The effect of homoeopathic similimum treatment on atopic eczema

Abstract

The purpose of this placebo-controlled study was to evaluate- the degree of prcfolency of homoeopathic similirnum treatment in atopic eczema, in terms of its clinical manifestations and patients perception of the treatment. Itwas hypothesized that the patients treated with homoeopathic similirnum would respond favourably in terms of the presenting condition and that their perception of the treatment would be positive. In this experimental study the single variable design was used for its 'before-andafter with control'. Thirty patients were selected from the greater Durban area, according to the diagnostic criteria of atopic eczema as identified by Hanifin and Rajka (1980) and divided into two groups according to simple random sampling. Data were collected at the Homoeopathic Day Clinic at Technikon Natal. Group 1 received placebo and group 2 received homoeopathic similirnum treatment Patients received 4 treatments over a period of 3 months and data were obtained at the first and last consultation. The Patient's Perception Questionnaire and the General Well-Being Schedule were completed by the patients in the presence of the researcher. The Oinical Evaluation Index was completed by the researcher.