Aloe vera plants are popular for the gel-like substance found inside the plant's lengthy thick leaves. The leaves contain a clear gel that has been used for a variety of medicinal purposes. Aloe juice, a concentrate made of the plant's leaves and gel, has also been studied for medical benefits, specifically to treat diabetes. Aloe vera topical gel can be purchased in drug stores, and the plant is relatively easy to grow.
Burns
For closed-wound burns as well as sunburns, aloe vera gel has been a popular topical treatment. The gel is commonly found in sunburn ointment and cosmetics. Do not apply the gel to open wounds. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, one study showed the use of aloe to speed healing by nine days, when compared to those who applied a placebo ointment. Still, some studies show mixed results, and one study claims the aloe vera gel delayed healing to the inflamed area.
Herpes
Herpes outbreaks have been treated with aloe vera cream and have shown positive results. In a study reported in the "Journal of Dermatological Treatment, Volume 8, Issue 2, of 60 men, the healing time of a herpes outbreak decreased to nearly 5 days---while using the placebo cream took 12 days for the outbreak to heal. After a two-week period almost 67 percent of men were healed using aloe vera compared to 6.7 percent who used a placebo cream.
Lichen Planus
A skin condition affecting the legs, wrists, torso, mouth and vagina, lichen planus has shown positive results when treated with aloe vera, according to a study reported in the March 2008 edition of the "British Journal of Dermatology." The condition shows signs of dry, patchy, scaly skin. The oral and vaginal versions of the condition showed clear improvement after treatment with aloe vera.
Seborrhea
A skin condition that has red, scaly breakouts, seborrhea can be effectively treated with aloe vera, according to a report from the National Institutes of Health. The condition is commonly seen on the eyebrows, eyelids, ears, and chest, groin and genital region. Treatment may take four to six weeks.
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