Psoriasis is a chronic skin condition characterized by red, inflamed skin covered by scaly patches that itch. Psoriasis, an auto-immune disease, is typically a lifelong condition that cannot be cured, though some cases do go into remission.
There are various prescription treatment options for psoriasis, though many have negative side effects. Many sufferers seek out alternative and natural treatments. Research and anecdotal evidence suggest that Aloe vera creams and gels may provide significant relief from plaque psoriasis without negative side effects.
Problems with Topical Psoriasis Medications
Dermatologists frequently prescribe topical medications to treat the symptoms of mild to moderate psoriasis. These creams and ointments mask the symptoms of the skin disorder for a time by reducing inflammation, scaliness, and itchiness.
However, side effects of psoriasis topical medications, such as thinning of the skin, can be unpleasant and dangerous, particularly in the case of steroids. Topical meds for psoriasis can also lose their efficacy over time.
Aloe vera and Psoriasis
Many psoriasis sufferers investigate alternative options to treat their condition because of the drawbacks of traditional treatments. In fact, the National Psoriasis Foundation has a whole section on its website called “It Works for Me” devoted to recommendations from people who suffer from the skin disorder.
A number of people who have psoriasis recommend aloe as a remedy and some say that it works better than standard medications. One member of the National Psoriasis Foundation wrote, “I have been using the aloe vera gel that is sold with the tanning products. … I am amazed at how this instantly stops the itching and within a week, my scales are hardly noticable. [sic] I am going to look for another aloe vera gel without the dye, something more natural. I think I finally found something that works.”
People who suffer from psoriasis apply aloe gels or creams, which are sold in herbal and natural food stores, or use gel directly from leaves of the cactus-like succulent plant itself. They apply aloe three or four times a day to their skin.
Treating Psoriasis with Aloe Research Studies
Some scientific studies support sufferers’ claims about the efficacy of aloe for psoriasis. For instance, a 2009 Thai study presented at the International Congress of Dermatology said that psoriasis patients who used aloe showed more improvement than patients who used a steroid cream.
A 1996 Swedish study showed that the condition of 83% of psoriasis sufferers improved after using aloe, compared with less than 7% of patients who used the placebo.
A 1995 Belgian study had similar results. The research showed that 83% of psoriasis patients improved with the use of aloe, while the condition of only 6% of patients who took the placebo improved.
Aloe is a Safe, Alternative Treatment for Psoriasis
Aloe, a common houseplant, is often used to treat sunburns, insect bites, cuts, scratches, and other mild skin wounds. Many people suffering from psoriasis have also found that aloe is beneficial for treating their skin disorder. Some research studies on the effectiveness of aloe for treating psoriasis have come to the same conclusion. One benefit of aloe over many prescription medications for psoriasis is that it is non-toxic, safe, and has no known side effects, so people with psoriasis can try it without risk.
Sources:
EverydayHealth.com, “Aloe vera shown effective for psoriasis” (August 16, 2010).
MedPageToday.com, “ICD: Aloe vera Shows Promise for Psoriasis” (August 16, 2010).
ncbi.nlm.nih.gov, “Management of psoriasis with Aloe vera extract in a hydrophilic cream: a placebo-controlled, double-blind study” (August 16, 2010).
PsoriasisGuru.com, “Psoriasis Home Treatments – Steroids, Moisturizers and Botanicals” (August 16, 2010).
WholeLeaf.com, “Psoriasis Treatment Protocol – Whole Leaf Aloe Vera” (August 16, 2010).
Aimee Larsen Stoddard - Aimee is a professional writer/editor. She has a BA in English and is currently completing an MS in Theology.
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