Eczema is a chronic skin disorder identified by skin inflammation that results in rashes and skin scaling. While there is no cure for eczema, treatment typically consists of atopic ointments and oral medications can help reduce symptom severity as well as symptom duration. If you wish to avoid using a plethora of synthetic medications on your skin, natural proponents claim that the use of vinegar can help reduce the severity of eczema symptoms. While proponents of vinegar claim this remedy is effective, upon publication modern scientific studies cannot fully support the use of vinegar as an eczema treatment. However, initial evidence may provide slight relief for some.
Vinegar Active Constituents:
I firmly believe that if you are interested in using a natural remedy, it is important to know what its active constituents are. While the exact constituents found in vinegar are based solely on the materials used to create the vinegar, some of its basic compounds are the same. All forms of vinegar – such as apple cider, white and vegetable vinegar – contain mineral salts, riboflavin, vitamin B1 as well as acetic acid. Modern scientists believe that any medicinal benefits of vinegar is attributed to its acetic acid content.
Evidence:
As suggested earlier, there is no solid scientific evidence to prove vinegar’s effectiveness for eczema. That being said, “The Herbal Dispatch” publication, overseen by Mountain State University, states that the topical application of apple cider vinegar may help provide itching and dryness relief caused by skin eczema.
How to Use:
“The Herbal Dispatch” recommends treating minor eczema symptoms by applying a 50/50 mixture of water and apple cider vinegar directly on the affected areas. However, if you have extremely sensitive skin, or if the eczema sores are sensitive to touch, alter the solution to 60 percent water and 40 percent vinegar.
Proponents of vinegar also suggest placing 2 cups of white vinegar, or apple cider vinegar, into warm bathwater and soaking in the bath for at least 30 minutes. This may be ideal for those who have sensitive skin or those with widespread eczema sores.
References Used:
http://www.versatilevinegar.org/faqs.html
The Vinegar Institute: Frequently Asked Questions
http://www.mountainstate.edu/usda/newsletters/PDF/03-2011.pdf
The Herbal Dispatch: The Many Uses of Vinegar
http://naturalhealthtreatment.org/health-and-fitness/eczema-natural-remedy-apple-vinegar-why-it-works-and-how-you-can-use-it-properly-for-maximum-rewards/
Natural Health Treatment: Eczema Natural Remedy