Uses Of Aloe Vera For The Skin

Native to eastern and southern Africa, aloe vera has been used for thousands of years for cosmetic and medicinal purposes. According to the MedlinePlus, the clear gel obtained from the leaves of this herb was used as a topical remedy for a broad range of skin conditions. Today, it is still valued by alternative health practitioners because of its uses for the skin.

Burns and Wounds

Jacqueline L. Longe, author of the "Gale Encyclopedia of Alternative Medicine," reports that for thousands of years, aloe vera gel has traditionally been used as a topical remedy to promote the healing of burns and superficial wounds. MedlinePlus reports that early evidence from clinical studies provides some support for this traditional use of aloe vera, as well as its use for treating skin ulcers, seborrheic dermatitis (dandruff) and canker sores. According to Plants for a Future, aloe vera gel works by forming a protective barrier over the affected skin, promoting the rate of healing while lowering the risk of infection.

Managing Armpit Discomfort

Aloe vera can be used to treat armpit discomfort that may result from cancer treatments, reports BreastCancer.org. Radiation therapy and surgeries such as mastectomy, lumpectomy and lymph node removal may cause swelling, pain, soreness and irritation, which may be aggravated by rubbing from the back and forth motion of the arm. In a July 2008 online report, BreastCancer.org recommends applying aloe vera topically to manage armpit discomfort if the skin is pink and itchy.

Lichen Planus

Aloe vera may be used to treat lichen planus, a chronic inflammatory condition that causes an itchy, swollen rash or lesions on the skin or in the mouth. According to the MedlinePlus, limited studies have proven the efficacy of aloe vera gel as a topical treatment for this skin condition, although further studies are still necessary. A March 2008 study published in the "British Journal of Dermatology" reports that aloe vera gel was more effective than a placebo in the treatment of Oral Lichen Planus. The study was a randomized, double-blind, clinical trial involving 54 patients were studied over a period of eight weeks.

Skin Health

Aloe vera has long been used to restore and maintain skin health, notes the "Gale Encyclopedia of Alternative Medicine," and is often used as a moisturizing ingredient in cosmetic and hair care products. MedlinePlus cites early low-quality studies suggesting that aloe vera may effectively lower skin dryness, noting that the herb has traditionally been used as a skin moisturizer.