If you have psoriasis, you know how frustrating the itchy, scaly patches can be. While there are many medical treatments available, many people look for natural options to help manage their symptoms.
Research shows that aloe vera, a plant known for its healing properties, may help some people with psoriasis.
This article looks at what science tells us about using aloe vera for psoriasis. We’ll also explore how you might add it to your skin care routine.
Table of Contents
What Is Psoriasis?
Psoriasis is a common, chronic inflammatory skin condition. It affects 2-5% of people around the world (1).
Psoriasis typically appears as red, raised patches covered with silvery scales. These patches often form on the elbows, knees, scalp, and lower back. However, they can appear anywhere on the body.
The condition happens when T cells become activated and release cytokines. This leads to abnormal skin cell growth and inflammation (1).
How Aloe Vera May Help with Psoriasis
Aloe vera has become a promising natural option for managing psoriasis symptoms. Research shows several ways it might help:
1. Anti-inflammatory Properties
Aloe vera contains compounds that have strong anti-inflammatory properties. These properties may help reduce the inflammation that comes with psoriasis (2).
Aloe-emodin is an active ingredient in aloe vera. It has anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties that support its use in treating psoriasis (3).
2. Reduces Psoriasis Severity
Multiple studies have shown that applying aloe vera gel can significantly lower how severe psoriasis symptoms are (4).
Studies used the Psoriasis Area Severity Index (PASI) to measure improvement. PASI scores were significantly lower after people used aloe vera gel. This shows it works to reduce the visible signs of psoriasis (4).
3. May Be More Effective Than Some Steroid Creams
One of the most interesting findings comes from a study that compared aloe vera cream to triamcinolone acetonide. Triamcinolone acetonide is a topical steroid commonly used for psoriasis.
The study included 80 people with mild to moderate plaque psoriasis. After 8 weeks of treatment, the aloe vera cream worked better than the steroid in reducing psoriasis symptoms (5).
Research Evidence on Aloe Vera for Psoriasis
One particularly important study looked at 60 patients with psoriasis. They used either aloe vera extract cream (0.5% in a hydrophilic cream) or a placebo cream.
The results were striking. After treatment, 83.3% of patients using aloe vera were cured. Only 6.6% of those using placebo were cured (6).
The aloe vera group also had much better clearing of psoriatic plaques. About 83% of plaques cleared with aloe vera compared to less than 8% with placebo (6).
Several reviews have looked at all the research on botanical treatments for psoriasis. These reviews identified aloe vera as one of the most effective plant-based therapies (7).
Some research suggests there may be less evidence for aloe vera compared to certain other herbal therapies. However, it remains one of the most promising natural options (8).
Complementary Approaches
Some research shows that aloe vera may work particularly well when combined with other treatments. For example, combining aloe vera with sun exposure may help psoriasis symptoms (9).
If you’re overweight and have psoriasis, losing weight through diet and exercise can also improve your symptoms (10).
How to Use Aloe Vera for Psoriasis
Based on research studies, here are effective ways to use aloe vera for psoriasis:
1. Topical Aloe Vera Gel or Cream
Most successful studies used aloe vera as a gel or cream. You can apply pure aloe vera gel directly to affected areas. You can also use a commercial product with at least 0.5% aloe vera extract (6).
Apply the gel or cream to affected areas 2-3 times daily. In clinical studies, patients typically applied treatments three times daily for five days per week (6).
2. Look for Quality Products
When buying aloe vera products, look for those with a high concentration of pure aloe vera. Products with at least 0.5% aloe vera extract in a hydrophilic base showed the best results in studies (6).
3. Be Consistent and Patient
Most studies that showed benefits from aloe vera ran for at least 4-8 weeks. You need to be patient and consistent with applications to see results (5).
4. Consider Combination Approaches
Some research suggests that combining aloe vera with other treatments may work better. For example, using aloe vera along with sun exposure may provide better results for some people (9).
Limitations and Precautions
While aloe vera shows promise for psoriasis, there are some important things to consider:
Limited Evidence Quality
Several studies support aloe vera’s benefits for psoriasis. However, the overall evidence is still limited in quantity and quality (7).
Not a Complete Treatment
Aloe vera may help manage symptoms, but it won’t cure psoriasis. For moderate to severe psoriasis, doctors still recommend conventional medical treatments (11).
Possible Skin Reactions
Some people may have allergic reactions or skin irritation from aloe vera. Always do a patch test before applying it to larger areas. This is especially important if you have sensitive skin.
Conclusion
Research suggests that aloe vera may be a helpful natural option for managing mild to moderate psoriasis symptoms. Several clinical studies have shown it can reduce psoriasis severity. Some research shows it may work as well as or even better than certain topical steroids.
The anti-inflammatory and skin-healing properties of aloe vera appear to be responsible for these benefits. Compounds like aloe-emodin play a key role.
While aloe vera shows promise, remember that the research is still developing. For best results, use aloe vera consistently over several weeks. Consider it as part of a complete approach to psoriasis management. This approach may include conventional treatments as recommended by your healthcare provider.
If you have psoriasis, adding aloe vera to your skin care routine might be worth trying. This is especially true if you prefer natural approaches or are looking for alternatives to steroid creams.