Where to Find Aloe Vera

• Obtain aloe vera gel directly from an aloe vera plant for maximum benefits. Look for the thickest leaves, usually the outside leaves at the bottom of the plant. Trim the thorny edges and remove the skin from the top of the leaf, and then, holding the bottom part of the leaf, use a knife to slide the gel substance from inside the leaf into a container. You can refrigerate aloe gel using a food-safe container with a lid.
  
  You can grow your own aloe vera plant outdoors or indoors. Aloe vera is a cactus-like plant requiring very little watering, but it does enjoy sunlight. When growing aloe vera indoors, keep it near a window to be sure it gets enough light.
  
  

How to Apply

• Apply the aloe gel directly to skin with your fingers. The gel will be cool and comforting to irritated and itchy skin, especially if it's been refrigerated. Apply it immediately after showering and allow it to sink in without being washed off. As aloe gel can be sticky, this home remedy works best at night when you can leave the application on while sleeping for overnight relief.
  
  As a home remedy, aloe gel is gentle enough to be applied on and inside the genitals during a genital warts breakout.
  
  

Why Aloe Vera Gel Works

• Aloe vera gel feeds the skin with nutrients, including the amino acid lysine. This helps heal the infection while allowing the skin to breathe naturally and remain dry. The gel soothes the skin and relieves itching, which also reduces further damage to skin from scratching.