5 Things You Need to Know About Using Aloe Vera For Sunburns

1. The Power of Aloe Vera

Aloe vera is a plant imported from Africa. Aloe vera contains a gel or a juice portion used frequently for burns. The gel or juice in the plant has soothing qualities, especially for burns and is antibacterial. Even hospitals now use aloe vera for burn victims. Using aloe vera for sunburns is easy and is a popular home treatment. However, aloe shouldn't be used on severe burns, so check with your doctor if you're worried your sunburn may be severe.

2. Sunburns Cause Permanent Damage

Sunburns are damage from the sun. When you get too much sun, the UV (ultraviolet) rays from the sun actually burn the skin. The skin turns red and may be sore to the touch. Sometimes, in more severe sunburns, the skin actually blisters, which may indicate damage to the lower levels of the skin and possibly nerve damage. Sunburns put you at greater risk for skin cancer, lupus, cold sores, cataracts and other skin damage such as wrinkles and brown spots. The best treatment for sunburns is preventing them by covering up and using a sunblock.

3. Calling Your Doctor About Sunburns

Sometimes sunburns occur with heat stroke. If you or someone you know has severe sweating or sweating that's suddenly stopped, rapid heartbeat, hot/dry skin, confusion, vomiting or an elevated temperature, call 911and get them to a hospital as fast as you can. Contact your care provider if your sunburn is severe and caused blistering.

4. Using Aloe Gel on Sunburns

Most stores now carry aloe vera gel. Aloe vera gel looks like a gel and is cooling for sunburns. However, like with many alternative treatments, the more expensive the gel is, the better it'll work. The fresher aloe vera gel you use on your sunburn, the sooner your sunburn will heal.

5. Aloe Vera Juice From the Leaves

If you want something that works a little better than aloe vera gel, try actual juice from the leaves of an aloe vera plant. Refrigerate the leaves, peel them open and directly place the gel or juicy part onto the burn. You can gently squeeze the leaves to get the juice out. While you can place the juice directly onto the sunburn, it may sting a little since aloe Vera juice is an astringent. Instead, try mixing the aloe vera juice with a little Vitamin E and dab it onto the sunburn. Vitamin E cream is a moisturizer and promotes healing.