Abstract
A scar is a replacement of normal structures by fibrous tissue at the site of injury. Scarring following surgery or injury is difficult to predict and both physicians and their patients are highly concerned with minimizing scar appearances, even small improvements in scarring would add value. A total of 100 million patients develop scars in the developed countries alone each year as a result of 55 million elective operations and 45 million operations after trauma. In South Africa the Caesarean Sections (CS) delivery rate is 20.6%, substantially above the accepted WHO of 10-15%. Conventional clinical treatments of scars are often associated with a need for multiple therapeutic sessions as well as a number of side effects.
The study aimed to assess the effect of 12% (v/v) Allium cepa Mother Tincture (MT) in a hydrogel solution on the appearance of caesarean section scars using the Patient and Observer Scar Assessment scale (POSAS) and digital photographical evidence. A group of 40 females completed the study and were between the ages of 18 and 50. Participants were divided into 2 groups of 20 participants each. The study followed a controlled study format and was conducted over four consultations, four weeks apart, over a twelve week period (W0; W4; W8 and W12).
Participants were evaluated at each consultation with the POSAS as well as photographic documentation. It has been demonstrated that the POSAS scale is a reliable and valid scale and provides a unidimensional measure for scar quality. It appears to be the most comprehensive assessment scale by taking into account the patient‟s assessment of their own scar.
The results of the POSAS showed that both hydrogel (control) and hydrogel medicated by Allium cepa (12%) (treatment) were able to improve the general appearance of scars in all parameters measured except for sensations of pain and itching. Allium cepa (12%) compared to the control hydrogel, appeared to significantly improve the patient‟s own perception of scar stiffness, thickness and overall opinion thereof. Even thought there was a lack of significant difference between groups, Allium cepa (12%) appears to improve the vascularity, thickness, relief, pliability, surface area and colour of scars to a greater extent than the control hydrogel and it is evident that more research over a longer period of time is required.
It was concluded from this study that 12% Allium cepa in hydrogel was found to be effective on the appearance of Caesarean Section scars and may be used in the construction of further research studies...
M.Tech. (Homeopathy)