natural aloe vera - #14212
I am worried about my skin lately. For like the past month, I've been dealing with these really annoying dry patches on my arms and legs. I’ve tried different lotions, but nothing seems to work! I read somewhere that natural aloe vera could help with dry skin, but I don't know if it's worth trying. I mean, I have a friend who swears by natural aloe vera for everything from sunburns to cuts, but I wonder if it's just a myth or actually good for dry skin? Is there a specific way to apply it? Like, should I use the plant directly, or is a gel better? Some people have said the natural aloe vera straight from the leaf is the best, but others say just the store-bought gel is easier. And what about mixing it with other stuff? My skin has been really itchy too, which freaks me out! Like what if the natural aloe vera doesn't do anything? Should I even bother? I'm also trying to figure out if I should see a dermatologist or just stick to home remedies for now. Any advice would really help!
100% Anonymously
No sign-up needed.

Doctors’ responses
Natural aloe vera can be quite helpful for dry skin, including stubborn dry patches like the ones you’ve been experiencing. It contains compounds like polysaccharides, which aid in skin hydration and moisturizing. Using either the natural gel from the plant or a store-bought gel can be beneficial. If you decide to use the gel directly from an aloe vera plant, make sure you slice it open and scoop out the gel, applying it directly to clean, dry skin. Store-bought gels are also effective, especially if they contain a high percentage of aloe vera and minimal added ingredients. Just ensure you read the labels to avoid products with alcohol or other drying substances.
Mixing aloe vera with other moisturizing agents, like coconut oil or shea butter, could potentially enhance its effectiveness. However, always do a patch test before trying new mixtures to ensure you don’t have an adverse reaction. If you find aloe vera doesn’t alleviate the dryness or your skin begins to show signs of irritation like redness or increased itching, this could indicate a need for more targeted treatment or even an underlying skin condition such as eczema or contact dermatitis.
If the problem persists despite home attempts, or if the itchiness becomes severe, you should definitely consider seeing a dermatologist. Persistent dry and itchy skin could warrant professional evaluation to rule out any systemic causes or require prescribed treatments like topical steroids or emollients. While home remedies can provide relief, professional advice is important to ensure that there aren’t more significant underlying issues. In the meantime, staying hydrated by drinking water, and keeping your environment humidified can also support skin hydration.
100% Anonymously
Get expert answers anytime, completely confidential. No sign-up needed.
About our doctors
Only qualified doctors who have confirmed the availability of medical education and other certificates of medical practice consult on our service. You can check the qualification confirmation in the doctor's profile.