Key takeaways

  • Aloe vera may help reduce inflammation and keep skin moisturized, potentially easing psoriasis symptoms.
  • Topical application of aloe vera gel, particularly creams containing 0.5% aloe, is generally safe and may support wound healing for cracked or bleeding skin plaques caused by psoriasis.
  • While aloe vera can be a helpful complementary treatment, it should not replace prescribed medications. Consult a doctor about severe or worsening psoriasis.

Psoriasis results from a problem with the immune system, and it can cause excess skin cells to form inflamed, scaly plaques on the skin. Around one in three people with skin symptoms of psoriasis develop psoriatic arthritis, which involves pain and swelling in the joints.

There is currently no cure, but a variety of treatment options can help relieve symptoms. Some people believe that aloe vera can alleviate both skin- and joint-related issues that arise from psoriasis.

This article looks at how aloe vera could help relieve some psoriasis symptoms and what the research has to say.

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A person with psoriasis may develop painful and uncomfortable patches of inflamed skin. Sometimes these patches can crack and bleed. The symptoms of psoriasis tend to come and go, worsening during flares and improving during times of remission.

Aloe vera is a type of succulent plant with gel-filled leaves. Many cultures use it in traditional medicines; people have used aloe vera gel for thousands of years to treat a range of skin conditions, including psoriasis.

Compounds in aloe vera may reduce inflammation and help modulate the immune system. These elements may allow aloe vera to:

  • soothe the skin
  • reduce inflammation
  • help keep the skin from drying out

In 2018, researchers noted that people with mild to moderate psoriasis who applied a combination of 50% propolis and 3% aloe vera for 12 weeks saw an improvement in symptoms. However, this study did not look at the effect of aloe vera alone.

There is no evidence that aloe vera can treat psoriasis specifically, though some studies suggest that it may relieve certain symptoms.

While some people may find complementary therapies effective, they should not replace doctor-recommended treatment plans

Helps heal wounds

Studies indicate that topical application of aloe vera-containing gels and creams may help support wound healing. Aloe vera’s healing properties may be due to a compound called glucomannan, which affects skin cell growth and accelerates wound healing.

These properties may be beneficial if a person with psoriasis has plaques that crack or bleed.

Reduces inflammation

Active compounds in aloe vera may have anti-inflammatory properties and may help reduce the inflammation in psoriasis.

The National Psoriasis Foundation notes that topical aloe vera products may help reduce skin discoloration and scaling in psoriasis.

Improves hydration

Aloe vera gel may help retain skin hydration and improve skin integrity.

Moisturizing the skin can prevent it from cracking, so using aloe vera from time to time may help. However, more research is needed to determine whether aloe vera is a suitable moisturizer for people with psoriasis.

Aloe vera gel is available over the counter at most pharmacies and health food stores. The National Psoriasis Foundation recommends using a cream that contains 0.5% aloe.

First, apply the gel or cream to a small area of skin to check for any unwanted reactions. If no reaction occurs after 24 hours, a person can apply the gel or cream liberally to the affected skin up to three times a day.

Aloe vera is also available as tablets, but the National Psoriasis Foundation states that these do not improve symptoms of psoriasis and can be dangerous.

Other topical treatments for psoriasis

Aloe vera gel is a complementary remedy that may help manage psoriasis symptoms when a person uses it alongside other treatments.

Other topical treatments may contain:

  • salicylic acid
  • corticosteroids
  • coal tar
  • anthralin
  • calcipotriene
  • tazarotene
  • calcitriol
  • tapinarof
  • roflumilast

These may be available over the counter and by prescription.

Applying aloe vera gel to the skin is safe for most people, but some may have an allergic reaction. This is why it is best to first do a test on a small area of skin.

A review published in 2018 concluded that the following may help treat psoriasis:

Most people with mild symptoms can manage the condition at home, but medical treatment may be necessary.

Anyone who experiences severe, persistent, or worsening psoriasis symptoms should consult a doctor.

Some studies suggest that aloe vera gel may improve specific symptoms that arise from psoriasis, due to the gel’s various beneficial properties.

Determining whether aloe vera gel is an effective treatment for the overall condition will require further research.

In the meantime, aloe vera is generally safe to use as a moisturizer and on skin affected by psoriasis.