Abstract
M.Tech. (Homoeopathy)
Acne vulgaris is a dermatological condition, pathologically characterized by the inflammation of the sebaceous glands and hair follices and is most prominent among adolescents (Holmes, 2001). Symptoms include the formation of inflammatory and non-inflammatory lesions, which can lead to the formation of scars (Boon et al., 2006). These eruptions occur on the chest, face, back and arms (Martini et al., 2001). The aetiology of acne vulgaris is multifactorial and hence there are a large variety of treatment options which range from topical applications to systemic drug treatment (Docrat, 2008).
The homoeopathic complex remedy R53 (Comedonin) ® acne drops is a product which contains a combination of homoeopathic remedies that are used to treat the symptoms of acne vulgaris such as inflammatory and non inflammatory eruptions. The remedy R53 (Comedonin) ® is an over-the-counter remedy that is readily available and is indicated in the treatment of acne vulgaris (Dr.Reckeweg, 2010). No research has been conducted on its efficacy.
The aim of this study was to determine the efficacy of R53 (Comedonin) ® acne drops in the treatment of mild to moderate acne vulgaris that presents on the face, chest and / or back in males. The evaluation of symptoms was done by using scales and the Digermizer software to calculate the surface area of the affected areas.
This research study was a double blind placebo-control study that was conducted on thirty male participants between the age of fifteen to twenty years old with mild to moderate acne vulgaris on the face, back or chest. Participants who agreed to the procedure of the study were randomly divided into the treatment and placebo groups respectively. These groups consisted of fifteen participants each. The treatment group received the R53 (Comedonin) ® acne drops whereas the placebo group received the placebo drops.
This research was conducted over an eight week period at the University of Johannesburg Health Centre. All the participants were instructed to take ten drops of the medication three times a day. Evaluations were conducted at week zero, week four and week eight according to APPENDIX B. As part of the evaluation, photographs of the affected areas were taken at week zero and week eight, in order to attain the surface area affected before and after the treatment period (Appendix B).