Why does aloe vera burn?

Can the reaction appear later?

Yes. Irritant contact dermatitis can start immediately or within 48 hours of exposure. Symptoms range from dryness, redness, burning and stinging to painful, fluid filled blisters. An allergic contact reaction can also be immediate or delayed, with itching, redness, cracking or stinging. A comfortable first application does not rule out a reaction later.4

Can fresh aloe cause the same problem?

Aloe gel itself can cause burning and allergic reactions, so switching from a bottled product to a fresh leaf is not a reliable solution. Avoid topical aloe if you have a known allergy to aloe gel. Allergy to related plants, including lilies and tulips, is also a reason to avoid it.1

Aloe products come in many forms, so the word aloe on a bottle is a name, not a full introduction. The clear inner leaf gel is different from the outer leaf latex and from whole leaf preparations. The clear gel is the part traditionally rubbed onto skin for burns.56

When should you get medical help?

• Get medical help if a rash develops after using aloe.
• Seek emergency help for throat tightness, difficulty breathing or chest pain.
• Seek immediate medical advice for a severe skin reaction or signs of infection: rapidly worsening symptoms, discharge, increasing pain, feeling unwell, or feeling hot, cold or shivery.

When should you use aloe vera on a burn?

For a minor burn, cooling comes before applying aloe.

1. 1Cool the burn with cool running water for 10 to 15 minutes. Do not use ice. If running water is unavailable, use a cool, clean wet cloth or a cool water bath for 5 minutes.
2. 2Check that the burn is minor. Seek medical care for a deeper burn, one larger than 5 centimetres, or a burn on the face, hands, feet, groin, buttocks or a major joint. Burns from fire, electricity or chemicals also need medical assessment.
3. 3Gently clean a minor burn with soap and water. Do not break blisters.
4. 4Apply a thin layer of aloe vera ointment or petroleum jelly. If aloe causes burning, stop using it.
5. 5If needed, protect the burn from rubbing with sterile gauze that does not stick, and change the dressing daily.

Does aloe vera help burns?

Aloe was used by ancient Greeks, Egyptians, Indians, Chinese and Romans, so its skincare career predates the bathroom shelf.1

Aloe gel may speed burn healing and reduce burn pain. That potential benefit is separate from the burning discomfort aloe can cause after application. For acute and chronic wounds more broadly, aloe is not an established treatment. Do not extend minor burn care to every type of wound.13

Minor burns can take up to 3 weeks to heal. Contact a clinician for increasing pain, redness, swelling, pus, fever or a red streak from the burn. If your last tetanus vaccination was more than 5 years ago, ask whether you need a booster.7