The Use of Aloe sp. (Aloe Vera) on Acute and Chronic Wounds: An Integrative Review

Abstract

Objective: Search for available evidence in literature on the use of aloe vera in healing acute and chronic wounds. Method: This is an integrative review of the Lilacs, Pubmed and Scopus databases from February to March 2015. The search turned up 178 publications. Results: Seven studies were included in the review, which involved persons with surgical wounds from caesarean sections, episiotomy wounds, burns, graft donor areas, post-hemorrhoidectomy wounds and chronic anal fissure wounds. It has been shown that aloe vera helps wound healing, in addition to reducing pain in chronic anal fissures and burns. Conclusion: Aloe vera represents a new therapy in the treatment of wounds. However, the available evidence on its effectiveness and safety is insufficient to legitimize the use of aloe in healing acute and chronic wounds. Therefore, the findings cannot be generalized.