Five days ago I started sipping 2 Tbs. of apple cider vinegar diluted with water to speed weight loss. It’s worked wonders—my cravings have disappeared and I’m down 8 pounds. There’s just one problem: Three days after I started drinking the vinegar water, my skin broke out in a dry, itchy rash, plus I have major brain fog. Should I be worried?
It sounds like your symptoms are due to apple cider vinegar’s detoxifying effects. This liquid gold not only blunts carb absorption and speeds fat burning, its acetic acid also balances the body’s pH levels—an effect that helps kill off acid-loving yeast. As these “bad” flora die off, though, they release toxic by-products into the bloodstream that can trigger brain fog, rashes, fatigue and headaches.
The length of time that these detox symptoms linger varies based on how overloaded your system was with yeast to start off with. Some people only suffer two days of discomfort while others can feel the effects for five to six days. The good news is, once the yeast is cleared from your body, you’ll experience more energy, clearer skin and less bloat, in addition to faster weight loss.
110 Responses
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I’m facing the same problem of rashes after 2 weeks of having Apple cider vinegar should I be worried.
With rashes I am also feeling that my stomach has become more acidic please let me know that shall I stop the use of Apple cider vinegar.
I’ve only had this issue for one day. Should I keep drinking the Apple cider vinegar?? I have school and I don’t want to go to school with this rash on my face
Hi! I came across this comment when I was searching for rashes from apple cider vinegar.
I took shots of ACV for almost 2 months straight, once, every morning. I was under antibiotics, anti-inflammatory and was recovering from a rose bush scratch. After 6 weeks of taking the ACV, I started to get these other red itchy spots, where my rash from the rose bush were and it showed up on my arms and legs and some on my torso. its spread out these dots. If i got this rash from ACV, how long does last?
Hi DeAnna – It sounds like you may have a pH issue which would negate the use of ACV for the next 3-4 weeks. This could be a result of your antibiotics. I would take a break, see if the symptoms subside and then consider reintroducing the ACV very slowly.
DeAnna, as a detox reaction, it is hard to say the length of time it will last. You can decrease the amount of ACV or take a break to slow it down and the rash should go away.
I was taking 1 tbsp. Of apple cider vinegar in warm water everyday for about a month and now I have a terrible rash all over my body especially my back it starts out as a small pimple and gets bigger very scaly some are big and some are small and they are very itchy what can I do to heal them I got aloe very gel and have been using it for a couple of days but not doing anything yet and nothing for the itch started to take an antihistamine and it helps
I seem to have gotten a slight rash near my sternum since I’ve been drinking ACV 4 weeks ago.
What should Zi do?
I have also had red pimply itchy rash on my back and sternum area.
The positive effect is my appetite has reduced, hence I am eating less.
I enjoy taking my ACV with soda water, and i actually really love the flavour. In fact, whilst I only limit myself to two drinks a day (two capfulls), it is my new fave go to refreshing drink. Like a good wine.
I have taken two days of ACV (two tablespoons in water twice) and have since broken out in hives all over my body. I started doing this bc I had a bacterial infection after having my daughter that meds weren’t treating effectively. Can you give me some feedback on what might be going on in my body? I’m pretty concerned. Thank you!
Niki, you may be detoxing. Hopefully the reaction won’t last long. You can also reduce the amount you are taking if you wish
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I have been drinking ACV for about 5 years I developed rush on my face I have tried every thing to get rid of ,there’re is no luck from reading above comments I thing the reason is from vinegar
Jumila, hopefully you have quit taking the ACV until the rash subsides.
I too have had an apparent reaction from Apple Cider Vinegar, but I was taking capsules.
I broke out in red spots and had terrible itching. I went to Urgent Care and was given an antibiotic cream, and told to take Allergy pills.. I then went to a deramatologist., and was given an expensive topical spray and told to take 24 hr Allegra. I stopped the capsules, it is subsiding, but, some spots seemed to be scarring. No more apple cider for me!
I started taking ACV last spring and the exact same thing happened to me. It is October and I STILL have scars on my hands and legs from it!
I have been taking the ACV for 2 months now. The itchy rash appeared right away in my arms . Now it has move to my neck and chin. I have lost almost 8 pounds and feel that finally something is really working out for me. But so sad to see /read that it has secondary effects, we pay a price for the detox. Anyone else with ideas on how long a rash could last for?
I have this horrible rash/hives that started on my arms. It’s seems to be worst after I’ve been in the sun. I feel little bumps when I scratch my arms. My arms feel itchy and dry. The rash has now spread to my chest neck and a little on my forehead. I’m not sure what it is that’s causing this. But I ACV is something new that I’ve been doing so it is a possibility the ACV is the problem. I’m trying Benadryl tonight and see if that helps. I’m calling my favorite nutritionist (Dr Marshall) tomorrow to see what I can do. I should of just brought the “cleanse blend” capsules to detox instead of the ACV. My arms look like crap and my skin feel dry and a bit darker. Sucks cause my skin use to feel soft and smooth.
Yovanna, the length of time depends on your level of toxicity. However it should be diminishing in this amount of time. Ann Louise recommends only 2 tsp of ACV per day. Maybe you are taking more and detoxing too fast.
I have been doing 1 Tablespoon ACV with honey for 3 months- I have a rash on my face that the Dr said is Rosacea?? I’ve been using the gel on my face and it still isn’t working?? Could it be the ACV? And not Rosacea?
TeamALG here: It is possible you have a sensitivity to the ACV in which case you should stop using it immediately.
I started like two days ago and noticed my skin breaking out this morning. ACV is the only new new thing I’ve introduced to my body (other than a new shampoo and conditioner. I figure it’s the ACV because my skin resembles my moms skin after she had too many lemons (or maybe it was pineapples). I think it’s the acidity. Perhaps I didn’t dilute it enough. I took it literally in a shot glass filled w half ACV and half water. The suggested dilution is 1tbsp to 8oz. I’ll just deal with the break out until I’ve lost a few lbs. but glad to know what it’s from. I wasn’t sure if it was because I wore makeup a couple of days ago (which I don’t usually do) or washed my skin with witch hazel using cotton balls (which I do just about as often as I wear makeup) or the new shampoo or lack of carbs or what. Because nothing is on a constant right now so it could’ve been anything out of a hundred things.
Chris, quite possibly it is a detox reaction that typically only lasts a few days.The reaction could to due to acidity. One tablespoon per 8 oz glass is more than Ann Louise recommends. She says 2 tsp per 8 oz glass. I’d suggest waiting a couple of days and trying that dilution.
I used Apple Cider vinegar on my face and now I got a red patch or I can say a rash on my face what should I do now recommend a home remedy please!!
I AS WELL STARTED TAKING APPLE CICER VINEGAR FOR DETOXING AND BROKE OUT IN A TERRIBLE RASH ON MY TORSO STARTED AS LITTLE PIMPLES AND PROGRESSED AS BIG RED SCALY SPOTS THAT WERE VERY ITCHY,HAD THE RASH NOW FOR 3 MONTHS HAVE BEEN TO A DERMOTOLOGIST AND ON MY THIRD CREAM NO MORE APPLE CIDER VINEGAR FOR ME
Linda, my story is exactly same, & since three months I am suffering. Stopped vinegar from today. Hoping it will improve. Is yours better after stopping vinegar.
I started ACV last month 1-2 teaspoons in water 3x a day.. got a major rash… even had a skin biopsy done by my derm… as i have sensitive skin. Derm thought it was GA (granuloma annulare)… turned out to be a “hypersensitivity allergy”…. its definetly the ACV. I am not off of it for a little over a week.. and I am still getting breakouts on my arms and legs… no itch.. My derm prescribed Clobatasol steroid cream and that seems to be working… but I am chasing the rash all over.. when a bunch of spots clear, more show up in a different place.. ACV is poison.
Try using a baking soda paste and rub it on the areas you have the rash. I started taking the cider pills about 3 weeks ago and about 4 days ago I got a rash on my neck. It is awful. I remembered when I was little and when I would break out in hives my mom would make the baking soda paste. Put it on and let it dry. I did it last night and it helped. Going to do it again tonight when my husband gets off work. It drys them out and helps with the itching. Try not to scratch them at all or it gets worse. After the paste dried, I just used a wet warm paper towel and carefully cleaned it off. Don’t wipe hard though.
I have a rash from ACV as well. It’s all over my neck, back of my ears, chest and hair line around my face. I actually had ACV in a cucumber salad recipe and loved the recipe so much—kept eating it, well on the 3rd day of eating the salad, my skin started freaking out. Normally, I have clear skin with no blemishes. I stopped consuming the salad containing acv right away and 3 days later I’m still waiting for the rash to start diminishing. I’ve taken one dose of Benedryl so far, but only at night because of the drowsy side effect, do you recommend anything else? How long will the rash/hives last? No more ACV for me-man I loved that salad.
did it stop quitting ACV?
Janae, it’s hard to know how long your rash will last. Usually it’s only a couple of days or the most it would be is a week. Perhaps you could use lemon juice for the salad you love.
The answer to my question! thank you.
I been taking ACV for 2 weeks now and 2 days straight i’ve been itching. Today being the worst. I took Benadryl & had my Fiancee rub some prescribed cortizone cream on my back and arms. After 30 mins i felt better but still a little itchy. I was taking 2 tbsps w/raw unfilitered organic honey in distilled water every morning & an hour or so before bedtime. Now looking at these posts i was taking way to much. So i’m going to stop for 2-4 days then restart again but only take 2 tsp per day w/ water & honey. I’ve lost alot of inches off my stomach, waist, arms, & legs. It gives me energy & suppresses my appetite extremely. I have to force myself to eat. It also works really good on my digestion. I was having problems with constipation, but now i go regularly with no problems. I also suffer from Acid Reflux. I noticed most of the time it helped with that and sometimes it made it flare up. I love how fast it works. But after 2-4 days of rest i’m going to try it with just taking 2 tsp a day
and see if that stops the itching cuz i love how i feel & all the benefits.
I have been taking ACV now for only 3 days, but now have very itchy hands, scalp
and ears, I took one Tablespoon in 8ozs water twice a day.
I will have to stop now as the itching is very bad – may see a doctor tomorrow, but like other comments, if I return I will do 1 teaspoon a day to see what happens.
I was taking only tsp,a day but my itch is very bad. I stopped from today.
Taking 1 tsp.ACV in 8oz. Water daily for
last 2 yrs. but lately for 3 months having really bad itchy skin, hives type rash, pimple type breakout on legs, torso, arms. Daily after dinner it is worst. Reading all this makes me wonder & from tomorrow no ACV. Going to second Dermatologist tomorrow, using prescription strength steroids . On my third tube but will find out more after visiting demotologist.
All Vinegar’s are fungal and apple cider vinegar is most fungal,despite what they say how healthy it is,it smells like stale dish washing rag,that is sign of fungus.You can pick apple fresh from tree and eat it you will be feeding candida.Sugar in apple is most candidal.You can not kill candida,and if you are successful you will kill yourself.You can only starve candida by avoiding fungal foods and environment.Any supplement you take candida will destroy it.If you do not eat or drink anything you still inhale fungus with every breath you take,that fungus is in every cell of your body in waiting to be enriched with fungal diet or environment.Once enriched then you get all this fancy diagnostic names diseases which could be summed up in one word CANDIDA.Then whole world economy goes belly up.Whole world is candida infected,once infected person become addicted to fungal foods and chooses to die under doctors control then change diet.There is no cure or operation for wrong diet,but try to tell this to people whose brain is encrypted by clergy medical science and politicians as only these 3 can log in your brain,you do not have access to your own brain.
From reading all the health benefits of ACV I brought some with the mother in, I took one tablespoon in a glass of water at about lunch time. That evening I started feeling itchy on my scalp and arms I then went to bed and couldn’t sleep as more itchy on my back and hips I got up to have a look – I was covered in a rash – hives I think redness over face arms stomach back. It was very itchy and burning I took a allergy tablet and had a shower to try to cool the itchiness and managed to get to sleep the next day it had gone down but come
The evening it came up again on my face and palms I took another allergy tablet. The next day this went down but have quite a few spots on my stomach and back they are quite itchy but are more like spots. How do I l ow if this is a allergy I have to the mould in the ACV ( I’ve had normal ACV before so can only think it may be the mould or bacteria from the ‘mother’ . Or is it the toxins being released from body. I can’t believe just one tablespoon of this has caused such a reaction. There isn much warning or info on this only the good things ACV has, so any advise would be most welcome many thanks
Sarah, best to avoid ACV with that reaction. Hard to tell if it is a allergy or not.
Hey Sarah.
I’ve taken acv I in the past and didn’t have much negative reaction. In the fall I started taking a straight shot with the mother and I have a horrible rash all over my chest and back. It’s very itchy. Ive stopped taking the ACv for a month now and it seems to just be getting worse
Not sure if that helps, but I know how you feel. Im wondering if it’s because of the mother and I was taking a concentrated dose
how are you feeling now cindi? how did you get rid of the itching?
I hope you are feeling better
I have been taking ACV (liquid form) for years with no problem. Then when I was on vacation I bought the pill form of ACV and broke out in a rash after 3 days. I thought it was something I was infected with while on vacation. I lookup on internet and read where some had a reaction, so i quit for a while to clear skin, now i am back with the liquid form. So far no problem
Erica, sounds like the pill form was too concentrated and may have thrown off your body’s pH.
I started taking acv about a month ago, one ts in 8oz water. I work out every day and I notice that my waist was getting smaller looked good and got alot of comeplaments, I always had itching around my neck but I just thought it was mosquitoes bites didn’t really bother me until now I have to watch out what I eat.the itch is in random parts of my body legs back arms in between my legs ears it got so bad I had to go to doctor for allergy medicine it also affected my hearing it feels like I have water inside. I like all the good stuff that acv have but I will stop taking it to see if that is what is causing it. Not worth it if it gave me a food allergies
Greetings. I took MELA Apple flavored vinegar from Italian musing product for two days before meals. Two tablespoons diluted in two tablespoons warm water. After two days I started itching in my elbow area. Is it a reaction from the vinegar. I stopped takin it after that. Is it possible inresume with lower dose and more water ? My husband and I were recommended to take it for weight loss. It did work for me until I had the rash. My husband didn’t react till now to it (one week now )
Kindly reply. Thanks
Sawsan, Since Mela Apple flavored vinegar is not plain apple cider vinegar it will not necessarily give you the same results. I’d suggest not using that vinegar if you had a reaction.
I wish we could post pictures!
Ok. So I was taking a straight shot of ACV with the mother every morning for about a month (October ish). I started noticing these red itchy sores so I stopped mid November. Since then, the rash has grown all over my chest and back. It has a slight burn and very itchy, now a month after ending the ACV. Am I silly to think my body is detoxing and maybe to just keep going with the ACV to knock it out?
I went to a dermatologist and she said no way could accommodate do that ( not sure if I believe her… Infact I really never believe doctors). She prescribed an antibiotic.
Any options are welcome!
Sounds like you are having a reaction to the ACV taking it straight. I would dilute it 2 teaspoons per glass of water and it will be milder and you may not get symptoms.
Hello All, I started ACV this past July after losing 25 pounds on atkins (gained that due to meds) and I had heard ACV was the way to go to keep the fat off.
well, In August, I broke out in W/ a rash on the right side of my neck. i figured it was due to stress since my Mom died Aug 3rd.
I then broke out on BOTH side of my neck AND my lower spine near my buttocks, went to DR he gave me Zyrtec 10 mg. IT DID NOTHING. i stopped the ACV for a few days, nothing.
Im now thinking to completely stop the ACV and go back on Atkins.. i cant stand the itching. after reading thru the above comments, I believe its the vinegar.
I’ve been taking ACV with lemon juice in water 3 times a day for about 3 days now. All of a sudden today, I started becoming very itchy all over my entire body. The itchiness is intermittent and not constant. My skin also feels very oily. I figured that it was because the ACV was pulling toxins out of my body through my skin, so I’m going to give it a few days and see if the symptoms subside because I really want to benefit from all of the health benefits of the ACV, especially weight loss. It has already greatly improved my digestion. suppressed my appetite quite a bit, and has made me much more regular as far as bowel movements are concerned. It’s also making me pee A TON! I feel like a peed a gallon today! I’m going to stick it out and, hopefully, these detox side effects will only be very short-lived and won’t last more than a few days!
Team ALG here: Glad to hear you are experiencing positive effects. That side effect should diminish in the next day or two. If not, cut back on the amount of ACV you are taking.
I started taking Apple Cider Vinegar about 2 days ago. I’m on a Keto Diet, so I though this would be a great enhancer plus help digest those fatty foods and cheeses. Yesterday I broke out in a rash. Red spots, that now are bumps, all over my arms, legs, side of my chest, under my arms, my back and butt !!! All very itchy. I spoke to a pharmacist and asked her about Steevia (been taking that for 3 weeks) and I was recently on an anti-biotic, amoxicillin for a dental procedure (for 7 days). She said that the Steevia would have shown up a while ago and the amoxicillin would have shown up a few days after I took it, not 2 days after my prescription was gone. SO, that left the Apple Cider Vinegar to blame for this. I’m trying to avoid a costly doctors trip and taking her recommendation; STOP the Apple Cider Vinegar and take a non drousy daily allergy medicine during the day and Benetrill at night (since it makes you drousy). I’m trying this and sadly I can’t go back to the Apple Cider Vinegar, especially if this proves to work and I’ve stopped taking it. So, what alternatives are there for this to help the diet, digestion, break down of fatty foods like meats and cheeses and burn fat during the day ? Open to ideas ???
Tom, to help with digesting your food you can take digestive enzymes. To help with fatty foods, Bile Builder with ox bile will be your new best friend. It also helps thin the bile so your liver is functioning more efficiently to burn fat, helping you to lose weight. https://unikeyhealth.com/products/bile-builder
Has anyone found relief from the rash? I have same reaction, have tried one round of antibiotics & dr wants me to do another 3 weeks in hopes of resolving the rash. Would prefer not to go that route. Would love to hear back from others with rash. I’ve had mine 8 weeks. I feel like the 3 days I tried acv has permanently altered my body chemistry…and I can’t seem to return to normal. Thanks!
Hi Anne, a rash from drinking diluted apple cider vinegar can be a detox symptom. Usually it wouldn’t last for 8 weeks. Allergies to apple cider vinegar are rare but it sounds like you have a sensitivity to it. You could try taking a baking soda bath or soaking in an oatmeal bath. The reaction should eventually go away.
I started ACV last month 1-2 teaspoons in water 3x a day.. got a major rash… even had a skin biopsy done by my derm… as i have sensitive skin. Derm thought it was GA (granuloma annulare)… turned out to be a “hypersensitivity allergy”…. its definetly the ACV. I am not off of it for a little over a week.. and I am still getting breakouts on my arms and legs… no itch.. My derm prescribed Clobatasol steroid cream and that seems to be working… but I am chasing the rash all over.. when a bunch of spots clear, more show up in a different place.. ACV is poison.
Antibiotics will only make things worse Anne. I would talk to your Derm or Dr. about the steroid cream Clobetasol. I was taking ACV for a month 3x a day… I am now chasing this stupid rash all around.. one area clears up.. another pops up. It has only been since the 13th of June since I am off everything I was taking including the ACV.
The only thing I am taking now is my tums and my allegra. I also use the Clobetasol on the spots 2x a day and that seems to help. Good luck.
Thanks-appreciate your reply. Still fighting the rash….
HI Anne, I too am still fighting this friggin rash. On both thighs… My derm prescribed Prednisone 60mg for 7 days then taper to 40mg then 20mg…. Tomorrow is the last day of the 60mg and then I start the taper on Friday. Seems to have stopped spreading (I think).. but its still there and nasty looking… I am also using Clobetsasol Steroid cream on the areas… and they are large areas too… Terrible how ACV messed my whole system up.
Holy Crap! This blog reads like a chamber of horrors concerning Apple Cider Vinegar and rash. Obviously there is a connection – obviously the ACV has had serious and horrible effects on people who have taken it for what? Appetite suppression and energy boost ?? And receiving instead an itchy rash on their face??? OMG – thinks it’s time to change this blog from hyping the benefits of ACV to giving your readers a clear warning about the terrible super negative side effects caused from consuming this crap. I never had any type of rash in my 54 years on the planet – after approximately 1/2 a bottle of ACV over a period of approximately 3 weeks – I received a horrendous rash over chest back and arms – which I have been dealing with for over a month w 3l2 trips to the doctor and various topical creams which are not having much effect. Sign of detoxing you say?? Sorry but I think that is complete BS and very misleading. Obviously Apple cider vinegar is highly dangerous to some people. Anyone considering consuming this product in any amount should read through all these comments and consider if the purported great effects of taking this is worth developing a rash that won’t go away for months. No Thank you. I only hope and pray I can get my skin back to normal after the horrible effects of consuming Apple cider vinegar for 3 weeks. I for one will never go near this product again as it certainly does not work for me. Wish I had researched this more carefully before taking this stuff.
Took ACV – 1 tbsp. w/greens juice for a week mid-October 2017 and smalll rash on top of my feet started. It spread – top of legs, arms, hands! Still have horrible rashes,itches. Been to doctors since this began, it is the worst disease I’ve ever had! Costs hundreds of dollars in doctors bills! I truly agree wholeheartedly with your justified angry comments!
One note of hope, recent round of Keflex antibiotics for a week, seemed to have helped clear up arms, hands a bit but rash would come back in past! That’s 8 months of hell, for what? ;False,over-hyped advertising as “healthy!” You ACV people should feel ashamed for promoting this and for causing such unbelievable suffering, without warning labels on rotten hype!
I started ACV (2 tsp) in 8 oz water, 3x a day – Mid May. about 2 weeks after starting ACV I developed a rash on my elbow that resembled GA (granuloma annulare). Because I have sentitive skin and have had hives, allergy to zinc too…. I went to the derm and she said its GA and prescribed a steroid cream for me to use. The rash went away within 2 weeks but then a new one under my are started as little dots then bloomed down my arm past my armpit (looked like the state of Florida)… red but not itchy. Then another and another, daily waking up with new clusters of this rash, on my arms, here and there… Went in last Tuesday and my derm insisted that it was GA…. I insisted on a biopsy. WEll, got the results back and derm told me that it was NOT GA but an “allergy to an unknown substance of some sort”…. I am also taking Manuka honey, one tablespoon a day (K16)… so it could be that too… but my bet is on ACV. Derm told me to stop everything including my multi vite and just stick to my Allegra and Tums (for calcium)… So tomorrow, I will start flushing all this shuff from my system and hopefully this random rash will start to go away. NEVER AGAIN.
Staci: response to biopsi – My doctor,also, did it on my rash. Result: allergy not autoimmune, apparently? Thus, sent me to get skin patch tests – result was, I’m not allergic to anything! I, all along told doctors apple cider vinegar was only thing I did differently when it started back in October! Also, had deep ridges on my right thumbnail since October which can indicate something going on internally.
I sure hope your rashes go away sooner than mine! Also, probiotics daily will help the gut, especiallly while taking antibiotics – one to two hours after antibiotic dose.
HI Grace,
I just started a prescription cream, Clobetasol. I have been chasing this rash for a week now… when one area is clearing up.. another pops up. I am now off of everything.. including my multi vit. I am taking my Tums (for calcium) and my Allegra for allergies.. other than that.. nothing else. My derm wants me to stay the course with the cream for now. She said it may take weeks for it to exit my system.
How is your rash. After battling it with Clobetasol steroid cream (on arms and legs, arms have cleared a bit) Thighs are not geat…….. My derm put me on a prednisone taper. 60mg for 7 days 40mg and then 30mg.
Apparently my derm thought that after the last day of the 60mg, the rash would be almost gone. WRONG. Its not. I can’t tell anymore whether its spreading or just sitting there.. I am also am using the Clobetasol topical. Any updates would be great.
Hi staci, I forgot to mention that around the first couple of weeks in may I was on prednisone. It didn’t help much. Then, on may 19th, went to urgent care, they put me on keflex antibiotics for one week, all I know is that that really helped me – inflammation went down! Now, a few small rashes will pop up here and there. I’ll take that compared to how awful it was. Will wait to see how long this improvement lasts!
Apparently, this acv rash is stubborn for many, Oh, I just got results of blood tests, and are fine. Doctors don’t know what the cause is. We know it could be acv!
My understanding of what it’s like to be sick (I know there’s much worse) has increased my compassion for all living beings! May we all heal well!
Hi Grace. Glad to hear you are feeling better.. This past Friday.. I started the taper of the prednisone to 40mg. The rash on my arms.. pretty much gone.. and the rash on my thighs… started to come and go. Messaging with my derm and she seems to think that the allergic reaction turned into hives…(classic fading and then coming back)… She wanted me to take Allegra 2x a day (taking 1x right now)..Started on Friday night with the second Allegra… my legs are pretty much all cleared up. Still using the clobetasol cream just on tiny spots.. just to be on the safe side… Also started my meditation practice 2x a day, which has helped with my mindset. No supplements or vitamins at all… just my allergy med and tums for calcium. Keep me posted….
My husband has had a mystery rash since the end of January. It started off small and has since spread rapidly. He’s been to the doctor twice and the only thing that started to clear it up was prednisone but once he stopped it the rash came right back. I was making his lunch today and thought I would google side effects of ACV. He usually drinks AVC diluted in 16 oz of water at least 5/7 days a week. I am for sure not packing that in his lunch tonight! I sure hope stopping it helps his symptoms but it sounds like a lot of people are still suffering post ACV. Good luck to you all!
Antibiotics will only make things worse Anne. I would talk to your Derm or Dr. about the steroid cream Clobetasol. I was taking ACV for a month 3x a day… I am now chasing this stupid rash all around.. one area clears up.. another pops up. It has only been since the 13th of June since I am off everything I was taking including the ACV.
The only thing I am taking now is my tums and my allegra. I also use the Clobetasol on the spots 2x a day and that seems to help. Good luck.
Antibiotics will only make things worse Anne. I would talk to your Derm or Dr. about the steroid cream Clobetasol.
My Gastroenterologist recommended ACV for gastroparesis that is likely due to a stomach virus. I was taking daily capsules and my stomach felt great. However, the itching is out of control. I took ACV for 3 weeks and stopped yesterday suspecting this may be the cause. Still itching all over…hoping this will not last too long. I wish he had told me about this possible side effect up front and I would have known to stop right away. Any idea how long the itching lasts after stopping ACV? ( No visible rash…just itching).
Hi Deirdra,
I had really no itching. However, I suggest you take Allegra 24 hours – one in the am and one in the pm. This will most likely be able to control your itch.. If you can survive Benadryl, you may want to take one before bed instead of the Allegra. Of course I would talk to you GP before taking anything, but Antihistamines (unless you are allergice to them) are pretty much harmless.
Right now I am on my last taper of Prednisone 20mg until next Thursday. My Derm wants me taking Allegra 2x a day and a benadryl 3o mins before bed just to be on the safe side the rash (hives?) do not come back.
Forgot to mention that a good hydrocortizone cream would help with the itching as well as an Aveeno oatmeal bath.
Hi I started drinking 3 days ago. And i had notice that every night , i had this skin rash. I am just worried if its normal or what. If its removing the toxic? Because this is the 3rd night that i had this skin rash.Please notice me. Thankyou.
Alijune, Some people do experience a detox reaction that can be a rash for a couple of days. You may have a sensitivity to the ACV. I’d suggest discontining it if the rash persists after tomorrow.
STOP drinking ACV. It is not healthy for you. Please. I battled with a terrible rash for months…. finally it is under control. Just eat well, get enough sleep and excersize. You dont need supplements.
Hello .
I started taking ACV one tsp everyday a week before and two days after I started feeling itchy skin . I read all of the comments if it’s sign of detoxifying then its good but I want to know how much time it usually takes to get rid of itching skin while continue having ACV.
Harry, that depends on your own sensitivity to the ACV and how much you have to detox. It can be anywhere from a couple of days to a week or two.
Thanks for reply.
Can i ask what should I take to get rid of this itching .
Harry, since it is a reaction to the ACV some people take something like Benedryl. We recommend that you just let the rash go away on its own or use something topical like Calamine lotion.
Harry. Please stop drinking ACV. You can use Hydrocortizone cream and Aveeno oatmeal baths.. Check with your doctor about taking an antihistamine as well.
I am so thankful that I found this article with all of these comments. I also drank ACV for a couple of weeks, 2 TBSPs a day with water and all of a sudden had a crazy rash on my arms, face and neck. I went to the doctor and got a shot of dexamethazone along with a round of methylprednisolone. I stopped drinking the ACV while I was on the medication. (I had not idea that my rash could be a result of the ACV.) Finished the meds and my rash was gone!! Started drinking ACV again and rash is back. I’m itching like crazy!!!
same thing here!
I started a new diet a week ago and took the pills 2x a day after a meal. The first symptom was an ache in my stomach in the middle of the night. It also made me thirsty and I made more than normal trips to the bathroom. I did feel like it made me more regular and it suppressed my appetite. I also felt more energized. Then yesterday, I got this crazy itch on my legs below my knees all around the ankle and feet area. I felt a hot burning sensation, like I was on fire. Then it hit me – it was the ACV because my husband who started taking the ACV the week before and was taking more pills than I had been complaining all last week that he also had this crazy itch around the ankle area. I stopped taking them today and I am still itching but not as bad. What is interesting is that none of the comments said the itching was around their ankle area. So maybe it could be something else.
I’ve been taking apple cider vinegar pills for about a month or so and noticed I was breaking out in a rash on my thighs/legs//ankle/feet area. It looks like hives and then turns into blisters. Might be a coincidence but I really think it’s from the apple cider vinegar. What did your rash look like?
I was taking ACV, 2 spoons per day. Rashes and itching in legs, ankle, arms, shoulders etc. How are you feeling now?
I have been taking 1tablespoon of ACV for 2 weeks and for me the benefits have been nothing short of amazing!
The first few days were rough as it causes a candida die off and it felt like I had the flu…very tired and I also broke out with a few hives that itched. As days went by those effects lessened and I noticed these benefits,
1.Increased energy. It’s like I’m drinking a never ending supply of coffee!
2. Less stomach bloating and gas.
3. Complexion looks better
4. Breath has improved!
5. Feel more alert and I’m able to think and focus better
6. I’ve lost weight. Up to 10pds in 2 weeks I’m conjunction with the keto diet
I took 1 tablespoon in 6oz of green tea. The very next day I had a raised rash all over my chest. Braggs ACV is the only thing I’ve done differently. I’m not sure if its toxins or an allergic reaction but I’m not chancing it. Never in my life have I ever broken put from anything and I’m 58 years old!
Taking 1 tablespoon may be too strong for you. It is for many people. You might do better with 2 tsp in 8 oz. of water.
I was itching from the Candida infection so I tried the raw organic ACV. Now I itch worse than ever. I’m scratching my skin raw. I stopped the ACV over a week ago after doing some research, but the itching is not subsiding. I’m going crazy. I’ve even started spraying myself with a product that is made for hot spots and itching for dogs. It has Lidocaine in it. Also take Benadryl at night. Spraying myself with VERY hot water in the shower each morning helps for awhile. It brings out the endorphins that help stop the itching.
Years ago I was taking Metabolife for weight loss and eventually I got these itchy sores on my legs, ankles and feet. I figured it was the Ma Huang herb that did it. I had never had hives before, but I’m pretty sure that’s what the sores were. I used Tea Tree Oil on the sores and they went away, plus I stopped taking the Metabolife/Ma Huang pills.
I’ve been drinking ACV now for the past 4 weeks and have been losing weight but just in the past few days I’ve gotten 3 hives that feel like mosquito bites. I just started feeling another on my left ankle. I’m sure it’s the ACV. It made my eyes water earlier but I took Benadryl and Allegra and my eyes stopped waterlng. I’ve ordered some Tea Tree Oil that will come next week. I have sons topical antibiotic lotion with alcohol in it that is helping with the itching for now.
I don’t want to stop drinking ACV altogether but I am going to cut back on the amount and see how that works. I have had chronic candidiasis since 1986 so it doesn’t surprise me that I’m having an allergic reaction.. it’s not the vinegar itself that causes the allergic reaction but rather the yeasts that build up in the colon because of ingesting a fermented food like ACV that is causing the sores and watering eyes. I really don’t like being on such a restrictive diet as Atkins, but it works for weight loss without upsetting the flora balance in my colon.
I was given a cortisone injection last summer and immediately started gaining weight back that I had worked very hard to lose. I got horrible headaches. My husband is a diabetic and I took my BS reading and it was 300. I watched it off and on and it was always high. I advised the doc a few months later and told him I appeared to have become diabetic. He took an A1C and it was high. He put me on Metformin and I began to drink ACV to promote my attempts at weight loss. I lost a pound a day and took my BS and it was in the normal range or lower. I also broke out in a horrible rash especially ially on my arms. I quit the Metformin and my BS is completely back to normal but the rash has continued for two months. I continued the ACV at least a couple times a day or more. I went to the doc and was given a steroid cream that made it all worse. I take a daily fexafenodine for allergies but it didn’t help. I took benedryal at night and the itching was much less. The rash has remained. I started imagining all sorts of dramatic problems could be happening. Now I am thinking that this is an internal issue and the AVC may have altered my PH and the combination with Metformin just accentuated it? I will see a dermatologist this week. I think my Ph might be screwed up after reading these comments. No more ACV for me to see if it helps.
Did you quit ACV? How are you feeling now?
I am so glad I found this site, I’ve been googling “itchy bumps” “rashes” then thought the only thing different I’ve been doing was drinking apple cider vinegar so I googled “can ACV cause rashes” and I got a link to this site. OMG, I watched a lot of youtube for weight loss and one thing all of the videos had in common was drinking or using ACV in smoothies, teas, etc. One video had a fat burning recipe before bed with 2 to 3 tbls of ACV. Another video suggested drinking diluted ACV, 2 tbls. from 1-3 times a day. That’s what I did……for about 3 weeks, and I have this awful rash that itches like crazy. I live in a senior complex bldg. so I had an exterminator check for bed bugs……and none at all. I have a regular dr. appt. in a couple of weeks, but I don’t think I can wait, more and more or this rash is showing up, and now that I know what the cause might be, I am stopping the ACV today!!!
I was taking ACV and I’m having weird rashes and itching. Do you mind to talk to me via e-mail? I just want to talk with someone that had this experience. I’m not sure if the cause is ACV. How are you feeling now?
I have been taking ACV x 2 wks in 8oz of water 2-3times a day with out problems. Then yesterday I decided to take 2TBSof ACCV mixed with 2TBSof Honey without water. Immediately I felt a little tingle on the Rt side of my throat. I didn’t think anything of it. Well about 5mins later I started to accumulate thick saliva in my throat & felt like my throat was starting to swell. So I took a Claritin at home. Took 2 Benadryl capsules 25mg each at the store without relief. Went to the ER. Received meds via Iv (Benadryl 25mg&solumedrol) also had neb tx of Prednisone& Oxygen. Nothing helped until they gave me a Epinehprine 0.3mg. My face, neck, & hands were swollen & I am African American (mediumbrown skin) but I turned. Since I have taken Honey without problems I took it alone about 2 hrs after taking my regular ACV with 8oz of water this morning. No problems with either separately. I Can Never take the 2 together again. This is just a warning to anyone who is thinking about it for weight loss. Anything can cause an allergic reaction at anytime even if you have used this product in the past without any problems. Keep Benadryl on hand. It is helpful. It gave me critical time to make it to the hospital & may have saved my my life giving me time to make it to the hospital. Be Safe. All though these are Over the counter products they are still considered a drug/medication. You should notify you doctor of anything you take over the counter.
Sorry about leaving a word out. My skin color turned red
I`m glad I ran across this blog… For some time now I`ve been experiencing a few itchy bumps on my legs and ankles and a couple near the waistline which start out very small but seem to get larger as the itching intensifies…. I`m just now realizing it may be the apple cider vinegar that I drink on and off and so I decided to google apple cider vinegar side affects and to my surprise discovered some people have reactions to this vinegar….. I had just over half a bottle of acv left in a bottle that I had started drinking yesterday but have since poured in down my kitchen sink drain. I thought I was getting bitten by an insect or something but could not understand how I could get bit through my socks and clothing. Then I thought maybe it was the laundry detergent or perhaps some food I was eating but it seemed I was hitting a dead end with all those things… Then it dawned on me, what about the apple cider vinegar ?…..After reading it can cause skin problems in some people, I will not ever drink that stuff again.
I think you missed the point lol it’s good for you, after a few days of you drinking it the rashes will stop. It’s detoxing you and killing your overgrowth of yeast.
I had same problem! Rash/hives was on my shins. Had it off and on for a year before questioning the ACV. I eliminated other foods, medications, supplements, lotions. Couldn’t rid my shins from this itchy rash. Stopped taking the ACV, and magic…….rash went away!
What kind of ACV were you taking, though? Was it organic and did it contain the mother, like in the Bragg’s brand? Most ACV in the store is not real ACV but other vinegar that has had caramel coloring added to it, and is caustic and possibly toxic to the body and only good for disinfecting household areas. If you were not using organic ACV with the mother in it, I would think this may have been your cause of problems. I would try using organic ACV and start by taking it once a day for a week and then increase to two or three separate doses per day over a few months. If you were taking organic ACV when this happened to you, then you could be sensitive to it.
Had fungal infection on my skin i started applying acv to my skin in the shower. Started getting horrible hives. Realized outta gotta be the acv
I starting taking 15ml of Apple Cider Vinegar each day. After 2 weeks I noticed more and more itchy bumps (hives) on my skin. I have stopped taking the Apple Cider Vinegar and the hives are reducing in size and itchiness.
How long did it take for the itchiness to go away? I am on day 3 of itching and about to go crazy!
2 days ago I went to the doctor regarding my itchy hives, He diagnosed pruritus and gave some inert skin cream. I have been taking ACV with the mother (which I make myself) for my psoriasis. I am just finishing my 3rd batch and have 2 more ‘on the go’ . My psoriasis was healed 3 weeks ago but I continued to take it,as psoriasis always recurs. I contacted this page because I have been wondering if the ACV was to blame for the hives or the anti-inflammatories that were prescribed for sinusitis, I knew that ACV was used by some people for cleansing the blood so I was interesting to read the comments about the connection between ACV and hives and that once the body has got rid of the yeasts the body will return to normal I will definitely be continuing to take the vinegar,especially for the psoriasis. I will let you know how I go on!!
Did it work?
Wow!! So glad I found all this Info! I ended a 7day water fast With fresh green juice and bone broth. Felling better than I have felt in forever. Very clean! My gut, my skin, my energy, everything felt like it had been Reset. A few days after I started eating I began adding 2T. ACV to a quart of warm water with fresh lemon juice and drank it every morning. By the third day I stared getting a horrible itchy dry rash on both my elbows, then my R. foot and toes. I continued with the ACV not at all thinking That’s what it would be… questioned and abolished all the other foods in my diet. I’ve stayed off dairy and gluten since my fast and couldn’t think of anything new in my diet that would be giving me this horrific rash these last several weeks…. till this morning when I was making my ACV… “googled ACV and rashes” found you guys. I know it’s not a yeast die off! I’ve experienced that before this is a direct reaction to the ACV. I wouldn’t be able to pinpoint it had I not just started introducing food into my diet… I will NOT take it any longer. The itching and rash is awful! And I have a hard time thinking it’s doing good inside my body when It’s reacting this way!
First day of taking my gummy acv and I’m already experiencing hives down my arms, I’m going to try to offset it by taking a Zyrtec
Susan, Just stop taking the gummy acv.
I recently started taking a glassof water with a table spoon of ACV twice a day. I had been getting liver discomfort and achy knees for weeks. The pain in my knees vanished the liver pain got largely better but a small rash developed under my right pectoral muscle. With topical aloe Vera this has largely subsided but remains itchy.I have lost weight, and it is visually apparent. I recently had liver and kidney function blood tests which were fine. I have stopped taking the ACV in a glass of water for the moment. I always have it on salad as well most days.I want to lose more weight.