Use of Aloe vera in Treating Skin Problems

Aloe vera (Aloe Barbadensis Miller) is a cactus-like plant that has been used for health purposes at least two thousand years. Aloe vera contains phytochemicals that enhances the rate of healing of skin lesions and damaged epithelial cells of the Aloe Barbadensis Miller gastrointestinal tract. Studies have shown that aloe gel might be helpful in treating psoriasis, dandruff, seborrhea, and minor burns and skin abrasions, as well as radiation-induced skin injuries.

Aloe Vera Skin Benefits

Aloe Vera helps to stimulate cell renewal, contains anti-inflammatory and antiseptic  effects, and it moisturizes and nourishes the skin. Aloe vera works on the burned skin by reducing inflammation, killing bacteria and promoting healthful tissue growth.”The Department of Pharmaceutical Technology and Cosmetology” at the University in Belgrade, reported research in 2011 noting that gel from aloe vera is believed to promote and assist the growth of new cells.

When aloe gel is applied to minor burns, the active compounds work to stimulate cellular growth and repair, as well as to relieve the pain of sunburn and other types of skin burns. Aloe cream was shown to be superior to silver sulfadiazine cream for the therapy of second-degree burns. In one study, burn sites treated with aloe vera healed completely in less than 16 days compared to 19 days for sites treated with silver sulfadiazine. In a study, 27 participant with moderate burn wounds were treated with  aloe vera gel or vaseline. The burns improved more fast in the aloe vera group, with an healing time of 12 days compared to 18 days for the group using vaseline.

Some findings show that aloe vera gel may ameliorate symptoms of genital herpes and certain skin conditions such as psoriasis. One study found that aloe gel displayed anti-inflammatory properties superior to 1% hydrocortisone cream or a placebo gel. Early researches indicate that aloe vera gel used topically may ameliorate the symptoms of genital herpes in men. In 2 studies, men who used the aloe cream (0.5% aloe) saw lesions heal faster than those who used a placebo cream.

Aloe can be considered a safe alternative therapy for mild to moderate chronic plaque psoriasis. Psoriasis patients experienced relaxation of symptoms with aloe vera in a study reported in the Feb 2010 edition of the Journal of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology. In a double-blind, placebo-controlled study reported in “Tropical Medicine and International Health“, 60 people with chronic psoriasis were given a 0.5% aloe vera extract in a mineral oil creme. When participants were checked after 8 months, far more psoriasis skin lesions had improved in the aloe vera group (82.8%) than in the placebo group (7.7%).

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