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Aloe Vera aids the management of many problems and these pages are designed to educate and inform the
visitor. Suggestions made are not to be interpreted as a medical consultation.
Topical applications of Whole Leaf Cold Processed Aloe Vera in liquid, jelly or cream form are widely used for many skin conditions, such as:-
- burns,
- insect bites,
- cuts,
- abrasions,
- injuries (tendons/joints), and
- urticaria (allergy rashes).
Acute inflammatory conditions listed above which are characterised by swelling, heat production, pain and redness, respond extremely well to topical application of Aloe
Vera. This is because the inflammatory process is caused by tissue damage. These symptoms are immediate by productions of inflammatory substances such as Bradykinin, Serotonin, Histamine and Interleukin.
Aloe Vera contains bradykininase, phyto steroids, small amounts of aspirin and anti histamine effect, (possibly through magnesium content) which help to counteract
these substances and work rapidly. The lignin content in Aloe Vera allows skin penetration so that the substances reach the affected area quickly.
Best effects are achieved by cleaning the inflamed area with water and drying it. Aloe Vera jelly can be applied onto the area and repeated as and when necessary.
The Treatment of Eczema, Psoriasis and Scalp Dermatitis
Eczema and Psoriasis are caused by over production of dead skin cells. Eczema characteristically occurs on the crease areas, which include the elbows, back of the
knees and neck. However, they can occur throughout the body. These maybe in the form of dry scaly areas which are itchy or florid, or, red or weeping areas where the
skin has cracked and become inflamed. The second areas are more prone to opportunistic infections by bacteria that live on the skin. Concerning psoriasis, good
results have been achieved in America when taking good quality vitamins and minerals in tandem with Aloe Vera juice.Dermatitis may be caused by external chemicals, such as shampoo and hair products or through stress.
All these conditions are characterised by increased production of layers of dead skin that form the Cornium Stratum. However, these cells are inadequately keratinised and tend to be flaky.
Aloe Vera has long been established as being of benefit for these conditions. During an acute flare-up in any of these conditions the metabolic activity in the affected skin
is high. To obtain the best results with Aloe Vera it is beneficial to ingest the Aloe Vera Juice as well as applying cream topically. On red sore areas with thick psoriatic
parts, remove thick top layers of psoriatic plaque with 2% Salicylates paste. Apply Aloe Vera cream twice a day and drink 25 to 30 mls of Aloe Vera Juice regularly twice a day.
Dermatitis of the scalp with secondary fungal infections causing dandruff, is treated with Aloe Vera jelly rubbed into the scalp and left over night. It can be washed off with a mild shampoo.
The Treatment of Acne
Aloe Vera is excellent in the treatment of Acne and will reduce scar formation. In moderate or severe acne the Aloe Vera Juice should be ingested two to three times a
day in doses of 25 - 30 mls. The jelly should be applied twice a day over clean skin and left for 20 minutes before any other substances are applied, i.e., face creams,
makeup, etc. The patient may notice increased Acne formation in the first 3 - 4 weeks. The anti-microbial activity against Staphylococcus and other epidermal
bacteria prevents pustula acne formation and, thereby, reduces scarring. The acidity of the Aloe Vera jelly will also reduce the numbers of skin flora. Ingestion of Aloe Vera
Juice will boost the immune system by increasing phagocytic activity, thereby removing bacterial infection quicker. The anti-inflammatory effects of Aloe Vera reduce
the amount of scarring and inflammation caused by infected sebaceous glands. |
