We used to try to convince mom to use Bacitracin for her burns and wounds but she insisted the liquid from the aloe leaves were much better. Well, she recently had several wounds on her arm that healed really nicely so I thought I'd try it out.
I have historically formed keloids whenever I get any sort of cut or scratch. This keloid line formed on what was a small scratch I got about 3 decades ago. Keloids are overgrowths of scar tissue.
When I fell a couple of weeks ago, I scratched my knee and figured it would form another big scar.
I decided to try mom's method with the aloe juice.
I applied the aloe leaf liquid morning and night and even in between.
Art had actually already tried mom's method a while ago when he sliced his hand.
He told me the main thing was to make sure whatever scab forms is not accidentally ripped off.
Since I didn't have much to write about, I figured I could do a blog post sequence about how the wound heals.
Granted this was like that saying "A watched pot never boils."
It started out with one spot showing a deeper gouge, therefore forming a harder darker colored scab.
Gradually the lesser scabs fell off.
I kept applying the aloe about three times a day.
I cut the edges of the big scab as it disengaged from the skin along the edges so it wouldn't get snagged off.
And then one day the big darker colored scab dropped off and there was a lighter scab underneath.
OK. Now that was interesting.
I've always had this deep compulsion to peel sunburns, labels, paint, whatever. It took self control not to peel the scabs off.
So maybe mom was right.
I used to think so too but according to tests published in medical journals, they show that the use of aloe on wounds doesn't make them heal faster. Burns yes, wounds no. You do end up with more moisturized skin around the wound.
ReplyDeleteBoy that scrape looked painful enough, but it did heal nicely. Interesting what Ed said here about burns, back in Jan I splashed hot chicken grease on my right arm and it took 2 months to heal completely. I bet aloe would've helped.
ReplyDeleteAloe is an anti inflammatory which helps preserves the vein infrastructure under the skin after a burn and thus preserves healing. Without it (there is a small window), the burn will cause those veins to harden and close off. Because of this, aloe can speed up healing of burns. With wounds, all aloe does is prevent bacteria from growing as will other off the shelf medications to promote wound healing. It just won't do it any faster as generally is perceived.
DeleteNatural treatments work!
ReplyDeleteMy brother and my so are keloid formers. This is good to learn. My problem is not being able to peel off a scab.
ReplyDeletewe like alovera and the skin doctor we visited highly recommends it and gives you a free sample to take home after he treats you...
ReplyDeleteSometimes the old ways are definitely the best. Ed's explanation is great. I need to get some aloe.
ReplyDeleteIt sure looks like it. Now I need some aloe.
ReplyDeleteGlad it worked for you. I tend to pester a scab also. Had aloe in Florida and used it a lot. It did seem to work and the price was right.
ReplyDeleteEven if it's just perception, I think wounds heal better with the direct aloe plant goo. After I saw your Mom's entry of her successful healing (and that's on even older skin that's SO thin,) I picked up a small aloe plant at WalMart and put it in a bigger pot. Something I read said to cut a leaf close to the base and keep it in foil in the fridge. I cut little pieces off to help my cut on my face, and it did nicely! (Ed sounds like a burn nurse...) Linda in Kansas (old nurse, likes old treatment.)
ReplyDeleteI've applied aloe to one of my burns in my past, and it really helped!
ReplyDeleteMom is always right! Good to know that aloe heals so well. We have used it on sunburn and it’s quite cooling and pleasant but scabs are something new.
ReplyDeleteGreat lesson!!!
ReplyDeleteMy skeptic son would say that is anecdotal and not scientific. To which I would reply that I have more faith in anecdotal (a personal account) than scientific because if it works, it works. The old remedies are being forgotten in favor of modern science.
ReplyDeleteI like your anecdote!
I had a few aloe plants in my classroom. These plants were used on a daily basis. I didn't have to dish out band aids. The kids were always good and asked if they could use aloe.
ReplyDeleteThat is so cool! I love that the kids knew to do it themselves. I noticed that when the juice of the aloe plant dries, it leaves a bit of a coating. Is it possible that it forms a barrier to germs? I think the most important thing is not to peel off that scab. So hard to do.
DeleteIt's been so long since I had an aloe around. I must take care of that shortfall.
ReplyDeleteI tend to bleed easily. Something that comes back when I cut myself shaving my head.
ReplyDeleteI think it's time to get a aloe plant again. I think it works too. Thanks for the reminder.
ReplyDeleteAloe is the best! I will use it next time I skin my knee, which I know is in my future. :-)
ReplyDeleteThis is interesting to know. Guess I need to get an aloe plant. I was told to avoid scarring to never peel off a scab -- important to allow it to heal underneath and when that was done the scab would fall off. I had a cousin whose uncle insisted on picking off his scabs though my cousin didn't want it. We kids used to privately refer in a none too complimentary manner to his dad as our scab-picking uncle who otherwise we liked.
ReplyDelete