Examining the efficacy of external medicine and internal homoeopathic medications for heel cracks:A comparative study

Heel fissures, another name for cracked heels, are a common foot ailment that can cause pain or discomfort in addition to being an aesthetic problem.

A significant percentage of the population is prone to heel cracks, which are more common in specific populations such as the elderly, people with diabetes, and people whose jobs require standing for extended periods of time. Housewives and maids are especially prone to heel cracks because of a number of distinctive aspects of their work environment and everyday activities: A lot of the time, housewives and maids stand, walk, and work long hours on household duties. Performing household chores like dishwashing, mopping floors, and laundry frequently exposes one to water and cleaning supplies. Detergents and cleaning products can be abrasive to the skin, making it more prone to dryness and irritation. Without protective gear like gloves, prolonged exposure to these chemicals can worsen skin dryness and cause cracked heels. Farmers are also prone to heel cracks, especially if they operate in inadequate footwear or barefoot and routinely do chores that require extended exposure to soil and water. Severe heel cracks can impair mobility and negatively impact day-to-day activities by causing pain, discomfort, and trouble walking.

 According to the (IJDVL) Indian Journal of Dermatology Venerology and Leprology “Prevalence and correlates of fissure foot in a rural area, the prevalence is found to be more among the females (58.4%) than in males (33.3%) and it is more among the housewives(63.7%), and among the farmers(41.9%).Low weight and non-use of footwear are significantly associated with fissuring,40% of the affected group felt that this is more acute during winter.

Classic homeopathic medicine can be used as a holistic natural treatment of heel cracks. Potential advantages of incorporating homeopathic medicine in the conventional dermatology practice include low cost, availability, ease of administration, patient acceptability, and reduction in topical steroid use. Sometimes patient may experience burning and stinging after application of topical agents, such as topical steroids and Particularly in those with sensitive skin or allergies, topical therapies can occasionally result in irritation, allergic reactions, or side effects. Additionally, patients also may see improvements in symptoms caused by seemingly unrelated medical conditions when their cracked heel is treated holistically with homeopathic medicine.

 External application able to lock moisture into the damaged skin on the cracked heels .this may prevent the skin from drying out and cracking. It can effectively reduce pain and heel crack. Petroleum jelly has been widely used for its moisturizing and protective properties, making it a potential solution for managing heel fissures. This study aims to evaluate the efficacy of petroleum jelly as an external application in the treatment of heel fissures. The research focuses on understanding its role in enhancing skin hydration, forming a protective barrier to prevent moisture loss, promoting healing, and reducing the risk of infections.

RESEARCH QUESTION:

Whether the patient suffering from heel cracks will get beneficial result after taking homoeopathic medicines or External application?

 Hypothesis

Null Hypothesis:There is no significant difference in the treatment outcomes of heel cracks between patients treated with external medication and those treated with internal homoeopathic medicines.

Alternative Hypothesis: There is a significant difference in the treatment outcomes of heel cracks between patients treated with external medication and those treated with internal homoeopathic medicines.