Homeopathic treatment of ringworm

Phase 3

Completed

Brief Summary: The prevalence of superficial mycotic infection worldwide is 20-25% of which dermatophytes are the most common agents. Over the last few years, studies on epidemiology of dermatophytic infection from different part of India have shown a rising trend in the prevalence of cutaneous dermatophytosis with change in spectrum of infection and isolation of some uncommon species. 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. So here remains a scope of other non-invasive and alternative therapies including homeopathy for tinea infection that needs to be evaluated in terms of safety, effectiveness, and mechanisms. In this prospective, open, randomised, pragmatic, parallel arm trial at D. N. De Homoeopathic Medical College and Hospital, 60 patients suffering from tinea corporis will be randomised in 1:1 ratio into either individualised homeopathic medicines in centesimal potency or individualised homeopathic medicines in 50 millesimal potency. 0-10 numeric rating scale will be used as the as primary outcome, and Skindex-29 and DLQI will be used as the secondary outcome measures, measured at baseline, after 6 and 12 weeks. At the end of 3 months, comparative analysis will be carried out to detect group differences, if any. Results will be published in scientific journals.

Recruitment & Eligibility

Inclusion Criteria

Diagnosed case of Tinea corporis, suffering for at least 3 months (ICD 10 B35.4) 2.
Age 18-65 yrs 3.
Both sexes 4.
Literate patients who are able to read or write 5.
Patient using topical agents for tinea lesions will be included after a washout period of two weeks.

Exclusion Criteria

Cases with complications like lichenification and eczematisation 2.
Similar looking skin conditions; e.g. seborrhic dermatitis, pityriasis rosea and some types of psoriasis 3.
Patients who are too sick for consultation, unable to read patient information sheet, unwilling to take part or not giving consent to join the study 4.
Diagnosed cases of unstable mental or psychiatric illness or other uncontrolled or life-threatening illness affecting quality of life or any organ failure 5.
Pregnant women and lactating mothers 6.
Substance abuse and/or dependence 7.
Self-reported immune-compromised state, and 8.
Already undergoing homeopathic treatment for chronic disease within last 6 months.

Primary Outcome Measures

Name	Time	Method
0-10 Numeric rating scale measuring intensity of itching	At baseline, after 6 weeks and after 12 weeks

Secondary Outcome Measures

Name	Time	Method
Skindex-29 questionnaire	At baseline, after 6 weeks and after 12 weeks
Dermatological Life Quality Index (DLQI) questionnaire	At baseline, after 6 weeks and after 12 weeks

Locations (1): D. N. De Homoeopathic Medical College & Hospital
🇮🇳
Kolkata, WEST BENGAL, India
D. N. De Homoeopathic Medical College & Hospital
🇮🇳Kolkata, WEST BENGAL, India
Pallavi Hazra
Principal investigator
9681974966
pallavihazra1991@gmail.com