The effect of a homoeopathic hydrogel complex in the appearance of dry and cracked plantar skin

Abstract: Dry skin of the plantar region of the feet is a common condition. Symptoms tend to be exaggerated in people that exert excessive pressure on their feet. The condition tends to be associated with cracks, redness, flaking and peeling, as well as itching of plantar skin. Creams, ointments or any other topical applications as well as corticosteroid therapy are used by many patients for dry plantar skin. Homoeopathic therapies are routinely used for the management of skin diseases. The study aimed to determine the effect of a topical application of a homoeopathic hydrogel complex consisting of Graphites naturalis D10, Petroleum D10, Silicea terra D10, Sarsaparilla officinalis D10 and Sulphur D10 in the appearance of dry and cracked plantar skin. This complex was prepared and prescribed according to homoeopathic principles and there has been no known research conducted with regards to this combination of homoeopathic treatment. This was a double blind, control study where participants completed a physical examination and an examination of the feet. The feet were assessed by means of a symptom rated six-point Likert scale, visual analogue scale for pain as well as physical measurements made with a Digimizer software programme on photos taken from the feet to determine the size of the lesions. The data collected was statistically analysed and interpreted. The Digimizer measurements revealed that both groups displayed an improvement for area in the right and left foot. The unmedicated hydrogel (control group) however improved significantly more compared to the medicated hydrogel (experimental group). The measurements for perimeter, length and width revealed that the mean of the lesions measured for the experimental group increased in the right and left foot and decreased in control group. The experimental group showed a statistically insignificant difference between the consultations, where the control group showed a statistically significant difference. The Likert scale score cross tabulation demonstrated that participants experienced an improvement in their symptoms for dryness, cracking, redness, itching and tingling as well as the total Likert scale scores. Participant numbers for flaking and peeling rated as “none to mild” however decreased in the experimental group. In contrast the control group increased in the “none to mild” category demonstrating an average percentage improvement for flaking and peeling. The medicated hydrogel did not show a statistically significant improvement over time while the unmedicated hydrogel indicated a statistically significant improvement over time for dryness, cracking, flaking, peeling and the total Likert scale scores. A statistically insignificant result was found in both groups for redness, itching and tingling. The cross tabulation for the visual analogue scale for pain showed that majority of the participants experienced a statically significant improvement in their levels of pain in the feet in each consultation for both groups. The study concluded that the hydrogel acted as an effective base for the effective hydration and improvement of symptoms of dry, cracked plantar skin. The overall results do not support the hypothesis that the homoeopathic hydrogel complex would assist in treating the appearance of dry and cracked plantar skin and thus not demonstrably more efficacious than unmedicated hydrogel. However, due to the various factors including the effect of ethanol content, homoeopathic treatment philosophy and associated with the administration of the medicated complex, further research is warranted over a longer period of time to account for these factors

HIV and ENT

No Abstract

“By patience, labour and prayer . The voice of the unseen God in the language of the Bechuana Nation .” A reflection on the history of Robert Moffat’s Setswana Bible (1857)1

The translation of the Bible into Setswana by Robert Moffat in 1857 was the first in an African language in sub-Sahara Africa and also the first Bible to be printed here — at the mission station at Kuruman, 150 years ago. This Bible translation had an enormous influence, reaching the Batswana people in different countries in Southern Africa and is still held in high esteem by them. The question should be asked why? What made Moffat’s Setswana Bible so popular? The relevant primary sources — collected and studied as the focus of this article — suggest that it might have been the daily life and work ofthis missionary and his wife for nearly half a century amongst the Batswana. Robert and Mary Moffat convinced “the Bechuana nation” to accept and read the Gospel in their own language, by living “the voice of the Unseen God”

A qualitative study of the experience of primary caregivers of patients receiving end of life hospice care

Introduction. A life-threatening illness impacts profoundly not only the patient but also the family. As the spouse or partner is often the primary caregiver for patients with a life-threatening illness it especially affects the couple as a unit, rather than isolated individuals. The Aim of this study. To explore and describe and describe the experience of primary caregivers of patients at end of life receiving care from Hospice Bloemfontein. Objectives. 1. To obtain an in-depth description of the experience of primary caregivers of patients within hospice care. 2. To explore and describe primary caregivers' coping mechanism while providing care. 3. To explore and describe support structures and resources that assist the primary caregiver. Methods. A qualitative study was conducted through individual semi-structured interviews, to explore the experiences of primary caregivers taking care of their partners with a life-limiting disease in hospice care in Bloemfontein, Free State. Results. The findings of this study reflect on the complex experiences and emotional responses of primary caregivers taking care of their partners with a life-limiting disease in hospice care. It also reflects on the demands that are placed on those caregivers to meet all the different and multidimensional needs of their ill partners, which include the effect it has on them financially, physically, and personally. The study further reflects on their emotional reaction to the illness, their caregiving and the impending death of their partners in a context where they are often isolated. Certain factors added to and others relieved caregivers' distress. Although there were common themes, the reactions and experiences of all participants were unique and individual. As a consequence of these demands some of the caregivers in the study experienced exhaustion, physical complaints, isolation, sleeplessness, spiritual distress, and unmet needs. Conclusions. This study reflects on the importance of the role of caregivers as an active participant in providing care and comfort during the final stages of the illness of a patient, but also reinforces the critical need to provide the necessary and adequate support to those caregivers. A thorough assessment is necessary to respond holistically to the unique and individual needs, challenges, and concerns of families

Challenging the state. Churches as political actors in South Africa. 1980-1994

Die jeugdige Tristan A Borer (1965 - ), "Assistant Professor of Government" by Connecticut College, Notre Dame, het Suid-Afrika drie keer in die loop van vier jaar besoek. Tydens sy besoek in 1993 het hy onderhoude met 'n twintigtal meningsvormers in die geledere van die Suid-Afrikaanse Raad van Kerke (SARK) en die Suider-Afrikaanse Katolieke Biskopskonferensie (SAKBK) gevoer: van Chikane en Cochrane, tot Kistner, Beyers Naudé, Nolan en Villa-Vicencio