to gauze or strips of clear cotton fabric.
- Apply the solution to your skin.
- Cover the dressing in a dry, clean, cotton fabric.
- Wear the wet wrap for three hours or overnight.
DON’T use apple cider vinegar on open wounds.
While it’s touted as an infection fighter, there’s no evidence that it can clean wounds, points out Singh. “It’s very acidic, so there’s also a good chance it could burn the skin.”
DON’T drink it straight from the bottle.
If you drink apple cider vinegar undiluted, it can damage your tooth enamel, burn your esophagus, and upset your stomach, warns Singh. He recommends that you mix 1 tablespoon of it with 8 to 10 ounces of water. Even then, you should still rinse your mouth out with water to reduce the risk of damage to your tooth enamel. “It also makes a great salad dressing, if you mix equal parts of apple cider vinegar with olive oil,” he adds. Another bonus: you may feel full, faster. A study published in the European Journal of Clinical Nutrition found that combining vinegar with a monounsaturated fat like olive oil helped to lower blood sugar levels as well as decrease appetite.
How to Use Apple Cider Vinegar for Scalp Psoriasis
The National Psoriasis Foundation recommends the use of apple cider vinegar to help relieve an itchy scalp if you have psoriasis. Stick to organic apple cider vinegar, which you can buy at most supermarkets. Here’s how to use it:
- Dilute the vinegar with water in a 1:1 ratio (for example, combine 1/4 cup of vinegar with a 1/4 cup of water). This will help prevent side effects such as stinging or burning.
- Apply it to your scalp.
- Rinse the solution off your scalp once the solution has dried. If you leave it on for too long, your scalp can get irritated.
You can use it several times a week. Don’t use it if you have an open sore on your scalp or if the skin there is cracked or bleeding. But be very careful to avoid contact with your eyes, Singh warns. Apple cider vinegar can cause redness and irritation, and it can damage your corneas. If any does get into your eyes, rinse them out immediately and then call your doctor or local poison control center.
Can You Use Aspirin and Apple Cider Vinegar for Psoriasis?
A mixture of crushed aspirin and apple cider vinegar is often touted online as a natural cure for scalp psoriasis. The reason? Aspirin contains salicylic acid, an ingredient often found in psoriasis washes, moisturizers, and shampoos because it softens skin and reduces scaling. But there’s no evidence that the combination of the two is any more effective than apple cider vinegar used alone, says Singh. If you do want to try it, some dermatologists recommend that you crush three aspirin and mix them with a cup of vinegar. Apply for 10 or 15 minutes, then rinse.
Who Shouldn’t Use Apple Cider Vinegar for Psoriasis?
You should not use apple cider vinegar for psoriasis if you have open sores, cracks, or bleeding on that patch of skin, advises Singh. In these cases, the apple cider vinegar will likely burn and may lead to even more irritation and pain. You also may want to avoid apple cider vinegar if you have very sensitive skin. If you do want to try it, Singh recommends that you apply it to a very small patch of skin first. If after a couple of days you don’t have a reaction, you can apply it to the rest of your body.
Alternatives for Using Apple Cider Vinegar for Psoriasis
There are many good medications available to treat psoriasis with minimal side effects. They include:
- Topical medications such as corticosteroids, vitamin D-based medicines, retinoids, calcineurin inhibitors, aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR) agonists, and roflumilast cream.
- Phototherapy. Your dermatologist will shine UV light on your skin in their office, or they'll send you home with a UV light unit.
- Biologic drugs. They’re injected into your body and block specific immune molecules that trigger psoriasis flares.
- Oral medications like deucravacitinib, methotrexate, or immunosuppressants.
You can also try an over-the-counter or home remedies along with prescription medications, says Singh. Some popular ones are:
Coal tar. It reduces inflammation in the skin. You can buy it as a shampoo or lotion. You apply it to your skin or scalp once or twice a day.
Salicylic acid. As an exfoliant, it helps to reduce flakes on your skin. Like coal tar, it’s available as a shampoo, body wash, or cream.
Oatmeal baths. They may help to reduce the itch and rash that comes with psoriasis.
Aloe vera. They may improve the redness and scaling of psoriasis. The National Psoriasis Foundation recommends you look for a cream that contains at least 0.5% aloe.
Epsom salt bath. This may help to remove scales and improve itch. Apply moisturizer immediately afterward.
Turmeric. This spice contains curcumin, which may help to ramp down some of the inflammation linked to psoriasis. You can cook with it or take it as a supplement.
Takeaways
Apple cider vinegar for psoriasis is often recommended as a “natural” cure for psoriasis. It’s safe, but there isn’t research to show it helps. You can try it, but it shouldn’t replace prescription medications.
Two good ways to use it are in a warm bath and as an overnight wet wrap. Always dilute it with water. You can also drink a tablespoon of apple cider vinegar mixed with 8 to 10 ounces of water. Always check with your dermatologist before you use apple cider vinegar for psoriasis. Don’t use it on wounds or open sores.
Apple Cider Vinegar and Psoriasis FAQs
Can I use apple cider vinegar for psoriasis?
The National Psoriasis Foundation does recommend apple cider vinegar as a “natural” way to relieve scalp itch from psoriasis. But there aren’t any published studies on apple cider vinegar and psoriasis. You can try it, but for best results, make sure that you continue to use any medications that your doctor has prescribed.
Can I use it on open wounds?
Apple cider vinegar is sometimes touted for its antibacterial properties. You still don’t want to use it on open wounds. The apple cider vinegar will likely burn and may lead to even more irritation and pain.
How do I use apple cider vinegar for psoriasis?
You can use it in the bath – add 2 cups of apple cider vinegar to the water – or as wet wraps that you apply to your skin overnight. If you want to use it on your scalp, You can also dilute it and apply it to your scalp, then rinse it off when it dries. If you want to drink it, Singh recommends that you add 1 tablespoon to 8 to 10 ounces of water.
