Synopsis

Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2

Alum (potassium aluminum sulfate) has a long-standing history of traditional use for treating external ulcerations and wounds. In various traditional medicine systems, including Ayurveda and folk remedies, alum is applied topically to ulcers, cuts, and abrasions for its purported astringent, antiseptic, and styptic properties. These properties are believed to help contract tissues, reduce bleeding, and limit infection, which may contribute to the healing of ulcerated skin.

Some historical texts and ethnobotanical records document the use of alum in powder or solution form for managing chronic ulcers, canker sores, and other skin lesions. The astringent effect of alum is primarily due to its ability to precipitate proteins, which can form a protective barrier over the wound and reduce exudation.

However, scientific evidence substantiating the efficacy of alum for external ulcerations is limited. There are a few in vitro and animal studies suggesting antimicrobial activity and some wound-healing potential, but robust clinical trials in humans are lacking. As a result, modern medical guidelines do not generally endorse alum for ulcer management, and concerns remain regarding possible tissue irritation or delayed healing with its use.

In summary, while alum's use for external ulcerations is primarily rooted in tradition, and there is some low-level evidence supporting its antimicrobial and astringent actions, definitive scientific validation is lacking.

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