Does aloe vera help heal burns?

Thankfully, we’re past the point where mothers still put butter on burns (right mom???), but we always seem to have a need to put *something* on a burn. Whether it’s instinct or training from our childhood, we feel that we must do something to help relieve and heal a burn.

The very first thing you do for a minor to moderate burn (NOT a third-degree to the bone burn) is to apply cold water. Let cold water (not ice) run over the burn. This will clean it but, most importantly, slow the burning process in the skin and body tissue.

Now, at this point some people would be reaching for the aloe vera. They may either have it in a lotion or cream, or use the the plant itself. Apparently, aloe vera is great for healing. Or is it?

The New York Times ran an article at the beginning of September that discussed the effectiveness – or ineffectiveness of aloe vera on a burn. The author looked at studies done using aloe vera and it turns out that the evidence isn’t all that much in aloe’s favor. You can read more about it here: Really? The Claim: Aloe Vera Gel Can Heal Burns

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Images: MorgueFile.com

Tags: chronic pain blog, pain blog, burns, aloe vera for burns, aloe vera, healing burns