Clinical
evaluation of homoeopathic medicines in the management of
allergic
dermatitis
Objectives: The objectives of the
study were to evolve a group of most effective homoeopathic medicines in the management
of allergic dermatitis and to identify their reliable indications, most useful
potencies, frequency of administration and relationship with other medicines.
Methods: The study was
conducted at Clinical Research Unit, Gurgaon (Haryana) from 1980 to 2003 and at
Clinical Research Unit, Patiala (Punjab) from 1985 to 2003. This long term
observational clinical trial was conducted on 1734 cases involving 796 males
and 938 females. The cases of both sexes and of all age groups were included in
the study on the basis of presence of subjective or objective symptoms guiding
to the diagnosis of Allergic dermatitis and on other predefined parameters. The
diagnosis was made on the basis of symptoms or pathological findings or both.
The prescriptions were made after detailed case taking as per homoeopathic
principles.
Results: One thousand, two hundred and twenty four cases were followed up
regularly out of which varying degree of improvement were observed in 1182
cases i.e. marked improvement in 521 cases,
moderate improvement in 403 cases and mild improvement in 258 cases. 42 cases
showed no improvement. The most
efficacious medicines were: Apis mellifica (n=91), Bovista (n=45), Dulcamara (n=60), Graphites (n=69), Natrum muriaticum (n=87), Petroleum (n=140), Rhus toxicodendron (n=114), Sepia (n=381), Sulphur (n=338) and Urtica urens (n=71). The indicated
medicines were found to be effective in both lower as well as higher potencies
(6, 30, 200, 1M or 10 M). Sepia was
followed well/complemented by Sulphur
in 143 cases, by Hydrocotyle in 133
cases and by Chrysarobinum in 58 cases. Sulphur
was followed well/complemented by Sepia
in 60 cases and Hydrocotyle in 116
cases.
Conclusion: The outcome of the
study shows that homoeopathic medicines have effective role in managing
Allergic dermatitis and allied skin conditions. The objectives to identify a
group of effective medicines and with their useful potencies, reliable
indications and relationship with other medicines were achieved. However,
further study with improved parameters for diagnosis, follow up and outcome
assessment is required to reach at definitive conclusion.
Keywords: Homoeopathy; allergic
dermatitis; allergic contact dermatitis; urticaria; atopic dermatitis; Patch
test
G. C. Sahagal
Clinical Research Unit, (H), Patiala
Y. S. Chillar, Dr. Raj Pal
Clinical Research Unit, (H), Gurgaon