Role of Homoeopathic Medicine in the Management of Recurrent Stye in the 5–25 Years Age Group: A Prospective Open-Label Clinical Study
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.22721021Keywords:
Array, Array, Array, Array, Array, Array, ArrayAbstract
Background: Stye (hordeolum externum) is an acute staphylococcal infection of the eyelash
follicle or sebaceous gland of the eyelid. Recurrence is common, particularly in children and
young adults, and conventional treatment (warm compresses, topical antibiotics) does not reliably
prevent recurrence. Homoeopathic medicines are widely used for recurrent styes, but controlled
clinical data are limited.
Aim: To evaluate the efficacy of individualised homoeopathic medicines in reducing the
frequency and severity of recurrent stye in patients aged 5–25 years.
Materials and Methods: A prospective, open-label, single-arm interventional study of 6 months'
duration was conducted on 60 patients (5–25 years) with a history of ≥3 stye episodes in the
preceding 12 months. Individualised homoeopathic medicines in 30C/200C potency were
prescribed after case-taking. Outcome measures were: number of stye episodes per 6 months,
episode duration, Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) pain score, need for conventional rescue
treatment, and Stye Recurrence Severity Score (SRSS). Data were analysed using paired t-tests
and Wilcoxon signed-rank tests.
Results: Mean episodes fell from 4.83 ± 1.04 (6 months pre-treatment) to 1.27 ± 1.01 (6 months
of treatment), a 73.7% reduction (p < 0.001). Mean episode duration fell from 7.4 to 3.9 days;
mean VAS from 6.1 to 2.5. Silicea (28.3%), Pulsatilla (21.7%), Hepar sulphuris (18.3%) and
Staphysagria (13.3%) were the most frequently indicated medicines. No adverse drug reactions
were reported.
Conclusion: Individualised homoeopathic treatment significantly reduced the frequency and
severity of recurrent stye in the 5–25 years age group. Randomised controlled trials with larger
samples are warranted.
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