Positive Health Online

Abstract

SMITH and colleagues, Loma Lux Laboratories, Tulsa, OK, USA, ssmith@lomalux.com, evaluated the effects of a homeopathic mineral therapy in patients with seborrhoeic dermatitis and/or chronic dandruff .

Background

Sufferers of seborrhoeic dermatitis and/or chronic dandruff can purchase over-the-counter remedies to help relieve the signs and symptoms of their condition(s). There is some evidence to indicate that low doses of nickel and bromide, taken orally, can help to improve and eventually eliminate the problem(s).

Methodology

In this randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial, 41 patients with seborrhoeic dermatitis and/or chronic dandruff were treated with either a homeopathic medicine (combining Potassium bromide 1X, Sodium bromide 2X, Nickel sulfate 3X and Sodium chloride 6X ) or an oral placebo (vehicle) for 10 weeks . At the end of 10 weeks, all patients were placed on 'active' (the homeopathic ) medicine (under a different label/visual form) for a further 10 weeks on an open-label (i.e. unblinded) basis.

Results

29 patients completed the double-blind 10 weeks of the study. Patients receiving the oral homeopathic medicine improved significantly in comparison with the placebo-treated patients during the first 10 weeks of the study. At the end of the second 10 weeks of the study, during which time all patients crossed over to the active treatment, the placebo -treated group also showed significant improvement .

Conclusion

The low-dose oral homeopathic preparation (combining Potassium bromide 1X, Sodium bromide 2X, Nickel sulfate 3X and Sodium chloride 6X) used in this study was able to significantly improve signs and symptoms of seborrhoeic dermatitis and chronic dandruff after 10 weeks of treatment.

References

Smith SA et al. Effective treatment of seborrheic dermatitis using a low dose, oral homeopathic medication consisting of potassium bromide, sodium bromide, nickel sulfate, and sodium chloride in a double-blind, placebo-controlled study. Alternative Medicine Review 7 (1): 59-67. Feb 2002.

Comment

This is an encouraging result, particularly due to the frequent intransigence of skin conditions to conventional medical treatments.