Aloe Relieves Mouth Sores Caused by Chemotherapy

Chemotherapy causes mouth sores (stomatitis) in about 40% of people. Inflammation causes a painful or dry mouth, mouth sores, burning, peeling or swelling of the tongue. These sores are painful and can make it difficult to eat: an especially serious problem, since people on chemo already suffer loss of appetite and, frequently, weight loss and wasting.

A new study suggests that aloe vera might help. . . .

This controlled study incuded 64 people receiving chemotherapy for leukemia. One group used an aloe vera mouthwash along with “routine” treatment. The control group used “routine” mouthwashes that included saline, chlorhexidine, and nystatin, as directed by a physician. More specific descriptions of the routine mouthwashes and the control were not made clear. The mouthwashes were taken in 5mL doses and were swished for 2 minutes, 3 times a day for 2 weeks.

After only 3 days, mouth sore scores and pain scores were significantly lower in the aloe group than in the control group. The benefit of aloe was still clear at 5 and 7 days. At 14 days, pain scores were significantly better in the aloe group, but stomatitis scores were now higher in the aloe group. It is not clear why the anomalous 14 day result occurred, nor is it discussed in the paper.

Nonetheless, the study seems to suggests that, as aloe ca heal other wounds, it can benefit people with mouth soars caused by chemotherapy.

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