Introduction

Burns are common injuries that can occur in many everyday situations, from cooking mishaps to sun exposure. They represent a significant global health problem, resulting in approximately 180,000 deaths annually. Low- and middle-income countries are most affected by this issue. For example, in India, over 1 million people are affected by burn injuries, either moderately or severely. 

Burns can range from mild sunburns to severe injuries that require medical attention. Understanding burns is important, as they not only cause physical pain but can also lead to long-term skin damage if not treated properly. Nature offers some remarkable solutions for healing. One such remedy is aloe vera, a succulent plant known for its soothing properties. When applied to burns, aloe vera can help reduce pain, promote healing, and prevent infection. Its natural compounds provide moisture and create a protective barrier over the skin.

Read on to learn more about the types of burns, their effects, and how aloe vera can be a gentle and effective tool in the healing process, turning a painful experience into a path toward recovery.

What are burns?

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), "a burn is an injury to the skin or other organic tissue caused primarily by heat, radiation, radioactivity, electricity, friction, or contact with chemicals." Burns are classified into different types based on the cause and severity of the burn. First, let's discuss the types of burns based on their source:

1. Thermal burns are caused by external heat sources that raise the temperature of the skin and tissues, resulting in cell death or charring
2. Radiation burns are caused by prolonged exposure to the sun's ultraviolet rays or other radiation sources such as X-rays
3. Chemical burns occur when strong acids, alkalis, detergents, or solvents come into contact with the skin and/or eyes
4. Electrical burns occur when electricity passes through the body and causes rapid injury

Depending on the depth and severity of the skin surface involved, burns are classified as:

1. First-degree (superficial) burns

First-degree burns only affect the epidermis or the outermost layer of skin. The burn site is red, painful, dry, and without blisters. A mild sunburn is an example. Long-term tissue damage is rare.

2. Second-degree (partial thickness) burns

Second-degree burns affect the epidermis and a portion of the dermis. The burn site appears red, and blistered and may be swollen and tender.

3. Third-degree (full-thickness) burns

Third-degree burns destroy both the epidermis and the dermis. These burns appear white and may cause damage to the underlying bone, muscles, and tendons. The burned area appears white or charred. There is no sensation in the area because the nerve endings have been destroyed.

Burns that cover 10 per cent of a child's body or 15-20 per cent of an adult's body are classified as major injuries and require hospitalization and extensive rehabilitation.

Overview of aloe vera and its historical origin

For centuries, the aloe vera plant has been recognised and used for its health, beauty, medicinal, and skin-care benefits. The name Aloe vera comes from the Arabic word "Alloeh," meaning "shining bitter substance," and the Latin word "vera," meaning "truth." Greek scientists regarded aloe vera as a universal panacea over 2,000 years ago. Aloe was known as "the plant of immortality" among the Egyptians. The Aloe vera plant is now used for a number of different purposes. 

Aloe vera grows in hot, dry climates and is native to Africa and the Mediterranean countries. It is found in abundance along the southern coast of India and belongs to the family Liliaceae. 

The aloe vera plant is the source of two commonly used products that differ in their chemical composition as well as in therapeutic abilities. These two products are gel and yellow sap.

The gel, or juice, is a clear, viscous substance found in the leaves. The second is yellow sap latex, which is an active cathartic pharmaceutical product commonly known as aloe. Both are found in different layers of the plant’s leaves.

Aloe vera contains over 75 potentially active constituents, the majority of which are found in the plant's gel and yellow sap. These constituents include sugars, anthraquinones, sterols, enzymes, minerals, amino acids, hormones, and vitamins (A, C, E, B12, folic acid, and choline).

Properties of aloe vera

Aloe vera's active constituents exhibit a variety of therapeutic properties. Some of these properties include:

Healing

Active components such as glucomannan, polysaccharide, and gibberellin (a hormone) present in aloe vera lead to increased collagen synthesis, accelerated wound contraction and increased breaking strength of the resulting scar tissue. In short, it hastens and improves the whole mechanism of wound healing.

Anti-inflammatory 

According to researchers, aloe vera extracts have anti-inflammatory properties. The enzymes present in the plant can break down the inflammatory substance bradykinin, which contributes to pain. 

Antiviral/antifungal/antibacterial

These actions may be due to direct or indirect effects. The indirect effect is due to the stimulation of the immune system, while the direct effect is due to active components, such as anthraquinones, that inactivate and have tidal effects on various bacteria (e.g., Streptococcus pyogenes), viruses (e.g., Herpes simplex, influenza), and fungi (e.g., Candida albicans).

Moisturizing and anti-ageing effects

Moisturizing action is due to the mix of water and polysaccharide components, creating a jelly-like consistency that holds the water within the mix and minimizes its evaporation. It provides a sustained moist environment when applied to dry tissues, which promotes moisture retention by the tissues. 

Antiseptic properties

It contains numerous antiseptic agents such as salicylic acid, phenols, and sulfur, which inhibit the growth of bacteria, viruses, and fungi.

Benefits of aloe vera gel for burns

Aloe vera (a medicinal plant) is recommended as a complement to other treatments. Studies have shown that aloe vera promotes wound healing and prevention. It is ideal for wound dressings and is used as a traditional burn treatment. According to studies, aloe vera is more effective than petroleum jelly gauze dressing, silver sulfadiazine 1% ointment, and framycetin cream in healing burn wounds. It speeds up recovery, prevents infection in the wound area, and minimizes redness and itching. It was found to be effective in first- and second-degree burn wounds, reducing the healing time to 9 days.

Aloe vera has the ability to accelerate healing and reduce inflammation. Magnesium lactate in the gel can inhibit the production of histamine, which causes itching and irritation of the skin. It strengthens the immune system and inhibits inflammatory reactions by blocking inflammatory mediators (IL-6, IL-8, etc.). The active constituent glucomannan present in aloe vera provides regenerative properties. Aloe vera increases the amount and composition of collagen in wounds, causing collagen to cross-link and thereby promoting wound healing.

Summary

Aloe vera's soothing properties make it a popular natural burn remedy. It contains anti-inflammatory compounds that can reduce pain and swelling, and its cooling effect helps to relieve discomfort. It also promotes healing by stimulating skin regeneration and providing necessary hydration. Its antimicrobial properties may also help to prevent infection. Overall, using aloe vera for burns can help with healing and skin recovery, making it an excellent first-aid treatment option.

FAQs

How does aloe vera help with burns?

Aloe vera has anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and soothing properties. It can help reduce pain, promote healing, and prevent infection.

Can I use aloe vera on all types of burns?

Aloe vera works best on first-degree and mild second-degree burns. For severe burns (third-degree), seek medical attention immediately.

How should I apply aloe vera to a burn?

Gently clean the burn area with mild soap and water. Apply pure aloe vera gel directly to the burn and cover it with a sterile bandage if necessary. Reapply as needed.

Is it safe to use aloe vera on open wounds?

While aloe vera can help soothe minor burns and abrasions, it is best to consult a healthcare professional regarding open or severe wounds to prevent infection.

Are there any side effects to using aloe vera?

Aloe vera is generally safe for most people, but some may experience allergic reactions. It’s advisable to do a patch test first.

How often should I apply aloe vera to a burn?

You can apply aloe vera gel 2-3 times a day, or as needed, to keep the area moisturized and promote healing.

Can I use store-bought aloe vera products?

Yes, but ensure they contain a high percentage of pure aloe vera and no harsh additives. Natural aloe vera gel is often the best option.

When should I seek medical attention for a burn?

If the burn is larger than 3 inches, covers a joint, is a third-degree burn, or shows signs of infection (increased redness, swelling, or pus), seek medical help.

Can aloe vera prevent scarring from burns?

Aloe vera can aid in healing and may help reduce the appearance of scars, but individual results can vary.