Evaluating feasibility of a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial ofindividualized homeopathic medicines in tinea corporis

The prevalence of superficial mycotic infection worldwide is 20-25% of which dermatophytes are the most common agents. Due to the lack of updated national or international guidelines on the management of tinea corporis, cruris, and pedis, treatment with systemic antifungals is often empirical. Although there is sufficient evidence to demonstrate the efficacy of topical antifungals in limited disease yet, there is scarce data on the frequency of relapse once topical monotherapy is discontinued. Though homeopathy is a popular choice among the patients, but peer-reviewed researches in tinea infection has remained seriously compromised. In this double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial at D. N. De Homoeopathic Medical College and Hospital, 34 patients suffering from tinea corporis will be randomized to receive either individualized homoeopathic medicines (verum; n=17) or identical-looking placebo (control; n=17). We aim to address the feasibility issues of conducting a definitive efficacy trial of individualized homoeopathy and to investigate whether there are any differences in outcomes between these two groups over 2 months of intervention. Number of patients in each group showing complete disappearance of the skin lesion, intensity of pruritus measured by 0-10 numeric rating scales (NRS) and Skindex-29 scores will be used as the primary and secondary outcome measures. Feasibility issues will be checked and comparative analysis will be carried out to examine group differences, if any. Results will be published in scientific journals.