Homeopathy treatment and pemphigus vulgaris: case series

Homeopathy treatment and pemphigus vulgaris: case series Dr. Shirani, A.M.* - Dr. Mousavi, F.** *Assistant Professor of Oral Medicine & Diagnosis Dept., Faculty of Dentistry, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences. **Associate Professor of Oral Medicine & Diagnosis Dept., Faculty of Dentistry, Tehran University / Medical Sciences. Abstract Introduction: Pemphigus vulgaris is a chronic vesicular and autoimmune disease that involves the skin and mucosal membranes. The prevalence is low and drugs used for treating pemphigus have a lot of side effects. It has been suggested that homeopathy may be helpful in treating pemphigus conditions. The aim of this study was to evaluate the role of homeopathy in treatment of pemphigus vulgaris patients. Report of Cases: A total of 12 new patients were identified over 1.5 year period. Those who did not used any drug for treatment of their pemphigus. Seven patients volunteered to be treated by homeopathy. Homeopathy treatment was applied for four weeks during the waiting period until biopsy confirmation report was received. No drug was used over this period in order to evaluate the efficacy of homeopathy alone. By the end of homeopathy treatment, patients were evaluated regarding the number of lesions, amount of pain and their wellness. According to the findings, two patients had prominent remission and six of them reported feeling better and had less pain. It seems that homeopathy does not have the expected efficacy of conventional therapy in controlling pemphigus conditions, but it may be used together with conventional treatment in order to reduce pain, dosage of corticosteroid medication used and also facilitates patients' recovery. In conclusion, further studies are required in order to determine the value of homeopathy more accurately when treating pemphigus conditions. Key words: Pemphigus vulgaris – Homeopathy – Wellness - Number of lesions - Pain Corresponding Author: Oral Medicine & Diagnosis Dept., Faculty of Dentistry, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences. e.mail: [email protected]