A Comparative Study of the Impacts of Aloe vera Gel and Silver sulfadiazine Cream 1% on Healing, Itching and Pain of Burn Wounds: A Randomized Clinical Trial

Introduction: Although several studies have highlighted the beneficial effects of Aloe vera on burn wounds, limited clinical evidence exists in this regard. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of the Aloe vera gel on healing, itching and pain of burn patients.

Methods: This clinical trial was conducted at Sina Hospital in Tabriz, Iran. The patients with second and first degree burn wounds on symmetrical organs, were randomly assigned to control (n=34) and experimental (n=34) groups. The Aloe vera gel and silver sulfadiazine cream were used in the experimental and control groups, respectively. To assess the healing effects, the Bates-Jensen Wound Assessment Tool (BWAT) was employed. Regarding itching and pain, visual analogue scale (VAS) was used for precise evaluation and comparison on days 1, 3, 5, 7, 9 and 14. The data were analyzed using SPSS version 13.

Results: Although the wounds in both groups healed up completely within two weeks, the healing process among the patients in the experimental group was faster. The peak of wound itching was on day 7 in both groups. The wound itching significantly reduced half an hour after being dressed with Aloe vera gel. The wound pain in the experimental group was less than control group during the study period. Moreover, there was no pain in either experimental or control group on day 14.

Conclusion: Aloe vera is an effective agent in reducing itching and pain, and it can substantially increase the rate of healing. Accordingly, this agent can be considered in the treatment of burn wounds.