The efficacy of a homoeopathic eczema complex (Herpin 2) in the treatment of atopic eczema

Abstract

The aim of this study was to determine what role a homoeopathic eczema complex (Herpin 2\xAE) has to play in the management of atopic eczema. A sample of thirty patients was obtained by means of convenience sampling from the greater Durban area. From this sample fifteen were treated with the homoeopathic eczema complex and the remaining fifteen received placebo treatment. The double blind protocol was used to conduct this study with all medications being dispensed by a neutral party. Every four weeks for the duration of the two-month trial, the percentage body surface area affected by eczematous lesions was measured and recorded and questionnaires regarding the patients' perception of the treatment were completed. The subjective data obtained from the questionnaires, and the objective data obtained from the measurement of the percentage body surface area were statistically analysed by means of the Mann-Whitney U-test and the Wilcoxon's signed ranks test. In each case a was set at 0.05 specified level of significance. The null hypothesis, with respect to the Mann-Whitney U-test, was accepted if p ~ a and it was rejected if p < a. For the Wilcoxon's signed ranks test, the null hypothesis was accepted if a and it was rejected if p/2 < a. (p= reported pvalue) iii The results of the study indicate that there is no statistical difference between the placebo and treatment groups with regards to the subjective and objective