WHAT IS AN APPLE CIDER VINEGAR BATH?
A dilute apple cider vinegar (ACV) bath is a way to make a personalized bathing pool with healing properties. All that is needed is a bathtub, water, and ACV.
WHAT IS THE PURPOSE OF AN ACV BATH?
An ACV bath is a skin care technique used in the treatment of atopic dermatitis to gently acidify the skin to encourage healing and diversify the skin microbiome (flora). It is affordable and easy to make and reduces the need for antibiotics and topical creams.
HOW DO ACV BATHS HELP WITH ATOPIC DERMATITIS?
The alkalinity of the skin, associated inflammation, and itching symptoms seen in atopic dermatitis increase the risk of infection with skin bacteria. Skin barrier maintenance and repair is an important treatment target, which includes acidification of the skin barrier for optimal antimicrobial properties and the reduction of Staphyloccocus colonization using aseptic soaks (Panther & Jacob, 2015). Because of the low pH of vinegar, ACV is ideal for acidification (Cheryl Lee, 2015).
HOW TO MAKE AN ACV BATH?
What Do You Need?
All you need is ACV, a bathtub, and water.
Instructions
1. Fill the half bath (about 20 gallons) with lukewarm water. Standard bathtub holds 42 gallons of water.
2. Add three to four cups of ACV into the tub-1:80 ratio for four cups of ACV in 20 gallons of water.
3. Mix the ACV and water. This will cause acidification of the water to the ideal pH of 4.5.1
4. Soak in bath for about 10 minutes.
5. Drain tub, and thoroughly rinse the skin clear with lukewarm, fresh water.
6. After rinsing, pat dry with a clean, fresh towel. Do not rub dry.
7. Immediately apply the creams, ointments, and moisturizers as directed by your healthcare provider.
Special Considerations
* ACV baths are typically done two to three times a week or as prescribed by your healthcare provider.
* After an ACV bath, to prevent recontamination, the use of freshly laundered towels, pajamas, and sheets (and even plush toys) is recommended.
* Do not use vinegar directly on the skin.
* Dilution may change according to tap water pH.
Tap water pH in other states (ranges change depending on region):
Utah: 7.7 (range = 7.5-7.9 pH), Texas: 7.7, Boston: 9.6 (treated), New York: 7.2, Arizona: 7.8 (7.2-8.4), Florida: 8.0 (7.5-8.5).
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