The Effect of Topical Apple Cider Vinegar Application on Symptoms Associated with Varicosities: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Abstract

Background: Apple cider vinegar contains polyphenolic compounds that have beneficial health effects. Varicosity has negative effects on the quality of life of patients, and it causes important workforce losses. Conservative treatment in varicosity patients aims to reduce the symptoms of the condition, try to prevent its progress and prevent the development of complications.Aim: This study aimed to determine the effect of topical apple cider vinegar application on the symptoms of varicosities. Methods: A total of 74 patients who have varicosities, 37 patients in the intervention and 37 patients in the control. Two patients from intervention dropped out, three patients from control, and 69 patients were analyzed in this randomized controlled trial, 35 patients in the intervention and 34 patients in the control group. The study outcomes were assessed at the beginning of the study and after one month.  The varicosities symptoms were assessed by the Varicosities symptoms questionnaire and visual Analogue Scale.Results: The sociodemographic and clinical characteristics of both groups were found to be similar. The patients were evaluated concerning cramps, pain, leg fatigue perception, edema, itching, pigmentation, and weight feelings in the leg, and VAS, in the second evaluation; the decrease in the intervention group was higher and statistically meaningful (𝑝 < 0.05).Conclusion. We determined that the external application of apple vinegar on varicosity patients, which is a very easy application, increased the positive effects of conservative treatment