Aloe vera has a long history of use in traditional medicine for various skin conditions, including psoriasis. More recently, its use has been studied scientifically, although the evidence remains limited and not definitive. Several small randomized controlled trials and clinical studies have suggested that topical aloe vera extract may help reduce the symptoms of mild to moderate plaque psoriasis, such as scaling, redness, and itching. The proposed mechanisms include aloe vera’s anti-inflammatory, moisturizing, and wound-healing properties, primarily attributed to compounds like acemannan and various antioxidants.

Notably, a double-blind, placebo-controlled study published in 1996 found that topical aloe vera extract was more effective than placebo in reducing psoriatic plaques. However, subsequent studies have shown mixed results, with some failing to find significant benefit over placebo or standard treatments. Major dermatological guidelines generally do not recommend aloe vera as a primary or standalone treatment for psoriasis, citing insufficient high-quality evidence. Still, aloe vera is considered safe for most people when used topically, and some patients report symptomatic relief.

In summary, while traditional use has spurred interest and some scientific studies offer promising results, the overall scientific evidence supporting aloe vera for psoriasis is modest (rated 2/5). More rigorous, large-scale clinical trials are needed to draw firm conclusions about its efficacy.