Aloe vera is a plant that originates from subtropical and tropical locations such as South Africa and the Caribbean. Within the leaf of the aloe plant is a clear, jelly-like substance. This substance is aloe gel, commonly used as a topical treatment for burns.
Aloe gel is 99% water. The remaining one percent consists of sugars, amino acids, fats, and vitamins that are beneficial for burn injuries. For more information about the active compounds in aloe gel, visit this page.
According to a 2008 journal review on aloe vera, the gel helps heal wounds by increasing collagen synthesis. Collagen is a protein which helps strengthen skin and scar tissue. Aloe vera has been used as a treatment for burns for thousands of years. However, scientific studies on the efficacy of the “burn plant” are showing mixed results.
Source: retales botijero
Several studies have shown that aloe vera is an effective treatment for burn wounds. In a 1995 study, 27 patients with mild burn wounds were treated with both aloe vera and vaseline gauze. Each treatment was placed on separate areas of the wound. They found that the area treated with aloe vera healed faster than the vaseline gauze area; the aloe vera area healed in an average of 11.89 days, whereas the vaseline gauze area healed in an average of 18.19 days.
Some studies, however, have presented results against the healing effects of the “burn plant”. In a 2008 study, aloe vera was applied to mild burn injuries every week for a total of six weeks. After the six weeks, no evidence was found to show that aloe vera had significantly helped the healing process.
Due to the varying results of these studies, the question of whether or not aloe vera is an effective remedy for burns remains inconclusive.
However, the use of aloe vera is still rather popular. The American Academy of Dermatology and various educational institutions still suggest aloe vera as a topical treatment for mild burns such as sunburns. If you happen to get a sunburn from that summer pool party or beach hangout apply aloe vera. It will soothe, moisturize, and possibly even help heal that itchy, painful sunburn.
Feature Image Source: Aloe vera in bloom by Gorupka
