Aloe Vera vs. Sunburn: Your Guide to Skin Relief and Sun Protection

Sunburns manifest when ultraviolet (UV) radiation, originating from the sun or artificial sources like tanning beds, inflicts damage to the DNA within skin cells, leading to a process known as apoptosis, or programmed cell death.

The ensuing rapid cell demise triggers the immune system to release inflammatory proteins, prompting blood vessels to dilate and increase blood flow. This heightened inflammatory response results in the characteristic redness, irritation, and pain associated with sunburn.

Burns, including sunburns, are categorized by severity:

• First-degree burn: Involves only the outer layer of skin, causing mild pain, redness, and swelling.
• Second-degree burn: Damages the deeper layers of the skin, leading to blisters and white, shiny-looking skin.
• Third-degree burn: Harms all layers of the skin.
• Fourth-degree burn: Damages the skin and may extend to the joints and bones.

 

Third- and fourth-degree burns necessitate immediate medical attention in a hospital or medical clinic. Attempting to treat such severe burns at home, including using aloe vera, is not recommended.

To alleviate sunburn, initiate the healing process by taking a cold shower or applying a cool compress to the affected area. Over-the-counter pain medications like ibuprofen or aspirin can help manage pain. If blisters form, avoid popping them to prevent infection.

Moisturizers or aloe vera gel can be applied to keep the affected area moisturized and reduce inflammation during the healing process. Adequate hydration is essential to combat dehydration resulting from sunburn.

Aloe Vera and Sunburn: Considerations

According to the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, using aloe vera gel on the skin generally does not cause harmful side effects. While the risk of an allergic reaction to aloe vera is small, individuals allergic to garlic, onions, or tulips may be more prone. Conduct a patch test on a small area before covering a larger skin area and discontinue use if an allergic reaction occurs.

Additional Benefits of Aloe Vera

Beyond sunburn relief, aloe vera may offer various skin and health benefits, including:

• Keeping skin clear and moisturized
• Relieving constipation (when ingested)
• Alleviating heartburn (when ingested)
• Lowering blood sugar in people with type 2 diabetes (when ingested)
• Serving as an alternative to mouthwash, blocking plaque and providing relief from bleeding or swollen gums
• Promoting healing of anal fissures when applied topically
• Improving damaged, dry hair when applied to the scalp

 

While clinical evidence supporting aloe vera’s efficacy in healing sunburns is not definitive, research indicates its anti-inflammatory effects on damaged skin. Despite using aloe vera for pain and redness relief, monitor for signs of dehydration or heat exhaustion, such as extreme thirst, lack of urine output, nausea, and vomiting.

Consult a doctor if a fever accompanies your sunburn or if blisters cover a substantial portion of your body. While aloe vera aids in post-sunburn care, prevention remains crucial. Protect your skin by using sunscreen, hats, sunglasses, and appropriate clothing, and seek shade whenever possible when outdoors.

📞 Call Nusa Medica Clinics Now!

Get the best care for your sunburn. Your health is important, and we’re here to help you get back to those waves soon. 

 

Resources:

• Botanical Safety Consortium (July 2020): Scientists are working together to make sure botanical products are safe.

• National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH): Find helpful information about Aloe Vera.

• NTP Technical Report 577: Learn about studies on the safety of Aloe Vera in rats and mice.

• Botanical Safety Consortium (April 2020): A new group is making safety assessments for plants better.

• FDA Statement (Feb. 2019): Discover how the FDA is working to improve the rules for dietary supplements.