The gel extracted from aloe vera has a refreshing texture and is often used to soothe sunburns. Can it, however, be used to alleviate other types of burns? Let's explore together whether the properties of aloe vera allow it to play a role in the healing of these injuries.
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Does aloe vera help to relieve burns?
Summary
Published February 16, 2023,
updated on October 2, 2024,
by
Pauline, Chemical Engineer
—
6 min read
What do we mean by "burns"?
A burn is a skin lesion caused by exposure to intense heat, contact with a chemical agent, radiation, or electricity. They can be responsible for the appearance of redness, blisters, and can lead to tissue swelling and varying degrees of dehydration. Thoroughly rinsing the wound with cold water is the first response to adopt. Regardless of the severity of the burn, a proper care is necessary.
Following a burn, the skin can no longer fulfill its role as a protective barrier and is more susceptible to infections.
There are three levels of severity:
First-degree burns : In a first-degree burn, only the epidermis, or outer layer of skin, is affected. This results in vasodilation, or the widening of blood vessels, and an increase in the diameter of the capillaries. This vasodilation causes fluids to move from the blood vessels into the tissues, which can lead to local edema (swelling of the skin), without the formation of blisters. The skin appears red and may be slightly painful. Itching may also be experienced. For instance, sunburns are examples of first-degree burns.
Second-degree burns : the dermis is affected. A discharge of vascular origin is observed, leading to the formation of a blister. It develops at the epidermis-dermis interface and forms a blister. The blood vessels are dilated but not damaged. The skin is red, swollen, oozing, and painful.
Third-degree burns : the skin is black or whitish. The burned area is insensitive but the periphery can be painful. The skin is deeply burned, sometimes down to the subcutaneous tissue. Blood vessels and nerve endings are destroyed.
An overview of aloe vera.
Aloe vera belongs to the family of Asphodelaceae. Originally found in the Middle East, it was known to the Arabs as the "desert flower". During antiquity, aloe vera was used to heal wounds, skin conditions, and even prevent hair loss. Its medicinal virtues have stood the test of time, and Christopher Columbus is attributed with the following quote: "All is well: we have aloe on board". Even today, aloe vera is utilized in alternative medicine all around the world.
This succulent plant, rich in minerals and vitamins, has thick, fleshy leaves lined with spines. These leaves contain the aloe vera gel, which is thick and transparent.Extraction of this ingredient with multiple benefits is achieved through mechanical pressure on the plant's leaves. Aloe vera gel is composed of 99% water, and the remaining contains an impressive amount of nutrients, including minerals, vitamins, and enzymes.
Aloe vera to soothe burns?
Aloe vera gel can be used to relieve first-degree burns. The severity of other types of burns is too great and it is then necessary to consult a doctor.
Various studies have highlighted several properties of aloe vera gel that enable it to accelerate and alleviate a wound healing process :
Aloe vera gel has an anti-inflammatory action : the application of a treatment containing this active ingredient can relieve pain, and reduce irritation and itching. It also has analgesic and soothing effects. Aloe vera gel is capable of inhibiting the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines such as TNF-α and interleukin-6 (IL-6). TNF-α is targeted by certain flavonoids, like quercetin and kaempferol, contained in aloe vera gel, thus its activity is decreased.
Aloe vera gel also possesses healing properties. A recent study showed that glucomannan, a polysaccharide found in aloe gel, acts on TGF-β1, the fibroblast growth factor. This increases the production activity of collagen and elastin. These molecules belong to the extracellular matrix and both contribute to maintaining the structure of the skin and its firmness.
Furthermore, aloe vera gel contains several amino acids and hygroscopic polysaccharides that give it moisturizing properties for the skin. This composition allows the botanical extract to limit water evaporation from the skin's surface. Hydrating the skin after a burn is crucial to restore its elasticity and reduce feelings of tightness.
Finally, the pleasant and refreshing texture of aloe vera gel helps soothe the skin and relieve certain irritations and discomforts.
However, it is important to note that the studies referenced were not conducted on burns but on other types of wounds. The properties of aloe vera gel presented here have not been directly demonstrated on burns.
Sources
PATUMRAJ S. & al. Therapeutic effects of Aloe vera on skin microcirculation and wound healing in second degree burn model in rats. Journal of the Medical Association of Thailand (2000).
PATUMRAJ S. & al. Effects of Aloe vera on leukocyte adhesion and TNF-alpha and IL-6 levels in burn wounded rats. Clinical Hemorheology and Microcirculation (2003).
SAPLE D. G. & al. Aloe vera: a brief overview. Indian Journal of Dermatology (2008).
Dissertation by Margaux ROULLIER. The topical use of aloe vera gel and its healing properties (2015).
LOIS C. & al. Formulation of Aloe Juice (Aloe vera(L) Burm.f.) Sheet Mask as Anti-Aging.Pharmaceutical Technology(2016).
BISWAS S. & al. Aloe Vera as an antagonist for TNF-alpha: an in silico study. International Journal of Innovative Science and Research Technology (2019).
LI J. & al. Aloe vera: A medicinal plant utilized in skin wound healing. Tissue Engineering (2021).
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