Can Apple Cider Vinegar Remove Seborrheic Keratosis? Safety, Results & Alternatives

Using Apple Cider Vinegar for Seborrheic Keratosis Removal

Seborrheic keratosis is a common, non-cancerous skin growth that can appear on various areas of the body. These waxy, brown spots resemble age spots and often begin showing up later in life. While harmless, many people want to remove seborrheic keratoses for cosmetic reasons or discomfort. Apple cider vinegar is sometimes touted as a natural remedy to get rid of seborrheic keratosis spots and improve skin appearance. But does it really work?

In this article, we’ll explore the safety and effectiveness of using apple cider vinegar to remove seborrheic keratosis. We’ll also cover proper application methods and what dermatologists say about home remedies for treating these benign skin lesions.

What is Seborrheic Keratosis?

Seborrheic keratosis is a common noncancerous skin growth that usually appears as people get older. It manifests as waxy, scaly patches on the surface of the skin ranging in color from light tan to dark brown or black. They have a “stuck-on” appearance.

These growths can vary in size from very small to over an inch wide. While they can develop anywhere on the body, they most often occur on the face, chest, back and stomach.

Doctors are not sure exactly what causes seborrheic keratosis, but age and sun exposure may play a role. Heredity can also influence susceptibility.

In most cases, seborrheic keratosis is harmless and requires no treatment unless for cosmetic reasons. But in rare instances, itching, inflammation or bleeding may occur. Make sure to have any changing or concerning growth examined by a dermatologist.

Apple Cider Vinegar for Skin Uses

Apple cider vinegar (ACV) has become a popular home remedy for a variety of conditions, including as a natural skin treatment. Made from fermented apples, ACV contains acids, nutrients and probiotics that may provide benefits when applied topically.

Some of the ways people use ACV on the skin include:

• Treating acne
• Improving complexion and fading spots
• Soothing sunburn
• Removing warts
• Getting rid of moles

There is limited scientific research on ACV and skin health. But some dermatologists think the acetic acid may have antifungal and antibacterial properties when used externally. This has sparked interest in using ACV to remove skin lesions like seborrheic keratosis at home.

Can Apple Cider Vinegar Remove Seborrheic Keratosis?

There are a lot of home remedies floating around for getting rid of seborrheic keratosis, including using apple cider vinegar. But is there any proof that ACV actually works for this purpose?

Unfortunately, current research has not confirmed that applying apple cider vinegar topically can remove seborrheic keratosis or improve its appearance. However, there are a few factors that explain why some people believe it can help:

• Acetic acid – This main component of ACV has antimicrobial effects that may help exfoliate and dry out skin lesions. However, concentration levels on the skin may not be high enough to permeate growths.
• Anecdotal evidence – Some people report success removing growths with repeated ACV applications over time. Lack of controlled studies makes it hard to confirm effectiveness.
• Natural acidity – ACV has a pH of 2-3. Some acids like salicylic acid can chemically burn off lesions. But ACV may not be strong enough.

While ACV is generally gentle, it’s also unlikely to provide dramatic results for seborrheic keratosis. Dermatologists recommend more proven removal methods instead.

ACV Treatment Methods for Seborrheic Keratosis

If you do wish to experiment with ACV for seborrheic keratosis removal, start by speaking with your dermatologist, especially if you have sensitive skin. Never apply ACV to broken skin.

Here are some tips for using ACV on seborrheic keratosis lesions:

• Use raw, unfiltered ACV which retains more nutrients.
• Dilute ACV with a bit of water to decrease acidity.
• Apply directly on growths and let sit 10-15 minutes before rinsing.
• Repeat 1-2 times daily for a few weeks to observe changes.
• Stop immediately if you experience burning, stinging or irritation.

Be very cautious using ACV on sensitive areas like the face. Superficial chemical burns are possible. Most dermatologists recommend professional removal options for best results on challenging keratoses.

Other Home Remedies for Seborrheic Keratosis

In addition to apple cider vinegar, some other home remedies are sometimes suggested for getting rid of seborrheic keratosis at home. These include:

• Lemon juice - Has naturally acidic properties that may gradually lift off lesions when applied daily.
• Castor oil - Contains ricinoleic acid that may help keratoses peel with consistent use over weeks.
• Baking soda - Acts as a gentle abrasive and dessicant that may help slough off dead skin cells when made into a paste.
• Aloe vera - Has anti-inflammatory effects that may reduce irritation from lesions when applied regularly.

However, scientific studies are lacking on the efficacy and safety of these home remedies for seborrheic keratosis treatment. Dermatologist supervision is recommended when using any DIY methods.

Seeing a Dermatologist for Removal

While home treatments like ACV are generally safe for most seborrheic keratoses, they come with no guarantees and may cause skin irritation. That’s why most dermatologists recommend professional removal options over DIY methods.

Here are some of the most effective clinician-administered seborrheic keratosis removal techniques:

• Cryosurgery - Freezing them off with liquid nitrogen.
• Curettage - Scraping growths away with a surgical instrument.
• Electrosurgery - Burning them off with electrical current.
• Laser therapy - Using focused light energy to destroy lesions.
• Chemical peels - Applying acidic solutions like glycolic acid to peel away growths.

Dermatologists can also examine any suspicious lesions to confirm they are benign seborrheic keratoses instead of skin cancer. This peace of mind is a major benefit of professional removal.

Should You Use Apple Cider Vinegar for Seborrheic Keratosis?

While using ACV for seborrheic keratosis removal may not cause much harm for most people, results can be hit-or-miss. There are safer and more effective options available.

Here are some things to keep in mind when weighing apple cider vinegar against other removal methods:

• ACV is unproven for treating keratoses and can irritate sensitive skin.
• Home remedies take weeks to work, if they are effective at all.
• Dermatologists can remove growths quickly and confirm they are benign.
• Clinical procedures like cryosurgery and curettage have higher success rates.
• Professional treatments can target challenging clusters of growths.

While ACV is generally safe for most people when used properly on the skin, relying on it to treat seborrheic keratosis comes with no guarantees. For optimal results, dermatologists can assess your individual growths and recommend the most suitable removal options.

When to See a Dermatologist

Schedule an appointment with a dermatologist promptly if you notice any of the following with your seborrheic keratosis spots:

• Rapid growth or changes in size/color
• Bleeding, oozing, or ulceration
• Itching, pain, or inflammation
• Appearance on mucous membranes like eyelids
• Dark black color

While most seborrheic keratoses are harmless, these characteristics can sometimes indicate skin cancer. It’s important to have a dermatologist evaluate any suspicious or changing growths.

Preventing Seborrheic Keratosis

While seborrheic keratoses are common and benign, you may want to try limiting additional growths. Some tips include:

• Avoid excess sun exposure and wear SPF 30+ sunscreen daily.
• Improve diet by eating antioxidant-rich fruits and vegetables.
• Quit smoking which can contribute to skin aging.
• Exfoliate skin regularly to slough off lesion buildup.
• See your dermatologist annually for skin checks.

Even with preventive steps, most people will develop some seborrheic keratoses as part of the normal aging process. But implementing healthy skin habits can help slow their progression.

The Bottom Line

Seborrheic keratoses are extremely common benign lesions that may affect appearance or become irritated. Apple cider vinegar is sometimes used as a natural home remedy to try removing growths.

While generally safe when used properly, there is no good research showing ACV can treat seborrheic keratosis spots effectively. Mild exfoliation may occur, but results are usually minimal.

For optimal removal of troublesome keratoses, dermatologists recommend clinical procedures like cryosurgery and curettage instead. These provide reliable results and rule out any abnormalities.

Speak to your dermatologist before attempting to use ACV or other home remedies on seborrheic keratoses. While ACV likely won’t worsen them, professional treatment is still the best approach for removal.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.