Abstract
Atopic eczema is a common condition that can interfere with social function, sleep and employment. Its persistence and accompanying pruritis may be stressful and frustrating for patients (Zug and McKay 1996 : 1243).
The purpose of this randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled study was to evaluate the efficacy of a homoeopathic complex (Arsenicum album 12CH, Graphites 12CH, Petroleum 12CH, Rhus toxicodendron 12CH, Sulphur 12CH and Urtica urens 12CH), in the treatment of atopic eczema in terms of its clinical manifestations and the impact on the quality of life of the patient.
Thirty patients between the ages of eighteen and sixty years who met the Diagnostic criteria (Appendix A), were selected to participate in this study. Simple random sampling was used to divide them into two equal groups of fifteen i.e. the treatment group (Group 1) and the placebo group (Group 2). The trial lasted three months; at the initial consultation patients filled in the Clinical Evaluation Index (Appendix C), the Patients’ Perception questionnaire (Appendix D) and the General Well Being Schedule (Appendix E). Patients then received their three months supply of medication or placebo. Patients returned after three weeks and filled in the questionnaires and repeated this procedure every two weeks until the end of the trial. This amounted to six consultations per patient.
Statistical evaluation of the data obtained from the questionnaires were analysed using the SPSS ver. 9 package. The Friedman test and Wilcoxon signed rank test were used to analyse the intra group comparisons. These are non parametric tests. The Mann-Whitney U-test was used for the inter group comparison. Both groups showed improvements with regards to all three questionnaires. The placebo group showed consistent improvement throughout the study. Therefore, statistically there was no difference between the two groups. The results of this study demonstrated that the use of a homoeopathic complex (Arsenicum album 12CH, Graphites 12CH, Petroleum 12CH, Rhus toxicodendron 12CH, Sulphur 12CH and Urtica urens 12CH) was no more effective than the placebo in the treatment of atopic eczema.
Dr. M. R. A. Moiloa
Dr. D. Naude
Dr. C. Hall