Homoeopathic versus placebo therapy of children with warts on the hands: a randomized, double-blind clinical trial

Abstract

Background: Despite the wide practical application of homoeopathy, scientific proof of its effectiveness and mechanisms is still lacking, and sound, placebo-controlled studies are scarce.

Objective: The purpose of our study was to evaluate the efficacy of homoeopathy in a prospective, double-blind randomized trial.

Methods: 60 children aged 6-12 years with common warts on the back of the hands were treated either with an individually selected homoeopathic preparation (n = 30) of at least a 1:1,012 dilution or with pure placebo in the form of saccharose globuli (n = 30) under double-blind conditions. The area occupied by warts was measured by computerized planimetry before and after 8 weeks of treatment. Reduction of the warty area by at least 50% was considered a response.

Results: There were a total of 16 responders: 9 of 30 patients in the homoeopathic therapy group and 7 of 30 patients in the placebo group (chi 2 = 0.34, p = 0.56). Total cure of warts occurred in 5 patients in the treated group and in 1 patient in the placebo group (chi 2 = 1.46, p = 0.22).

Conclusion: There was no apparent difference between the effects of homoeopathic therapy and placebo in children with common warts under the conditions of this study.