What makes aloe vera effective for wound healing?

Aloe vera speeds healing of wounds by a wide variety of means. Still, the most important is glucomannan, an effective polysaccharide that increases cellular turnover by fifty percent. This substance stimulates fibroblasts, thereby accelerating the tissue regeneration process. It also has the effect of improving collagen configuration, thereby diminishing the amount of scarring and creating an antibacterial barrier to infection. I have used it successfully in kitchen burns with a more rapid recovery than that produced by the use of the various standard applications.

Correctly applied, wounds should be cleaned first with mild soap and patted dry. A sufficient quantity of pure aloe gel should then be applied in a thick layer over the entire affected area. If there is any chance that clothing will rub against the area, it should be covered with sterile gauze to prevent irritation. This should be reapplied every eight hours, thus keeping the wound moist without being clammy. In general, healing should be hastened by three to five days through the regular and proper use of the aloe gel.

Critical precautions include avoiding the use of aloe on deep puncture wounds or surgical sites. The moisture present in the gel can hinder scab formation in deep cuts, increasing the chance of infection. Immediately discontinue use if increased redness, swelling, or pain occurs. Do not use any product as a substitute for professional medical treatment for serious cuts that require stitches or antibiotics.

Irrespective of other first aid treatments, the best results will be achieved by cleaning and applying an antiseptic to the area affected and then using aloe as an extra under the normal dressing applied. The anti-bacterial function works better with the common treatment. Use after the initial cooling for burns caused by the application of water, never instead of water. Carefully monitor the progress of healing and report non-healing or problems developing to the healthcare professional.

Storage and selection influence effectiveness. Use freshly pulled gel or refrigerated commercial products that are not past their expiration date. Avoid gel with alcohol preservatives because they are antagonistic to healing. Pure gel remains potent for up to two weeks if refrigerated in tightly sealed containers. Always do a patch test before widespread application to check for allergies.

Read the full article: 10 Key Benefits of Aloe Vera Explained