A Comparative Study between Topically Applied Aloe Vera Gel and Injectable Dexamethasone in Patients with Ulcerative Oral Lesions

BACKGROUND: Aloe Vera has been used as a natural medicine for centuries; it contains a gel that has multiple therapeutic and cosmetic applications. It can be used in acute and chronic ulcerative oral lesions, gingivitis and periodontal pockets and as denture adhesive. AIMS OF STUDY: the present study was designed to evaluate the effect of topical application of aloe Vera gel on various ulcerative oral lesions and to compare the use of aloe Vera gel with dexamethasone injection for the treatment of the ulcerative oral lesions. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Eighteen patients complaining of various oral lesions were enrolled in this study. They were divided into 2 groups, one treated with dexamethasone intra-lesional injection, the other with topical Aloe Vera gel. RESULTS: Aloe Vera gel showed highly significant difference regarding healing time, pain score and size of ulcerative area in comparison to dexamethasone injection on long term use. CONCLUSION: Aloe Vera gel can be used as adjuvant in treating different oral ulcerative lesions. It can be useful in reducing pain score, size of ulcer and healing time.