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Homœopathic Links 2022; 35(04): 251-259
DOI: 10.1055/s-0042-1755381
Original Article

Role of Homoeopathy in Managing Chronic Paronychia: A Pretest–Posttest Interventional Study

Gurudev Choubey 
1   Clinical Research Unit for Homoeopathy, Siliguri, under Central Council for Research in Homoeopathy, Ministry of AYUSH, Govt. of India, Siliguri, West Bengal, India
,
Laijun Nahar 
2   Regional Research Institute for Homoeopathy, Agartala, under Central Council for Research in Homoeopathy, Ministry of AYUSH, Govt. of India, Agartala, Tripura, India
,
Rajib Purkait 
1   Clinical Research Unit for Homoeopathy, Siliguri, under Central Council for Research in Homoeopathy, Ministry of AYUSH, Govt. of India, Siliguri, West Bengal, India
,
Abhiram Banerjee 
1   Clinical Research Unit for Homoeopathy, Siliguri, under Central Council for Research in Homoeopathy, Ministry of AYUSH, Govt. of India, Siliguri, West Bengal, India
,
Varanasi Roja 
3   Central Council for Research in Homoeopathy, Ministry of AYUSH, Govt. of India, New Delhi, India
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Abstract

Background Chronic paronychia (CP), one of the commonest recalcitrant nail disorders, is a troublesome source of considerable discomfort to the patients, which negatively affects the quality of life (QoL) mainly of the housewives reporting in the Indian subcontinent.

Objective The aim of this study is to assess the utility of individualised homoeopathic treatment (IHT) in managing painful episodes with the improvement in QoL of CP patients.

Method A pretest–posttest clinical study was conducted on 40 patients with CP. The Numeric Rating Scale (NRS) and Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI) were the outcome measures, assessed at baseline and after 2 months of IHT. Modified Naranjo Criteria (MNC) evaluated the possible causal attribution of IHT.

Results There was a statistically significant reduction in pain NRS score (8.89 ± 0.84 vs 2.97 ± 1.17; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 5.44–6.39; p < 0.01) as well as DLQI score (19.35 ± 2.95 vs 3.59 ± 1.99; 95% CI = 15.06–16.45; p < 0.01) among 37 patients. The large effect size derived (4.17) clinically, substantiates the beneficial effects in managing the painful episodes of CP. The MNC scores (7–10) ascertained the likelihood of improvement due to IHT.

Conclusion IHT significantly reduced the pains due to CP and improved the QoL. Further studies are warranted with enhanced methodology.

Keywords

paronychia - homoeopathy - pain - quality of life

Statement of Ethics

Ethical clearance was obtained from IEC, Siliguri (Ref no.: 60/2018–19/CRU(H)/Ethical/Slg/07.08.2018) before initiation of the study and was prospectively registered in the Clinical Trials Registry – India (Trial registration: CTRI-REF/2019/04/025510). Informed consent was taken from all the participants who were part of the study. Necessary measures were taken to ensure the confidentiality and anonymity of patients.




Publication History

Article published online:
29 December 2022

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