Aloe vera gel is well-known to many people as a way to relieve the sting of a bad sunburn. In fact, the gel from the plant has been used for centuries to treat sunburns as well as skin infections and wounds, according to MedlinePlus. The plant grows mainly in tropical and subtropical locales, but today products containing the soothing gel can be found all over the world. When used topically, aloe is regarded as safe. Internal use, however, should only be done under the care of a medical professional.
Aloe Gel Description
Aloe gel is derived from the leaves of the aloe vera plant, according to MedlinePlus. The gel, which is clear and thick, can be found in the middle of the leaves and gives them their bulk. If you pluck a leaf off an aloe plant and snap it in half, the gel will begin to ooze out. You can apply this gel to sunburn for relief.
How To Use It
Aloe gel should be applied topically to your sunburned skin. You can use the gel directly from an aloe plant or use a commercial aloe gel. Lotions and other skin-care products containing aloe are also available. Before applying, clean and dry the affected skin. You can apply the gel three to five times daily as needed for relief. Although aloe has traditionally been used to soothe sunburn, it has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration for safety and effectiveness, according to the University of Michigan Health System.
How It Works
Aloe gel is thought to contain several chemical constituents that soothe a sunburn, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. It is not fully understood how it can relieve a burn, but the chemicals may alleviate the pain and inflammation from a sunburn or other burn as well as help the skin repair itself. One chemical that may play a role is acemannon, a polysaccharide with antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory and immunostimulating properties, the University of Michigan Health System reports.
Warnings
When used topically to treat a sunburn, aloe gel is generally regarded as safe because it is not absorbed into the bloodstream. However, you should never apply aloe to an open wound, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. In addition, you should not apply aloe to severe burns, including sunburns that blister and ooze, unless under the care of a medical professional. In these cases, aloe gel may slow the healing process, the University of Michigan Health System advises.
Side Effects
No serious side effects are associated with topical use of aloe vera gel, according to MedlinePlus. Rarely, people can have an allergic reaction to aloe gel. In these cases, users may develop a rash in the area where it was applied, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. Applying aloe gel before sun exposure can also cause a rash to develop, Medline reports.
