Vinegar Soaks (to heal skin)
What are vinegar soaks?
Vinegar soaks are extremely useful for a wide range of skin issues. They are best for healing cuts, sores, scabs, open wounds, or superficial skin infections – vinegar soaks help the skin stay clean and heal quicker.
The key ingredient in vinegar is acetic acid, which is a mild acid that chews up bacteria, yeast, and scabs. It does not matter which vinegar you use – white vinegar is cheapest, but apple cider vinegar or rice vinegar will work fine. You dilute the vinegar with warm water (see recipe below).
How do I make vinegar soaks?
Recipe
Mix: 2 tablespoons (tbsp) vinegar with 2 cups warm water
Steps for vinegar soaks:
Make the recipe above.
Hands and Feet: Soak the skin in a bowl/foot bath of this mixture for 10 minutes.
Other body parts: Dip a washcloth or paper towel into the mixture, wring it out, and let it rest on the spot for 10 minutes.
Rinse the skin with warm water without rubbing or scrubbing it.
Pat dry and apply Vaseline and a bandage to heal a wound, cut, or open skin.
Extra vinegar soak solution can be stored in the fridge.
You can do these steps twice daily.
What if my wound or open skin isn’t getting better?
Usually, the steps above can help most people get their skin healed. If you are worried about a skin infection, you need to see a doctor. If vinegar soaks aren’t working and you need more help healing your skin, look for a board-certified dermatologist in your area. If you are in or near Utah, see one of my excellent colleagues at the University of Utah or me virtually with Honeydew.
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The statements expressed and content of this website are not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Readers should seek their own professional counsel for any medical condition or before starting or altering any treatment, exercise, or dietary plan. Please see our full disclaimer here.