Can Apple Cider Vinegar Help Treat Psoriasis?

Date: Nov-24-2016 Psoriasis is a condition that changes the skin, causing thick, scaly, and reddened patches to appear. These patches can be itchy, dry, and sometimes painful.

Psoriasis is a chronic disease, and there is no cure. Some people use home recipes, such as apple cider vinegar, to relieve symptoms.

Contents of this article:

What is psoriasis and what are the symptoms?

What is apple cider vinegar?

Can apple cider vinegar help with psoriasis?

Other food remedies for psoriasis

What is psoriasis and what are the symptoms?

Psoriasis appears to involve both genetic factors and the immune system.

People with psoriasis will find that at times the symptoms seem to go away or to get better. At other times, symptoms flare up and get worse.

Psoriasis can affect the skin of the head and scalp.

Certain triggers can cause symptoms to flare up, but what triggers symptoms in one person may not affect another.

Symptoms of psoriasis include:

Red patches of scaly skin

Dry, cracked skin that may or may not bleed

Itching or burning

Painful skin

Thickened fingernails or toenails

Swollen or stiff joints.

The most common type of psoriasis is plaque psoriasis. The symptoms of plaque psoriasis can vary in severity, from mild patches to plaques covering large areas of the skin.

Treatment focuses on relieving inflammation and smoothing the scaly patches of skin.

Topical steroid creams or other topical creams usually relieve inflammation. Other treatments include light therapy and drugs that affect the immune system.

What is apple cider vinegar?

Apple cider vinegar is made by fermenting apple cider with specialized bacteria to form an acidic vinegar. It has been used in the past as a disinfectant and is used to preserve food. More recently, it has gained popularity for its potential health benefits.

Although research has not confirmed the benefits and risks of using apple cider vinegar for medicinal purposes, many people report that it has helped them in a number of ways.

The benefits are said to include:

Aiding digestion

Supporting the immune system

Improving the health and appearance of the hair and skin

Assisting blood sugar regulation.

For psoriasis, some people find that apple cider vinegar provides relieve from itching on the scalp, according to the National Psoriasis Foundation.

Organic, unrefined apple cider vinegar is believed to be the most healthful. It is available at many grocery stores.

Can apple cider vinegar help with psoriasis?

Because of its antiseptic properties, apple cider vinegar may help get rid of itching or irritation from psoriasis, especially on the scalp.

Raw, organic, cider vinegar may help reduce symptoms of psoriasis.

Those who support its use suggest applying the apple cider vinegar directly to the scalp several times a week. Some people report seeing an improvement in their condition within a few weeks.

So far, there appears to be no risk to using apple cider vinegar for psoriasis.

However, if the scalp is cracked, bleeding, or if there are open wounds, apple cider vinegar is likely to cause further irritation and pain.

Using too much vinegar can cause a burning sensation. Diluting the vinegar with equal quantities of water before applying it can reduce the sensation of burning and irritation. Rinsing the scalp once the solution has dried may also alleviate these effects.

No direct research has determined the effect of apple cider vinegar on psoriasis. Its use was mentioned anecdotally in an article published in the Journal of Pharmacy Research, however.

Other food remedies for psoriasis

Many people look to natural and alternative remedies to help treat their psoriatic plaques.

In addition to apple cider vinegar, several household products may benefit people with psoriasis.

Aloe vera

Aloe vera gel is a well-known remedy for cuts, burns, and irritations of the skin. It can be squeezed directly from the leaves of the aloe vera plant.

Its moisturizing properties may also relieve the discomfort associated with psoriasis.

Capsaicin

Capsaicin is the chemical found in hot peppers that gives them their heat. Researchers found that adding this substance to topical creams may help to reduce the inflammation and discomfort associated with psoriasis.

Dead Sea salts or Epsom salts

Adding these to a warm tub bath may help to relieve itching and discomfort. The salt works by drawing fluid out from the tissues, decreasing edema.

It is important to moisturize the skin after taking a salt bath to help restore moisture to the skin.

Oats

Oats are a natural skin soother. They are often used to relieve itching associated with the chicken pox or other itchy skin conditions, such as psoriasis.

Oats can be put directly into a bath. An alternative is to put the oats into a sock that is tied at the top, and using it in the bath, either just in the water or to rub on the skin. A paste made with oats can also be applied directly to the affected area.

Curcumin and turmeric

Curcumin derives from turmeric, a spice found to be rich in antioxidant and other anti-inflammatory substances. It appears to inhibit inflammatory activity. Research suggests it may be effective in treating a range of conditions.

As a foodstuff or as a therapy, turmeric can be added to curries and other recipes. It can also be taken as a supplement.

Apple cider vinegar and other food supplements may or may not be helpful in treating psoriasis.

Their use appears to be limited to relieving the itching or discomfort associated with the condition. They are not a cure.

If irritation or increased discomfort results from using one of these remedies, it is important to stop using it immediately and check in with the doctor if needed.

Many alternative remedies lack adequate scientific studies that confirm their use and safety. Supplements can also interact with other treatments.

It is important for patients to inform their doctor about any supplements or alternative treatments they are using.

Written by Nicole Galan

Courtesy: Medical News Today Note: Any medical information available in this news section is not intended as a substitute for informed medical advice and you should not take any action before consulting with a health care professional.