Psoriasis is a chronic skin condition that happens when the immune system mistakenly attacks the skin. This leads to inflammation and causes skin cells to grow too quickly, resulting in thick, scaly patches.

There are many treatment options that your dermatologist may recommend to soothe the symptoms of psoriasis and reduce psoriasis flare-ups. Additionally, many members of MyPsoriasisTeam have tried natural remedies and home remedies to help ease their symptoms and improve wellness, including apple cider vinegar (ACV).

What Is Apple Cider Vinegar?

Apple cider vinegar is a type of vinegar made from apples that have been crushed, distilled, and fermented. During fermentation, yeast breaks down the natural sugars in apples, turning them into alcohol. This alcohol is then turned into acetic acid. This gives ACV its sour taste and distinctive smell, due to a bacteria known as acetobacter.

The combination of yeast and bacteria formed during fermentation is known as the “mother.” You can see strands of this probiotic floating in unfiltered ACV. ACV contains nutrients, plant-based antioxidants, and these probiotics. The mother, along with acetic acid, is said to contribute to the potential health benefits of apple cider vinegar.

Can Apple Cider Vinegar Help With Psoriasis?

Some people believe apple cider vinegar has anti-inflammatory properties. These may help relieve symptoms of autoimmune diseases like psoriasis. However, there is no conclusive proof that ACV helps lower inflammation in humans. One study showed that ACV might help reduce chronic inflammation (rather than acute, or short-term inflammation). However, no large, randomized studies have been conducted to study whether ACV could help relieve inflammation-related symptoms.

One study suggests apple cider vinegar may help the immune system. However, this study was done on zebra fish, not humans. The results have not been repeated in people. Even if they were, it’s unclear whether the parts of the immune system that apple cider vinegar affects also impact psoriasis.

Apple cider vinegar does seem to help fight off some types of fungi and bacteria. This may be useful in preventing infections in skin with psoriasis that has broken open, but this has not been proved in large studies.

Several studies confirm that many people with psoriasis and other skin conditions use apple cider vinegar, even though there is no solid proof of its effectiveness. One study included it in a list of complementary and alternative treatments reported by people with psoriasis. Another study noted it as one of several types of vinegar that people apply to their skin for various reasons. However, just because some people use it doesn’t mean it is effective.

The National Psoriasis Foundation advises that natural treatment options like apple cider vinegar can help some people when used alongside traditional treatments recommended by doctors. As always, talk to your dermatology team before trying any new treatments for your psoriasis.

MyPsoriasisTeam Members on Apple Cider Vinegar

Some MyPsoriasisTeam members swear by apple cider vinegar for managing itchy skin, irritation, and other psoriasis symptoms. One member wrote that an ACV foot soak “sure seems to help.” Another said, “I started using apple cider vinegar about two weeks ago, and the psoriasis on my elbow is starting to clear.”

After applying apple cider vinegar after a bath, another member noticed “an immediate difference the very next morning.” They added, “After several uses, I can wear [my dress for my daughter’s wedding] with confidence.”

However, some members have found that ACV wasn’t the remedy they’d hoped for. One simply wrote, “I tried apple cider vinegar. It didn’t work.” Another member was surprised when a health care provider recommended ACV. They explained, “I had two feet shaped like softballs, covered in blisters with cracked-open skin.” They added that soaking in apple cider vinegar was very painful due to the open cracks and blisters.

3 Ways To Use Apple Cider Vinegar for Psoriasis

MyPsoriasisTeam members use ACV in various ways to treat psoriasis. Some apply it topically, which may involve taking baths with ACV or applying the vinegar to affected areas. Others take ACV in liquid or tablet form. If you drink ACV, always dilute it with water. It's highly acidic and can irritate your throat if you drink it often or in large amounts.

1. Apple Cider Vinegar Baths and Soaks

MyPsoriasisTeam members have many recommendations for bathing with ACV. One member soaks in warm water with apple cider vinegar or sea salt for 20 minutes before showering with tar soap. They blot their skin dry, keeping it slightly damp, before applying ointment all over. They said this regimen helps them “sleep like a baby.”

The National Psoriasis Foundation recommends a similar routine that involves adding Dead Sea salt or Epsom salts to warm (not hot) bath water, soaking for about 15 minutes, and applying moisturizer after bathing.

2. Apple Cider Vinegar for Scalp Psoriasis

Are you wondering, “Is apple cider vinegar good for scalp psoriasis?” or “Can I put apple cider vinegar on my scalp?” According to the National Psoriasis Foundation, apple cider vinegar can be used to help relieve an itchy scalp. They recommend applying organic apple cider vinegar to the scalp several times a week.

If you experience a burning sensation or irritation when using apple cider vinegar on the scalp for psoriasis, dilute the ACV with water in a 1-to-1 ratio. Rinse your scalp once the solution has dried. As with any ACV treatments, avoid using vinegar on the scalp if you have open wounds, cracks, or bleeding.

One MyPsoriasisTeam member shared their ACV scalp care routine: “I use Bragg’s ACV. Soak your head and hair, put on a cheap shower cap, and wait 20 minutes. Then wash your hair with pine tar soap or whatever you use. You can do this every day or a few times a week. It took the scales off of my scalp, ears, neck, and shoulders.” This member also suggested applying A+D ointment right after and wearing a shower cap to protect your bedding if you’ll be going to bed soon.

Another member offered tips for application: “You will need to separate your hair like you would for a part. I use cotton wool to dab the scalp with apple cider vinegar.” They also warned, “If you color your hair, it will wash the color out — that’s the downside.”

3. Consuming Apple Cider Vinegar

Some MyPsoriasisTeam members prefer to consume ACV as a liquid or in tablets or capsules. One member shared that they take apple cider vinegar alongside vitamin D every day, while another recommended adding apple cider vinegar and lemon to your diet.

One member who tried ACV pills said, “I have started taking apple cider vinegar pills just this week. I have noticed that most of my spots seem lighter in color and are not as bright red since taking the pills. I’m hoping this helps clear my skin even more.”

Consuming apple cider vinegar is generally safe. However, certain health conditions can make consuming apple cider vinegar risky. For example, if you have chronic kidney disease, your kidneys may struggle to process the excess acid from drinking ACV. It’s also a good idea to drink plenty of water after drinking ACV, as the acid in the vinegar can erode teeth enamel. Keep in mind that some people have also noted that acidic foods and liquids, such as ACV, can worsen acid reflux.

Talk to Your Doctor and Do Your Research

Your doctor is the best source of information for treating your psoriasis. Always ask them before trying a new remedy — even if it’s something you can buy at the grocery store. While apple cider vinegar may help alleviate psoriasis symptoms for some, it isn’t a substitute for medical treatments or your doctor’s advice.

Get Advice From Others Who Understand

MyPsoriasisTeam is the social network for people with psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis and their loved ones. On MyPsoriasisTeam, more than 131,000 members come together to ask questions, give advice, and share their stories with others who understand life with psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis.

Have you used apple cider vinegar for psoriasis? Share your experience in the comments below, or start a conversation by posting on your Activities page.