Content provided in partnership with

Health Care Industry

Effect of aloe vera gel on wound healing

American Family Physician, Dec, 1991

Wound complications occur in approximately 2 percent of clean surgical cases and in up to 8 percent of contaminated cases. A surgical wound that requires healing by second intention involves a substantial amount of time until healing is completed. Complications of a cesarean incision requiring healing by second intention could increase postpartum maternal morbidity, which may interfere with mother-infant bonding.

Animal studies suggest that aloe vera may enhance wound healing. Allantoin, a substance in aloe vera, has been considered a cell proliferant, an epithelial stimulant and a chemical debrider. Schmidt and Greenspoon evaluated the effect of treatment with an aloe vera gel on wound healing by second intention in obstetric patients.

Most Popular Articles in Health: Fuel your workout: exercisers who eat before they work out have more energy ...; Soothe a dry, itchy scalp: 5 easy expert solutions; Cocktails and calories: Beer, wine and liquor calories can really add up. ...; The sour truth about apple cider vinegar - evaluation of therapeutic use; The, six best supplements you've never heard of: these secret weapons can ...; More »

Twenty-one women with wound complications that required healing by second intention after either cesarean delivery or laparotomy for gynecologic surgery were included in the study. Patients with cellulitis or concurrent medical disease were excluded. The women were randomly assigned to receive standard wound management plus aloe vera gel or standard management without aloe vera gel. Wound care was performed every eight hours initially and then every 12 hours after granulation tissue was well established. The study was not blinded, and patients were assessed weekly. The women in the study had both vertical and transverse incisions.

The wounds in patients receiving standard treatment without aloe vera gel healed in a mean time of 53 days, and the wounds of the patients who were treated with aloe vera healed in a mean of 83 days. This difference was highly significant. The study was terminated early because aloe vera gel caused an obvious delay in wound healing. (Obstetrics and Gynecology, July 1991, vol. 78, p. 115.)

Health Care Industry

Effect of aloe vera gel on wound healing

American Family Physician, Dec, 1991

Find Research Guides for:

Find Featured Titles for: Home & Garden

Most Popular Articles in Health

Most Popular Publications in Health