Scabies is a common skin condition thought to affect over 200 million people around the world at any one time and can be a real nightmare for those who have it. Luckily, apple cider vinegar is a great way to help you deal with scabies. Here’s all you need to know about apple cider vinegar and how you can use it to help with scabies.
What Is Scabies?
Scabies is an infestation, not an infection, of tiny mites called Sarcoptes scabiei that set up shop in the outer layers of human skin. The skin doesn’t take kindly to the invasion. As the mites burrow and lay eggs inside the skin, the infestation leads to relentless itching and an angry rash. When a person is infested with scabies for the first time, it can take 4 to 6 weeks for the skin to react. The most common symptoms are:
- Intense itching, especially at night
- A pimple-like rash
- Scales or blisters
- Sores caused by scratching
In its early stages, scabies may be mistaken for other skin conditions because the rash looks similar. What sets scabies apart is the relentless itch and this itching is usually most severe in children and the elderly. Another hallmark of scabies is the appearance of track-like burrows in the skin. These raised lines are usually greyish-white or skin-coloured. They’re created when female mites tunnel just under the surface of the skin - after creating a burrow, each female lays 10 to 25 eggs inside.
What Is Apple Cider Vinegar?
Apple cider vinegar is made by fermenting the sugars from apples which turns them into acetic acid – the active ingredient in vinegar. In the shops you may see apple cider vinegar labelled as ‘filtered’ (a clear liquid), or unfiltered – the latter containing something known as ‘mother’. This means there are proteins, enzymes and friendly bacteria present, and gives this type of vinegar a cloudy appearance. Other fruits may be used to create flavoured cider vinegar – the base of the vinegar will usually be apple with fruits, such as raspberries, added during manufacture.
How To Use Apple Cider Vinegar To Get Rid Of Scabies?
Apple cider vinegar itself is such a handy way of managing scabies. Start by simply mixing equal amounts of apple cider vinegar and water thoroughly in a bowl. Use a cotton ball to apply the solution on the affected skin and leave it on for a few minutes before rinsing it off with lukewarm water. Repeat 3 times daily for 10 to 15 days to fight the condition completely. Apple cider vinegar has an acidic nature which helps to change the pH levels of skin and the changes in pH levels cause mites to die. This isn’t the only way you can use apple cider vinegar though:
Apple cider vinegar bath for scabies
You can try soaking in apple cider vinegar for scabies. Apple cider vinegar may also help with a variety of common skin problems, and adding it to your bath can amp up your skin care routine and help you get rid of scabies at home. It has powerful antimicrobial properties that may help ease skin conditions and soothe irritation. As a mild acid, apple cider vinegar may also help restore the natural pH balance of your skin. This helps your skin keep moisture in and irritants out.
Here’s how to prepare an apple cider vinegar bath:
- Fill a tub with warm (not hot) water.
- Add 2 cups of raw apple cider vinegar.
- Stir the water.
- Soak for 15 to 20 minutes.
- Turn on the shower and rinse with or without soap.
Drinking apple cider vinegar
Alternatively, drinking apple cider vinegar for scabies is also an ideal way to feel the benefits of this unique ingredient. Apple cider vinegar has been known to help manage blood sugar, symptoms of PCOS (Polycystic ovary syndrome) and promote weight management. A typical dose is 1–2 tablespoons (15–30 ml) mixed with water and taken before or after meals.
Other Benefits Of Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar is great for helping you deal with scabies but it’s also known to have many other benefits:
- Can help with normal digestion - apple cider vinegar contains probiotics that help to regulate healthy digestion. You could try adding it to a salad to better digest roughage!
- Manages appetite - it may suppress areas of the brain that control appetite making it perfect for managing your weight. Simply dilute 1 tablespoon in 2 cups of water and drink daily!
- Ideal for blemished skin - apple cider vinegar has antibacterial and astringent properties. Always dilute with water before applying to your skin!
- Lets your hair shine - Apple cider vinegar flattens hair cuticles and its pH manages frizziness and promotes shine! Dilute with water and let it sit for 5 minutes before rinsing.
Types Of Apple Cider Vinegar Solutions
Apple cider vinegar & minerals for human scabies can be found in more than just liquid solutions. You can find the likes Apple Cider Vinegar Capsules and Apple Cider Vinegar Gummies that provide you with a convenient alternative but are still packed with the same benefits. The great thing about these food supplements is that they offer a food supplement alternative without that bitter taste the liquid supplements can have. In fact, these are just like sweets - but sweets that are good for you!
The Final Word
Scabies can be a real pain to live with but you can call upon apple cider vinegar to help you out! You now know the ins and outs of scabies and how you can stay on top of this irritating skin condition. The one downside to this great ingredient is perhaps its foul smell and taste - but with the likes of convenient capsules and tasty gummies, as well as the fact you can add it to a nice and relaxing bath, helps you get around this. Apple cider vinegar is also great for your weight management efforts and can even let your hair shine brighter!