Can Aloe Vera Gel Remove Scars?
May 29, 2021
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Gan Liqiang
Introduction
Aloe vera gel has some therapeutic effect on scars and can help suppress scar hypertrophy; however, its self-treatment efficacy remains limited. Scars are generally classified into two types: atrophic (depressed) scars and hypertrophic (raised) scars. Aloe vera gel is unlikely to be effective for atrophic scars, whereas it may offer some inhibitory effect on hypertrophic scars.
We are familiar with aloe vera gel, which is claimed—on its product labeling—to treat hypertrophic scars. Indeed, both in clinical practice and daily life, many people use aloe vera gel for scar management.
Clinical studies suggest that aloe vera gel possesses some efficacy in treating scars and inhibiting scar hypertrophy; however, its self-treatment effect remains limited. Scars are broadly categorized into two types: atrophic (depressed) scars and hypertrophic (raised) scars. Aloe vera gel is generally ineffective against atrophic scars; for these, fractional laser therapy is typically recommended.
For hypertrophic scars, aloe vera gel may offer modest inhibitory effects; however, more effective treatment usually requires established pharmaceutical agents—such as Contractubex® or ScarAway®—which tend to yield superior outcomes. In this context, aloe vera gel may serve only as an adjunctive therapy.
