EFFECTIVENESS OF HOMOEOPATHIC MEDICINES IN CASES OF TINEA CORPORIS - A RANDOMIZED SINGLE BLIND PLACEBO CONTROLLED STUDY

Abstract

Objective: - This study is done to assess the effectiveness of Homoeopathic medicines as compared to placebo in the treatment of Tinea Corporis on the basis Dermatology life quality index (DLQI) and to assess the miasm in cases of Tinea Corporis.

Material and Methodology:

A Randomized single blind placebo-controlled study to assess the effectiveness of homoeopathy in cases of Tinea corporis was conducted at Dr. Girendra Pal Homoeopathic Hospital & Research Centre, Collegiate Hospital of Dr. Madan Pratap Khunteta Homoeopathic Medical College, Hospital, Homoeopathic University Saipura, Sanganer Jaipur during the period of August 2018 to July 2019. 70 cases of Tinea corporis, selected as per inclusion and exclusion criteria, were randomly allocated to the two treatment groups. In Group A (n=35 cases) cases were treated with individualized homoeopathic medicines on the basis of the totality of the symptoms. In Group B (n=35cases) cases were prescribed Placebo. Both groups were advised appropriate lifestyle and hygiene measures. Assessment and reassessment were done using score Dermatology life quality index (DLQI).

Results: Observations and results show that among the 70(Group A= 35; Group B= 35) cases enrolled in the study, Tinea corporis was more common in age group 18-24 years [Group A 13(37.14%) and in Group B15 (42.86%) cases]. Males were more commonly affected than females. More cases were from married group A 21(60%) Group B 20 (57.14%). In the study population more cases were from rural area of residence i.e.in Group A 17(48.57%) cases and Group B 24(68.57%) cases. Commonly middle socio-economic status 48(68.57%) people were affected. The predominant miasm was Psora in both groups with 30 (85.71%) cases in Group A and 28 (80 %) cases in Group B.

In Group A (Homoeopathic treatment group) Mean DLQI score was 10.58±4.969 (Mean±SD) before treatment and it reduced to 6±3.929 (Mean±SD) after treatment, while in Group B (Placebo Group) Mean DLQI Score was 9.88±4.663 (Mean±SD) before treatment and reduced to 8.62±4.314 (Mean±SD) after treatment. Homoeopathic medicines had significantly improved DLQI score Tinea corporis after treatment of 3 months with the mean difference of M = -2.800, SE = .980 as compared with placebo. Overall, there was significant difference between outcomes in the two treatment groups, Group A showed more significant decrease in DLQI score as compared to Group A.

Conclusion: The present study demonstrates that Homoeopathy can offer significant relief in cases of Tinea corporis.

Keywords – Tinea corporis, Homoeopathy, KOH