M.Tech. (Homoeopathy) / Acne vulgaris is a dermatological condition, pathologically characterized by the inflammation of the sebaceous glands and hair follices and is most prominent among adolescents (Holmes, 2001). Symptoms include the formation of inflammatory and non-inflammatory lesions, which can lead to the formation of scars (Boon et al., 2006). These eruptions occur on the chest, face, back and arms (Martini et al., 2001). The aetiology of acne vulgaris is multifactorial and hence there are a large variety of treatment options which range from topical applications to systemic drug treatment (Docrat, 2008). The homoeopathic complex remedy R53 (Comedonin) ® acne drops is a product which contains a combination of homoeopathic remedies that are used to treat the symptoms of acne vulgaris such as inflammatory and non inflammatory eruptions. The remedy R53 (Comedonin) ® is an over-the-counter remedy that is readily available and is indicated in the treatment of acne vulgaris (Dr.Reckeweg, 2010). No research has been conducted on its efficacy. The aim of this study was to determine the efficacy of R53 (Comedonin) ® acne drops in the treatment of mild to moderate acne vulgaris that presents on the face, chest and / or back in males. The evaluation of symptoms was done by using scales and the Digermizer software to calculate the surface area of the affected areas. This research study was a double blind placebo-control study that was conducted on thirty male participants between the age of fifteen to twenty years old with mild to moderate acne vulgaris on the face, back or chest. Participants who agreed to the procedure of the study were randomly divided into the treatment and placebo groups respectively. These groups consisted of fifteen participants each. The treatment group received the R53 (Comedonin) ® acne drops whereas the placebo group received the placebo drops. This research was conducted over an eight week period at the University of Johannesburg Health Centre. All the participants were instructed to take ten drops of the medication three times a day. Evaluations were conducted at week zero, week four and week eight according to APPENDIX B. As part of the evaluation, photographs of the affected areas were taken at week zero and week eight, in order to attain the surface area affected before and after the treatment period (Appendix B).

Dissertation submitted in partial compliance with the requirements for the Master's degree in Technology: Homoeopathy, Technikon Natal, 1999. / The purpose of this study was to compare the relative effectiveness of miasmatic treatment as opposed to simillimum treatment in terms of the objective clinical findings in patients with acne vulgaris. / M

M.Tech. (Homoeopathy) / Acne vulgaris is a common skin condition, affecting mostly adolescents. This study attempts to demonstrate the effect of the homoeopathically prepared remedy Testis compositum in the treatment of acne vulgaris. Thirty participants were selected for the study, but only 28 completed the study. The study was conducted over a period of 8 weeks. All the participants formed the control group during the first two weeks of the study, and then formed the experimental group for the next six weeks. During the control period, the participants received placebo medication. At the start of the control period, and at two week intervals through the duration of the study, the participants were assessed by counting the acne lesions – only facial Acne vulgaris was assessed during the trial. At the start of the control period, the start of the experimental period, and after completion of all treatment, frontal and bilateral facial photographs were taken to enable visualisation of the changes that occurred during the study. The results were statistically analysed using the t-test, the Wilcoxon test and descriptive statistics. The results show that treatment with Testis compositum had a significant effect in improving acne vulgaris.

Submitted in partial compliance with the requirements of the Master’s Degree in Technology: Homoeopathy, Durban University of Technology, 2013. / Introduction Acne vulgaris is a common skin condition (disorder of the pilosebaceous duct) which is universal in adolescence. Acne vulgaris can persist into adulthood, with 1% of males and 5% of females requiring treatment until 40 years of age. Aim The aim of this study was to determine the efficacy of a homoeopathic complex (Kalium bromatum 9CH, Natrum muriaticum 9CH, Selenium 9CH, Sulphur 9CH and Thuja occidentalis 9CH), compared to placebo, in the treatment of acne vulgaris. Methodology A total of 37 participants between the ages of 18 and 31 were recruited from the Greater Durban area by means of poster advertisements placed on notice boards in shops, pharmacies, health shops, hospitals, schools, tertiary institutions including Durban University of Technology, and other public areas. Handouts were also left at these areas for people to take home. The final sample consisted of 34 participants due to the drop out of 3 participants. After participants read an information letter (English or Zulu), fulfilled the inclusion and exclusion criteria of the research, were diagnosed as having acne vulgaris by the researcher and completed an informed consent form (English or Zulu) and confidential patient information form (English or Zulu), they were randomly assigned to an experimental (homoeopathic complex) group and a control (placebo) group. In the final sample, the experimental (homoeopathic complex) group consisted of 7 males and 10 females, and the control (placebo) group consisted of 9 males and 8 females. Consultations took place at the Durban University of Technology Homoeopathic Day Clinic, and consisted of 3 consultations, an initial consultation followed by 2 follow-up consultations at 3 weekly intervals. The treatment period for each participant was therefore 6 weeks. A case history was taken and a complete physical examination was performed for all participants. The Leeds counting technique was used to assess and measure the response to treatment. The lesions assessed were the non-inflamed lesions (blackheads and whiteheads), inflamed lesions (papules, pustules, nodules, cysts and deep pustules) and the total number of acne lesions (number of non-inflamed and inflamed lesions combined). The response to treatment was measured in terms of a reduction in the number of non-inflamed, number of inflamed and total number of acne lesions, on the face, over the 6 weeks. SPSS version 20 was used to analyse the data. A p value of < 0.05 was considered as statistically significant. Non-parametric tests were used to analyse the data. The number of non-inflamed, number of inflamed and total number of acne lesions were compared within groups using the Friedman test and between groups using the Mann-Whitney U test. The number of lesions was compared separately for males and females, and also without gender classification. Results In females, the control (placebo) group showed a statistically significant reduction in the total number of acne lesions when compared to the experimental group (p = 0.034). However, as a whole, it was concluded from the results of this study that there was no significant difference in the number of non-inflamed (p = 0.193), number of inflamed (p = 0.290), and total number of acne lesions (p = 0.193) between the experimental (homoeopathic complex) and control (placebo) groups. Both groups showed a similar reduction when compared to each other. Conclusion It was concluded that the homoeopathic complex was not effective in the treatment of acne vulgaris.