Can Apple Cider Vinegar Help Treat Psoriatic Arthritis Symptoms?
Rheumatic ConditionsPsoriatic Arthritis
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Can Apple Cider Vinegar Help Treat Psoriatic Arthritis Symptoms?

When diluted and gently applied, this traditional home remedy may help ease skin symptoms. But be cautious and careful to avoid causing more irritation.
Can Apple Cider Vinegar Help Treat Psoriatic Arthritis Symptoms?
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Updated on February 8, 2024
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People have long been using apple cider vinegar (ACV) as a home remedy for health issues ranging from dandruff to toe fungus. But is ACV — whether applied topically or consumed — safe and effective for treating the skin-related psoriasis symptoms that can often occur with psoriatic arthritis?

“The information we have on ACV is based on limited research and data, and is mostly anecdotal,” says Andres E. Ayesta, RD, owner of Planos Nutrition in Tampa, Florida. The active ingredient in apple cider vinegar is acetic acid, produced when apples are fermented and exposed to certain enzymes. “Acetic acid kills harmful bacteria, which is the main reason ACV has been used as a disinfectant and preservative,” Ayesta says.

RELATED: 6 Anti-Inflammatory Spices for Psoriatic Arthritis

Can You Apply Apple Cider Vinegar Directly to the Skin for Psoriatic Arthritis?

Applying ACV in diluted form to your skin may help relieve the redness and flakiness associated with psoriatic arthritis. ACV can help change the skin’s pH levels to lessen flaking, says Nicole Avena, PhD, an expert in diet and nutrition and an associate professor of neuroscience at Mount Sinai School of Medicine in New York. It’s important to note, though, that any relief this might provide doesn't address the underlying joint issues associated with psoriatic arthritis, says Ayesta. And you should proceed cautiously.

There’s not much scientific research into using ACV for psoriatic skin symptoms, specifically. One recent review that looks at home remedies in dermatology notes that ACV “is known to have antibacterial, antifungal, and antioxidant properties” and that it can be used effectively to treat some skin problems. But for certain skin conditions, such as atopic dermatitis (eczema), where it’s been thought to help restore skin barrier functions, ACV has shown “no significant effect” except for skin irritation in most patients.

Using pure ACV on the skin, moreover, is likely to cause irritation. Always start off with diluted ACV, mixing equal parts vinegar and warm water, to make sure your skin or scalp can tolerate it. Gently pat it on your skin with a cloth, using just a few tablespoons.

Be especially careful when applying ACV near an open wound. Dr. Avena cautions that “if the affected area is cracked or bleeding, don’t apply ACV. And if you feel a burning sensation, stop using ACV and rinse the area with water.”

RELATED: Psoriasis: How to Deal With Cracked, Bleeding Skin

8 Potential Health Benefits of Apple Cider Vinegar

Unveil the potential health benefits of apple cider vinegar.
8 Potential Health Benefits of Apple Cider Vinegar

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Can Eating or Drinking Apple Cider Vinegar Help Treat Psoriatic Arthritis?

There is only a limited amount of data on the consumption of apple cider vinegar, though some research has found it can improve insulin sensitivity and blood sugar levels.

 And other research suggests that consumption of ACV can have a favorable effect on decreasing some of the factors associated with cardiovascular disease.

 (The risk of heart disease may be almost doubled in people with PsA, according to the Arthritis Foundation.)

“Its popularity in natural health circles continues, even though definitive scientific backing is still forthcoming,” notes Ayesta, who says that when used in moderation, ACV is generally safe and can be part of a balanced diet. Common dosages for ACV consumption range from a teaspoon or two (5 to 10 milliliters) to a tablespoon or two (15 to 30 ml). You can drink it, diluting it with plain water to soften the sour taste, or add it to foods like salad dressings and mayonnaise.

However you choose to use ACV, “just make sure to include the mother,’’ Ayesta recommends, referring to the strands of protein and enzymes and friendly bacteria in unfiltered vinegar that give it a cloudy appearance and are believed to contribute to its health benefits, potentially increasing its effectiveness.

Is Apple Cider Vinegar Safe for People With Psoriatic Arthritis?

It’s generally safe to use if you have psoriatic arthritis. But always consult with a medical doctor before using any therapy, including natural ones like ACV. “Though ACV does not appear to pose major health risks or side effects,” says Ayesta, “it is important to use it in moderation. It's not a magic remedy and should complement a balanced, healthful lifestyle.”

EDITORIAL SOURCES
Everyday Health follows strict sourcing guidelines to ensure the accuracy of its content, outlined in our editorial policy. We use only trustworthy sources, including peer-reviewed studies, board-certified medical experts, patients with lived experience, and information from top institutions.
Resources
  1. Gaurav V et al. Home Remedies in Dermatology. Indian Dermatology Online Journal. October 2023.
  2. Jafarirad S et al. The Improvement Effect of Apple Cider Vinegar as a Functional Food on Anthropometric Indices, Blood Glucose and Lipid Profile in Diabetic Patients: A Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial. Frontiers in Clinical Diabetes and Healthcare. November 2023.
  3. Terhani SD et al. The Effects of Apple Cider Vinegar on Cardiometabolic Risk Factors: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Clinical Trials. Current Medicinal Chemistry. August 2023.
  4. Psoriatic Arthritis and Your Heart. Arthritis Foundation.
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Beth Biggee, MD

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Member of American College of Lifestyle Medicine, Castle Connolly Top Doctor

Beth Biggee, MD, is medical director and an integrative rheumatologist at Rheumission, a virtual integrative rheumatology practice for people residing in California and Pennsylvania. This first-of-its-kind company offers whole person autoimmune care by a team of integrative rheumatologists, lifestyle medicine practitioners, autoimmune dietitians, psychologists, and care coordinators.

Dr. Biggee also works as a healthcare wellness consultant for Synergy Wellness Center in Hudson, Massachusetts. Teamed with Synergy, she provides in-person lifestyle medicine and holistic consults, and contributes to employee workplace wellness programs. She has over 20 years of experience in rheumatology and holds board certifications in rheumatology and integrative and lifestyle medicine. Dr. Biggee brings a human-centered approach to wellness rather than focusing solely on diseases.

Dr. Biggee graduated cum laude with a bachelor's degree from Canisius College, and graduated magna cum laude and as valedictorian from SUNY Health Science Center at Syracuse Medical School. She completed her internship and residency in internal medicine at Yale New Haven Hospital, completed her fellowship in rheumatology at Tufts–New England Medical Center, and completed training in integrative rheumatology at the University of Arizona Andrew Weil Center for Integrative Medicine. Following her training, she attained board certification in rheumatology and internal medicine through the American Board of Internal Medicine, attained board certification in integrative medicine through the American Board of Physician Specialties, and attained accreditation as a certified lifestyle medicine physician through the American College of Lifestyle Medicine. She is certified in Helms auricular acupuncture and is currently completing coursework for the Aloha Ayurveda integrative medicine course for physicians.

In prior roles, Dr. Biggee taught as an assistant clinical professor of medicine at Mary Imogene Bassett Hospital (an affiliate of Columbia University). She was also clinical associate of medicine at Tufts University School of Medicine and instructed "introduction to clinical medicine" for medical students at Tufts. She was preceptor for the Lawrence General Hospital Family Medicine Residency.

Dr. Biggee has published in Annals of Rheumatic Diseases, Arthritis in Rheumatism, Current Opinions in Rheumatology, Journal for Musculoskeletal Medicine, Medicine and Health Rhode Island, and Field Guide to Internal Medicine.

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Deb Fulghum Bruce, PhD, is an award-winning medical writer and health literacy expert. An editorial consultant for various health websites, she has written more than 2,800 feature health articles for magazines such as Prevention, Life Extension, Figure, Reader’s Digest, Woman’s Day, Parents, Natural Health, and Success.

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Bruce resides with her husband, Rudy, in South Tampa and was awarded Alumnus of the Year at the University of South Florida for medical writing contributions. Some popular health trade books are Bipolar II with Ronald R. Fieve, MD; The NEW Arthritis Diet and Strong Women Live Longer with Harris H. McIlwain, MD; and The Sleep Doctor's Diet Plan with Michael Breus, PhD.

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