$Unique_ID{BRK01037}
$Pretitle{}
$Title{Is Aloe Vera "Juice" a Good Treatment for Burns?}
$Subject{aloe vera burns first aid superficial abrasion gel soothe soothing
heal healing scar scars scarring burn infected wound wounds treatment
treatments herbal plant medication medications skin abrasions}
$Volume{R-20}
$Log{}

Copyright (c) 1991-92,1993   Tribune Media Services, Inc.


Is Aloe Vera "Juice" a Good Treatment for Burns?


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QUESTION:  I have a very nice, large aloe vera plant growing on my windowsill.
Friends tell me its "juice" is a good treatment for burns and that using the
sap will prevent scar formation.  Is that true?

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ANSWER:  It depends upon the type of burn you use the aloe sap to treat.  If
you have a minor burn (superficial) or abrasion, gel from a leaf of the plant
may be soothing and perhaps mildly healing.  There is some scientific evidence
to support that, but the gel does not prevent scarring.
     Should you suffer a more intense or deeper burn, (the old second and
third degree burn) or if your wound becomes infected and/or cracked, applying
aloe gel could do more harm than good.  When applied to the skin, aloe vera
gel, itself, is seldom irritating.  Yet, a plant leaf placed directly on a
burn can be treacherous because the latex which is also found in the leaf is a
powerful laxative.  With some additional care, you can avoid the latex by
scraping gel from inside the leaf.
     If there is any doubt about the severity of a burn, forget about your
aloe vera plant and see your physician immediately.  There are more effective
and less doubtful methods for treating these injuries, which may be prone to
complications of infection if not dealt with properly.

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The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace
the counsel and advice of your personal physician.  Promptly consulting your
doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical
problem.