Aloe vera gel is most often used as a topical ointment. You'll find it in lotion, sunblock and hundreds of other products, according to the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine. Since some compounds of aloe gel quickly break down, fresh aloe gel taken from the leaf is recommended as the best source, according to the American Cancer Society. Aloe leaf juice, which contains latex, more often is used orally, often as a laxative. However, the pure gel also can be consumed as a supplement. The unprocessed gel often contains some latex as well, advise the experts at ACS.
Topical Effects
Aloe traditionally has been used to alleviate skin conditions and heal wounds. However, using aloe on surgical wounds may actually slow healing, according to the Mayo Clinic. It can also have adverse effects after facial skin peeling procedures such as dermabrasion, including burning and redness, advise the experts at the Mayo Clinic. Also, you may experience a rash if you apply aloe prior to sun exposure.
Drug Interaction
Aloe can have undesirable effects if used with certain medications, according to the National Institutes of Health. Applying aloe to your skin can increase your absorption of steroid creams, including hydrocortisone. If you take the gel internally at the same time you take steroids such as prednisone, your risk of potassium depletion rises.
Intestinal Irritation
Aloe gel can irritate your intestines. The laxative properties in aloe gel and juice are classified as stimulant laxatives. Side effects of using this type of laxative can include abdominal pain, vomiting, nausea and diarrhea, according to ACS. Avoid using aloe as a laxative for longer than two weeks, and don't use it at all if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, advise the experts at ACS. If you use aloe for more than a week it can cause worsening of constipation after use is stopped or dependency on the aloe, according to NIH. Using aloe for more than one year may increase the risk for colorectal cancer, according to NIH.
Electrolyte Imbalance
You may experience blood electrolyte imbalances, including low potassium levels, due to aloe's laxative effect, according to NIH. If you have diabetes or kidney disease, you need to be especially careful, because there's a higher potential for this effect. Having low potassium levels can cause muscle weakness and abnormal heart rhythms. The experts at NIH advise you to avoid consuming aloe if you have kidney disease, heart disease, or electrolyte abnormalities.
Lower Blood Sugar
If you use an aloe gel supplement, it may lower your blood sugar levels, according to the Mayo Clinic. Talk to a doctor before consuming aloe gel if you have diabetes or hypoglycemia, or if you take drugs, supplements or herbs that affect your blood sugar. Your doctor may need to monitor your serum glucose levels.
Allergic Reaction
You can experience an allergic reaction to aloe. If you have a known allergy to onions, garlic, tulips or any other plant in the Liliaceae family be especially wary, advise the Mayo Clinic experts. Also, use over long periods of time can cause you to develop allergic reactions, including and eczema-like rash or hives, according to the Mayo Clinic.
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