Aloe vera for psoriasis: what to know

Some people find that a simple aloe gel temporarily eases tightness or dryness. Others develop stinging or a contact reaction, and a product containing fragrance, alcohol or colourants may be more irritating than soothing.

Psoriasis is an inflammatory condition that can produce raised, scaly plaques and recurring flares. Aloe is best viewed as an optional comfort product alongside a suitable moisturiser and the treatment plan recommended for you.

Aloe cannot be expected to clear thick scale, prevent future flares or treat psoriasis affecting the scalp, nails or joints. A gel may also dry as a film, so it may not moisturise as well as a richer fragrance-free cream or ointment.

Choose a plain topical aloe product rather than a drink or supplement. Check the ingredient list for perfume and drying alcohols, then test a small amount on unaffected skin. If there is no irritation, apply a thin layer to a limited plaque and stop if burning, swelling or increased redness develops.

Do not put aloe on deeply cracked, bleeding or infected-looking skin. Keep using prescribed creams as directed, and ask a pharmacist how to separate aloe from medicated products so that one does not dilute or spread the other.

Arrange a clinical review if plaques are spreading, disrupting sleep, painful, cracked or not responding to your usual plan. Prompt advice is also appropriate for pus, warmth, fever or rapidly worsening redness, which can accompany infection.

Seek urgent care for facial swelling, breathing difficulty or a widespread blistering reaction after applying a product. New joint pain, stiffness or swelling deserves assessment because psoriasis can occur with inflammatory joint disease.

Ask whether the areas you want to treat are suitable for aloe, which moisturiser texture suits the scale, and how aloe should be timed around steroid creams or other topical medicines. Mention all products that have caused stinging or a rash.