Is aloevera capable of healing burns?

Since the Greek period of physician Dioscorrides, aloe vera has been considered a basic remedy for skin care. The geek physician Dioscorrides advocated its use in the first century A.D. but in the recent years scientists have conducted various research whether it’s true that application of aloevera in burns heals the condition or not. They conducted the research to find whether aloevera and its healing properties live up to the expectation or not.

It was found that aloevera has certain anti-inflammatory compounds; it may act as an antibacterial agent. But the studies that were done to see its effects on minor and moderate burns have mixed opinions. In the year 2007, a study was published in the journal BURNS. It analyzed the data that was collected from the four controlled clinical trials that had almost 371 patients. These patients where treated with topical aloevera and others were treated with placebos.

It was observed that patients that were treated with aloevera group appeared to have slightly shorter healing time. But the evidence that was deducted form this was still not convincing and the scientists suggested going for further more researches.

Another study was conducted by applying aloevera on second degree burns and the healing process was compared with other kinds of treatments. It was found that the application of aloe vera on burnt skin hindered the healing process incredibly, when the healing process was studied and compared with other commonly used antibacterial cream.

In the year 2008, to see the after effects and further healing stages of aloe vera a study was conducted. The study looked at the application of aloevera for six weeks and it was found that it decreased the sub-dermal temperature within the skin. It however did not reduce the bacterial counts nor did it enhanced in the regeneration of new skin on the burnt surface. Thus it was observed that aloevera was not so effective on the burnt skin and the findings with this regard were conflicting.