Does aloe vera help to soothe burns?

A burn is a skin lesion caused by exposure to intense heat, contact with a chemical agent, radiation or electricity. They can be responsible for the onset of redness, blisters, and can lead to tissue swelling and varying degrees of dehydration. Thoroughly rinsing the wound with cold water is the first reflex to adopt. Regardless of the severity of the burn, a suitable course of action is necessary.

Following a burn, the skin can no longer fulfil its role as a protective barrier and is more susceptible to infections.

There are three levels of severity:

• First-degree burns : In a first-degree burn, only the epidermis is affected. This results in vasodilation and an increase in the diameter of the blood capillaries. This vasodilation causes fluids to move from the blood vessels to the tissues, which can cause local oedema (swelling of the skin), without blister formation. The skin is red and slightly painful. Itching may also be experienced. For instance, sunburns are examples of first-degree burns.

• Second-degree burns : the dermis is affected. A discharge of vascular origin is observed, leading to the formation of a blister. It develops at the epidermis-dermis interface and forms a blister. The blood vessels are dilated but not damaged. The skin is red, swollen, oozing and painful.

• Third-degree burns : the skin is black or whitish. The burnt area is insensitive but the periphery can be painful. The skin is deeply burnt, sometimes down to the hypodermis. Blood vessels and nerve endings are destroyed.

Aloe vera belongs to the family of Asphodelaceae. Originally found in the Middle East, it was then known by the Arabs as the "desert flower". During antiquity, aloe vera was used to heal wounds, skin conditions, and even prevent hair loss. Its medicinal virtues have spanned the centuries, and the following phrase is attributed to Christopher Columbus: "All is well: we have aloe on board". Even today, aloe vera is utilised in alternative medicine all around the world.

This succulent plant, rich in minerals and vitamins, has thick, fleshy leaves edged with spines. These leaves contain the aloe vera gel, which is thick and transparent.Extraction of this ingredient with multiple benefits involves a mechanical pressing of the plant's leaves. Aloe vera gel is composed of 99% water, and the remainder concentrates a remarkable amount of nutrients, including minerals, vitamins, and enzymes.

Aloe vera gel can be utilised for alleviating first-degree burns. The severity of other types of burns is too significant and it then becomes necessary to consult a doctor.

Various studies have highlighted several properties of aloe vera gel that enable it to accelerate and alleviate a wound healing process :

• Aloe vera gel has an anti-inflammatory action : the application of a treatment containing this active ingredient can alleviate pain, and reduce irritation and itching. It also has analgesic and soothing effects. Aloe vera gel is capable of inhibiting the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines such as TNF-α and interleukin-6 (IL-6). TNF-α is targeted by certain flavonoids, such as quercetin and kaempferol, contained in aloe vera gel, thus reducing its activity.

• Aloe vera gel also possesses healing properties. A recent study has shown that glucomannan, a polysaccharide found in aloe gel, acts on TGF-β1, the fibroblast growth factor. The production activity of collagen and elastin is then increased. These molecules belong to the extracellular matrix and both contribute to maintaining the structure of the skin and its good condition.

• Furthermore, aloe vera gel contains several amino acids and hygroscopic polysaccharides which endow it with moisturising properties for the skin. This composition allows the botanical extract to limit water evaporation from the skin's surface. Hydrating the skin following a burn is crucial to restore its elasticity and reduce feelings of tightness.

• Finally, the pleasant and refreshing texture of aloe vera gel helps to soothe the skin and alleviate certain irritations and discomforts.

However, it is important to note that the studies mentioned were not conducted on burns but on other types of wounds. The properties of aloe vera gel presented here have not been directly demonstrated on burns.

• PATUMRAJ S. & al. Therapeutic effects of Aloe vera on cutaneous microcirculation and wound healing in second degree burn model in rats. Journal of the Medical Association of Thailand (2000).

• PATUMRAJ S. & co. Investigation into the Effects of Aloe vera on Leukocyte Adhesion and TNF-alpha and IL-6 Levels in Burn Wounded Rats. Clinical Hemorheology and Microcirculation (2003).

• SAPLE D. G. & al. Aloe vera: a brief overview. Indian Journal of Dermatology (2008).

• Thesis by Margaux ROULLIER. The topical use of aloe vera gel and its healing properties (2015).

• LOIS C. & co. Formulation of Aloe Juice (Aloe vera (L) Burm.f.) Sheet Mask as Anti-Ageing.Pharmaceutical Technology(2016).

• BISWAS S. & al. Aloe Vera as an antagonist for TNF-alpha: in silico study. International Journal of Innovative Science and Research Technology (2019).

• LI J. & al. Aloe vera: A medicinal plant utilised in skin wound healing. Tissue Engineering (2021).