How Effective Is Aloe Vera for Psoriasis?

Holistic skin care specialists and home remedies often recommend using aloe vera to treat psoriasis. Aloe vera is usually effective for the treatment of psoriasis and can be used topically to heal and improve the skin condition. Although the plant can be ingested, the most effective way to use aloe vera for psoriasis is to break open the plant and rub the gel-like substance on the affected area. The gel can help heal the condition and provide a protective coating over the skin. If the plant is not available, aloe vera cream can be used in its place.

Using aloe vera for psoriasis can also be a cost effective way to deal with the condition. Aloe vera plants are relatively inexpensive and are commonly used for a variety of skin conditions. The gel from an aloe vera plant can also be used to treat burns, skin infections, and other dermatological conditions. The plant is also commonly used as an oral laxative.

Corticosteroid creams can be used to treat psoriasis but often have unwanted side effects, including lightning of the skin and patchy dry spots. Aloe vera is a natural treatment and side effects are very rare when the plant is used topically. Many experts say that aloe vera is one of the safest treatments used for the skin problem.

One of the benefits of using aloe vera to treat psoriasis is that the plant can be easily grown at home, even by many individuals who do not have a green thumb and have difficulties caring for plants. Plants can often be purchased at a nursery, grocery, or hardware store. The use of aloe vera cream is also an option for those who do not want the responsibility of caring for an aloe vera plant. Creams in which the main ingredient is aloe have the same efficacy as the gel from the plant without the side effects of other remedies. Packaged natural aloe gel can also be used.

For the best results, the aloe vera gel or cream should be applied to the affected area at least three times each day. It typically takes five consecutive days of use to see an improvement of the condition. It is also recommended that sufferers use the cream or aloe vera for psoriasis for a period of no less than four weeks. Using it for longer than four weeks should cause no adverse affect, however.

Although psoriasis looks like an infection, it is not and is therefore not contagious; psoriasis cannot be transmitted by touching the skin. The dry flaky patches that may result from the condition can become infected if not treated properly, however. Aloe vera for psoriasis works by effectively lubricating the skin. This provides a coating that significantly reduces splitting and cracking of the skin.