Abstract
M. Tech.
Onychocryptosis is the diagnostic term for an ingrown toenail. It is a common and painful condition that occurs either when the nail grows into the skin on the lateral or medial side of the toe, or if the skin on the side of the toenail grows over the edge of the nail.
Magnetis Polus Australis is a homoeopathic remedy recommended in the Homoeopathic Materia Medica specifically for the treatment of onychocryptosis. In previous studies, Rohl (2003) used the remedy Magnetis Polus Australis in a 7cH and a 30cH potency whereas Khan (2004) used it in a 200cH and a 1M potency. Their studies showed promising results but had sample sizes too small for definitive conclusions. In their respective studies, they recommend using Magnetis Polus Australis 2M in a single dose.
The present study was aimed at determining the efficacy of Magnetis Polus Australis in treating symptoms of onychocryptosis such as pain in the big toe (hallux), tenderness to pressure, infection, erythema and oedema of the lateral nail fold in two different potencies, namely 30cH in repeated doses and 2M in a single dose.
This study was a six week double-blind, placebo controlled study involving forty participants. Pre-diagnosed onychocryptosis participants were recruited and randomly divided into three groups. The first experimental group received a once-off dose of Magnetis Polus Australis 2M powder and a 50ml bottle of placebo liquid. The second experimental group received a once-off placebo powder and a 50ml bottle of 30cH Magnetis Polus Australis liquid. The control group received a once-off placebo powder and a 50ml bottle of placebo liquid. All powders were taken immediately in the presence of the researcher, whereas the 50ml liquids were taken home to be taken as ten drops under the tongue twice daily for the total six week study. After the initial consultation, there were two more follow-up consultations at three weekly intervals. At each follow-up consultation all symptoms of the condition were observed, namely pain in the big toe (hallux), tenderness to pressure, infection, erythema and oedema of the lateral nail fold, and were recorded in respect of each participant (Appendix D and E).
At the end of the clinical trial all the recorded data were analyzed and compared using Fisher Exact Tests (FET) according to the symptoms of onychocryptosis. Results showed no significant difference between the experimental and control group and therefore did not confirm the efficacy of Magnetis Polus Australis as a specific treatment for the symptoms of onychocryptosis. The only finding was that the control had a significant improvement in pain as opposed to the experimental group. A possible explanation is that the experimental groups, especially the 2M group, demonstrated a homoeopathic aggravation.
Further research on this topic is required with a larger sample group over a longer time period.