You may recognize aloe as the plant that many people keep in their kitchen window to use for minor burns and scrapes. The aloe, which originated in parts of Africa and the West Indies, is now cultivated by people all over the world for use as a medicinal herb, according to Medicinal Herb Info. Before you begin to use aloe to treat your psoriasis, discuss its use with your health-care provider.
Psoriasis Explained
MayoClinic.com describes psoriasis as a chronic skin condition possibly caused by an immune problem. It causes red, inflamed patches of skin that seem to get better and worse over time, but the condition doesn't go away. Some of the factors that can cause psoriasis to flare up or get worse are stress, strep throat, alcohol use, sunburn and smoking. Psoriasis often responds to light therapy and some topical treatments as well.
Aloe Uses
Aloe has long enjoyed popularity as a medicinal treatment for conditions such as psoriasis, genital herpes, constipation, dandruff, type 2 diabetes, canker sores, cancer prevention, skin ulcers, minor burns, dry skin, ulcerative colitis, mucositis, minor wounds and injuries to the skin after exposure to radiation, according to the U.S. National Library of Medicine. When treating skin conditions, including psoriasis, the aloe would not be ingested. Instead, it should be applied directly to the affected area of skin in its pure form or as an ingredient in skin care products.
Research
A study described in an article on the PubMed.gov says aloe was determined to be one of the most effective natural ingredients for treating psoriasis and other skin conditions. The study evaluated a number of natural skin care ingredients for their safety and effectiveness, and aloe and colloidal oatmeal were found to be the most effective and safe for treating eczema and psoriasis.
Possible Side Effects
The University of Maryland Medical Center says that aloe is considered to be quite safe when applied directly to the skin but warns against applying aloe to deep, open wounds. Some people may develop allergic reactions to aloe. If allergy symptoms occur when using it, stop its use right away. The National Library of Medicine says that when aloe juice is ingested, it can cause cramping and diarrhea. Pregnant and nursing women are advised to avoid ingesting aloe since its effects on the unborn or nursing child are unknown.
Forms Used
According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, the fastest and freshest way to get aloe for use on the skin is to simply break off a leaf of the live plant and use the clear, thick liquid inside. If you don't have an aloe plant, aloe is a common ingredient in skin ointments, lotions and creams. You can even find aloe gel in many cosmetics departments.
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