Evidence supporting the use of: Aloe vera
For the health condition: Skin (infections)

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Synopsis

Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 3

Aloe vera has a long history of traditional use for skin conditions, including infections, and there is moderate scientific evidence supporting its antimicrobial and healing effects. The gel derived from aloe vera leaves contains bioactive compounds such as anthraquinones, saponins, and polysaccharides, which contribute to its therapeutic properties. Several in vitro studies have demonstrated that aloe vera exhibits antibacterial, antifungal, and antiviral activities against common pathogens associated with skin infections, such as Staphylococcus aureus and Candida albicans. Additionally, aloe vera promotes wound healing by stimulating fibroblast activity, collagen synthesis, and reducing inflammation. Clinical studies regarding the efficacy of aloe vera in treating skin infections in humans are limited, with most research focusing on its use for minor burns, wounds, and inflammatory skin disorders rather than direct infections. However, some small-scale human trials and case reports suggest that topical application of aloe vera gel may help reduce infection risk and accelerate healing in minor wounds and abrasions. The evidence is not robust enough to recommend aloe vera as a primary treatment for serious skin infections, but it supports its use as an adjunctive therapy for mild skin issues. In summary, while aloe vera is widely used both traditionally and in modern practices for supporting skin health and minor infections, scientific evidence ranges from modest laboratory support to limited clinical validation. More rigorous, large-scale human trials are necessary to fully establish its efficacy against skin infections.

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Other health conditions supported by aloe vera

Abdominal Pain
Abrasions
Abscesses
Acid Indigestion
Acne
Age Spots
Anal Fistula or Fissure
Arthritis
Athlete's Foot
Bites and Stings
Bleeding (external)
Blisters
Boils
Burns and Scalds
Cancer (natural therapy for)
Cancer Treatment (reducing side effects)
Canker Sores
Carbuncles
Chemotherapy (reducing side effects)
Chicken Pox
Cold Sores
Colds (antiviral)
Colds (general)
Colds (prevention)
Colds (with fever)
Colic (adults)
Colitis
Colon (atonic)
Colon (spastic)
Congestion (bronchial)
Congestion (lungs)
Congestion (sinus)
Conjunctivitis
Constipation (adults)
Constipation (children)
Convalescence
Corns
Cough (damp)
Cough (dry)
Cough (general)
Cough (spastic)
Cradle Cap
Crohn's Disease
Cuts
Cysts
Dandruff
Denture Sores
Dermatitis
Diabetes
Diaper Rash
Digestion (poor)
Duodenal Ulcers
Dysentery
Dyspepsia
Eczema
Enteritis
Fever
Foot Odor
Fungal Infections
Gastritis
Gingivitis
Halitosis
Hemorrhoids
Herpes
Hiatal Hernia
Indigestion
Inflammation
Inflammatory Bowel Disorders
Injuries
Interstitial Cystitis
Irritable Bowel Syndrome
Itching
Itching (rectal)
Itching Ears
Jaundice (adults)
Jock Itch
Laryngitis
Leaky Gut Syndrome
Leprosy
Lesions
Liver Detoxification
Menopause
Oral Surgery
Overacidity
Poison Ivy or Oak
Psoriasis
Rashes and Hives
Rosacea
Scabies
Scars / Scar Tissue
Scratches and Abrasions
Seborrhea
Shingles
Skin (dry and/or flaky)
Skin (infections)
Skin (oily)
Skin Care (general)
Slivers
Sore or Geographic Tongue
Sore Throat
Staph Infections
Stretch Marks
Stye
Sunburn
Surgery (healing from)
Thrush
Tickle in Throat
Tonsillitis
Tooth Extraction
Toothache
Ulcerations (external)
Ulcers
Urethritis
Urinary Tract Infections
Urination (burning or painful)
Urine (scant)
Vaginal Dryness
Vaginitis
Warts
Wounds and Sores
Wrinkles