Abstract
Background Acne is often treated at homeopathic clinics in India based on existing literature
without using any measurable parameters and the outcomes are seldom reported, hence
this study.
Objective To evaluate the effects of homeopathy on the treatment of acne using specific outcome
measures related to severity and disability.
Methods It is an open, single-arm, non-comparative study undertaken at a clinic located in
rural India using individualised homeopathy. Global Acne Grading System (GAGS) scores
and Cardiff Acne Disability Index (CADI) scores were analysed at baseline and post
medication at 3 and 6 months using one-way repeated measure analysis of variance (ANOVA)
in Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 19 to assess the outcomes
of intervention.
Results Eighty-four patients enrolled in the study were analysed under modified intention
to treat approach. Nat-m (n = 14), Calc-s (n = 14), Sulph (n = 13), Kali-br (n = 10) and Hep-s (n = 9) were the most frequently used remedies. Significant differences were found
in the severity of the disease and quality of life (QoL) from baseline to 6 months
in terms of GAGS (mean difference, 15.47; standard error [SE], 0.69; 95% confidence
interval [CI], 13.79–17.16; p < 0.001) and CADI (mean difference, 6.94; SE, 0.33; 95% CI, 6.12–7.75; p < 0.001) scores. A one–way repeated measures ANOVA was calculated and significant
effects were found for GAGS scores (Wilks's lambda = 0.142; F [2, 82] = 248.50; p < 0.001; effect size = 0.748) and CADI scores (Wilks's lambda = 0.159; F [2, 82] = 217; p < 0.001; η2 = 0.786) at baseline and 3 and 6 months post medication. There was a positive correlation
between the GAGS and CADI: r = 0.585, n = 84, p < 0.001.
Conclusions Acne can be effectively treated at homeopathic clinics along with improvement in
QoL of patients. Increase in severity of acne was associated with worsening of QoL.
Further pragmatic studies with comparative cohort is desirable.
Keywords
acne vulgaris - CADI - GAGS - homeopathy - quality of life
