08/02/2023
HOMEOPATHY IN DERMATOLOGY
Many dermatological diseases do not have definitive cures and the available treatments sometimes have serious potential side-effects. Patients can therefore suffer from these disorders for many years, with corresponding effects on their quality of life over this period. These are some of the reasons why patients turn to CAM methods, including homeopathy.12
Homeopathy is by nature a therapeutic system that is individualised and based on the psyche of the individual. This is in line with evidence from regular dermatologic practice that suggests that many chronic dermatoses have an underlying psychosomatic basis.
The literature suggests homeopathy’s efficacy in the therapy of dermatological diseases is growing and includes research, which suggest its usefulness for acne,13 atopic dermatitis,9,14 lichen planus,15,16 cutaneous lymphoma,17 psoriasis,18,19 rosacea,20 and dermatitis herpetiformis,21 amongst others.
The special characteristic of homeopathic medicines of not having molecules in them makes them attractive for use in pregnancy, as teratogenicity is not likely to be a significant issue.
Allergy and toxicity are also not to be expected with the use of homeopathic medicines. However, following the use of homeopathic remedies, especially individualised treatments, there may be an initial aggravation, followed by an amelioration. Patients need to know this, as it an important sign of a correctly selected remedy, but may be a source of anxiety for the patients.
Usually, following the application of properly selected homeopathic treatments there is a tendency to permanent remission.
Homeopathic therapies are very cheap and therefore have the possibility of bringing down healthcare costs, while being at the same time environmentally friendly.
Many physicians have shown a desire to learn about CAM, in order to better advice their patients who may wish these treatments.22
CONCLUSIONS
Homeopathy is a system of medicine, which is gentle and safe for all categories of patients, including infants and pregant women.
Homeopathic treatment should usually be given by a trained physician, so that the patient’s clinical status can be properly monitored.
Although there have been reports of serious adverse effects, these have often been of products wrongly labelled as being homeopathic.
By its very nature, i.e. treating each person as an individual, homeopathic therapy and research has the potential to drive a paradigm shift in medicine and its approach to health and disease. Empathy is necessary for good medical practice and homeopathy requires empathy in order to achieve good results.
Empathy has been shown to improve patient outcomes, while avoiding burnout in physicians.23 As a result, homeopathy is potentially able to result in a gain for the entire medical system by way of lowering costs, improving patient outcomes and reducing burnout in physicians who practice it. �
References:
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2. Samuel Hahnemann. Britannica website. https://www.britannica.com/biography/Samuel-Hahnemann. Accessed June 27, 2019.
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21. Nwabudike LC. Homeopathy in the Treatment of Dermatitis Herpetiformis-A Case Presentation. Homoeopathic Links. 2015; 28(01):044-6.
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