What Is Eczema?
Eczema is a chronic disorder that causes inflammations on the epidermis, or outermost layer of the skin. This disease is characterized by skin rashes and scaling of the skin on different areas of the body. Most often, eczema is an inherited disease and is caused by hypersensitivity to allergens. Though, it is a non- contagious disease, however the person experience itching, swelling, blistering and cracking and bleeding from the affected area of the skin.
What Is Vinegar?
Vinegar is a mild acetic acid produced by fermenting ethanol using acetic acid bacteria. Vinegar has many uses in our daily life which include cooking, cleaning and beauty purposes. Acetic acid is also used for various industrial purposes. Vinegar can be used in different ways to cure eczema and can prevent further outbreaks of the disease. You can use apple cider vinegar or white vinegar to treat eczema.
How To Treat Eczema with the help of Apple Cider Vinegar
There are many natural properties which make vinegar highly effective in the treatment of eczema and other skin problems. Here are the lists of properties of vinegar
The different forms of vinegar such as apple cider vinegar (ACV), red and white vinegar and vegetable vinegar contain acetic acid, mineral salts, vitaminB1 and riboflavin which help to fight the eczema infection
It has anti- bacterial and anti-fungal properties as it contains acetic acid and malic acid and hence fights the infection effectively.
Vinegar provides relief from dryness and itching caused by eczema
It also helps to fight infection by boosting the immune system as it obtains vitamins and minerals such as potassium, calcium, magnesium, iron, phosphorus, pectin, beta-carotene, etc.
The anti –oxidant present in apple cider vinegar called beta-carotene promotes the growth of new skin cells and improves the skin health which is affected by eczema
Vinegar is mild acidic and it helps to alkalize the body and prevents or slows down the growth of fungus like yeast and malassezia furfur which causes eczema and dandruff.
The potassium present in vinegar helps to protect the body from allergies and it can be used as an astringent which balances the pH levels of the skin and provides faster healing of skin in the eczema affected areas.
Vinegar when consumed provides detoxifying effect and cleanses body. This helps to maintain healthy and clean skin which is free from eczema and other skin infections.
Fiber present in the form of pectin in vinegar helps in easy digestion and preventing constipation. This helps to clear the accumulation of toxic waste in the body. By preventing the formation of toxins, the chances of skin problems are reduced.
Best Ways to Use Apple Cider Vinegar For Eczema
You can use white vinegar or apple cider vinegar (ACV) to treat eczema. The following are some of the easy methods that you can try out at home to effectively control eczema.
Diluted Apple Cider Vinegar
Take two tablespoons of Apple Cider Vinegar and water
Mix this well apply the mixture on the eczema affected skin using cotton ball
You can also take the mix in a sprayer bottle and spray it on the skin
If you are having sensitive skin use 60 percent water and 40 percent vinegar to dilute the vinegar
Repeat the process twice daily to get relief from eczema
Using Vinegar Bath
Take 2 cups of vinegar and add to your bathwater which is warm
Soak your body in this water for 30 minutes
You can add 1/3 cups of sunflower or safflower oil to avoid dry skin condition along with vinegar.
This method is the best option for people with widespread eczema infection and for people with sensitive skin.
To get best result do this remedy at least 3 times a week.
This method makes the skin moisturized and helps in easy removal of dead skin cells thus giving relief from eczema.
ACV with Honey and Molasses
Mix two tablespoons of ACV or white vinegar and dilute it by adding two glasses of water
To make it taste better you can add, honey, maple syrup and black strap molasses
Mix this well and take this mix 3 times a day before 30 minutes of having the meals
You can also opt for drinking a glass of water with one teaspoon of ACV to reduce the problem
You can also add one teaspoon of ACV to any fresh fruit or vegetable juice and drink it regularly.
ACV dries out the skin and hence it is necessary to apply moisturizers after using ACV to get relief from eczema.
Oral ACV Solution
Mix one tablespoon of ACV in 2 cups of water
Drink this at least twice a day
To make the taste better you can add 1 tablespoon of honey to it
This remedy contains potassium the deficiency of which triggers eczema in certain patients.
Baking soda and ACV
In a bowl, take 2 tablespoons of organic ACV and ¼ teaspoon of baking soda. Mix them well.
Add ½ a cup of water after the fizzing caused by baking soda stops.
You can also mix the ACV and baking soda mixed with tea and honey instead of water.
Drink this solution to get relief from eczema.
You can even take a tablespoon of this solution just before having your lunch.
One thing you need to remember is that you should never take this mixture straight without diluting it with water or tea as it will burn your stomach and throat. It can also cause damage to your teeth enamel.
Dyshydrotic Eczema
This is one form of eczema in which the skin will have characteristic small blisters that cause itching on hand and feet. This is a chronic situation and is highly recurrent. The blisters when kept untreated, may become infected. Here is the method for treating dyshydroitic eczema using vinegar.
Method
Add one cup of vinegar to your bath tub
Mix well and soak all your body parts including palms, fingers and feet for 30-40 minutes
This method will provide relief from itching, scaling and dryness of the skin, which are associated with eczema.
Repeat the remedy twice a day to treat eczema completely.
Things to Keep In Mind While Using apple cider vinegar for eczema for Eczema Treatment
If you are using any kind of vinegar to treat eczema in children, make sure that you dilute it with water to prevent stinging sensation and burning of the skin.
To get faster and better results, you need to use organic, raw, and unpasteurized and unfiltered ACV. The ACV with “Mother” will have dark and cloudy appearance and the sediments will be present at the bottom.
The person prone to eczema should not use harsh soaps or detergents, body sprays and dyes which will cause irritation of the skin and cause eczema outbreaks. Always use mild soaps which are free of irritants.
You can use white vinegar as natural softeners for clothes. All you need to do is add ½ cup of vinegar in the final rinse of washing clothes. Do not add vinegar with fabric bleach as they may produce toxic fumes.
People suffering from peptic ulcer, chronic indigestion and heartburn should consult their doctor before taking the vinegar orally to prevent skin problems.
It is better to avoid any oral treatment with vinegar if you are pregnant or if you are a breastfeeding mother.
It is risky to take vinegar orally if are under medication for diabetes as it may react with insulin.
You need to regularly follow the remedy which is effective for you to get relief and complete removal of the eczema symptoms.
How to Prevent the Outbreaks of Eczema?
You need to follow certain things to prevent the outbreaks of eczema.
You need to include different fresh fruits and vegetables, which will improve the immune system and provides the nutrients for new cell growth
Avoid using synthetic and tight fitting clothes, perfumes and other cosmetic items which may cause irritation to the skin.
In some people food items such as sea foods, soy proteins, peanuts, preservatives and milk and dairy products trigger eczema. So, avoid the items to which you are allergic. You will be able to find out the allergens only by trial and error.
Always keep the skin hydrated by drinking at least 8 glasses of water per day and applying moisturizers to reduce the chances of drying, chafing, etc.
The above tips will help you cure eczema and make you feel better and comfortable without the symptoms of eczema.
