Abstract
M.Tech. (Homoeopathy)
Onychocryptosis (ingrown toenail) is a painful condition of the toe that commonly affects the big toenail (hallux) (Tharu, 2014). It occurs when the edge of the toenail penetrates into the skin resulting in pain, erythema (redness), oedema (swelling), and sometimes leads to infections (Filippone, 2005). Although, there are no statistics on the number of people suffering from onychocryptosis in South Africa up to date, according to the World Health Organization, 7.1 million of people suffer from onychocryptosis in America alone (Rightdiagnosis, 2015).
Conventional treatment for onychocryptosis is rendered by podiatrists and can be performed either surgically or non-surgically depending on the severity of the condition. However, these approaches may be quite painful, invasive and costly, and the condition may reoccur. Previous studies showed that Magnetis polus australis 30cH and 1M used orally had some success in treating onychocryptosis (Rohl, 2008; Khan, 2012). Anecdotal evidence suggests that patients often apply their homoeopathic remedy topically and claim that it is effective; and Rohl (2008) recommended that research be conducted on topical applications. The following homoeopathic remedies Apis mellifica, Atopa belladona, Hepar sulphuris calcareum, Magnetis polus australis and Silicea are all indicated for symptoms associated with onychocryptosis (Vermeulen, 2011). However, there is no research done to date to establish their effectiveness when used as a topical complex remedy on onychocryptosis.
The aim of this study was to determine the efficacy of a topical homoeopathic complex hydrogel (Apis mellifica 6cH, Atropa belladona 6cH, Hepar sulphuris calcareum 6cH, Magnetis polus australis 30cH and Silicea 6cH) on stage one onychocryptosis of the hallux, and a Likert scale was used to measure pain on pressure, erythema, and oedema.
This study was a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled study and was conducted at the Podiatric clinic of the University of Johannesburg (Appendix B) for a period of thirty days and included three appointments. On the first day of the study the potential participants were requested to read a Participant Information Form (Appendix C) and sign a Consent Form (Appendix D). The researcher screened the participants using a questionnaire (Appendix E) to evaluate their suitability for the study and a podiatrist confirmed their stage of onychocryptosis. For selected participants, the researcher examined the participant’s onychocryptosis to assess the degree of oedema, erythema and pain on pressure and rated these using a Researcher Assessment Form (Appendix...