Written by: Jasmine Biju
There are many reasons that have the capability of causing medical ailments: weak immune system, imbalances within the body, etc. Homeopathy and allopathy are two medical practices that are used to manage various medical conditions. Homeopathy refers to a medical system by which a holistic and natural course of remediation is used to restore a healthy state. On the other hand, allopathy refers to the mainstream medical usage of pharmaceutical drugs and treatments to restore a state of health. Regarding dermatological conditions, such as psoriasis, researchers have investigated the comparison of homeopathic and allopathic means of treatment.
Homeopathy is concerned with the notion that the body can remediate by itself. The basic belief is that something that can induce symptoms can, in a smaller dosage, treat a condition that induces similar symptoms. An example is onions, which cause the eyes to water: it is used in homeopathic remedies to treat allergies, which produce a similar symptom. In the treatment process, natural substances, such as plants and minerals, are used to stimulate the natural healing process conducted by the body. Common ingredients that are used include poison ivy, white arsenic, and arnica. Through a process called homeopathic potentization, said ingredients are weakened through the addition of water or alcohol. Their fundamental belief is that the lower the dosage, the more efficacious the medicine. Homeopathic doctors believe that such treatment not only strengthens the immune system but also boosts the overall psychological well-being of the patient.
Allopathy is the usage of conventional medicines to treat symptoms. The process of allopathic medicine relies on clinical examination, the establishment of diagnosis, and a focus on a patient’s symptoms. Allopathic doctors follow medical guidelines and utilize several diagnostic tests to deduce the best treatment plan: they prescribe FDA-approved medications, which are developed based upon robust evidence of efficacy: however, allopathic medicines are not free from side effects, despite the rigorous approval processes. Allopathy is based upon the notion that the course of medicinal treatment should have a counteracting effect on the symptoms induced by the disease.
Some case studies have been conducted to analyze which of the two means of treatment is more effective in helping skin conditions such as psoriasis, an autoimmune condition that causes inflammation in the skin. In general, there is minimal evidence that deems homeopathic medicine as beneficial in treating psoriasis.
Homeopathic medicinal treatments for psoriasis may include the utilization of a broad range of ingredients, from herbs to metals: sulfur, nickel, arsencium album, and natrum sulphuricum. However, there is no concrete evidence that authorizes such treatments as safe or effective. Though it remains uncertain, health practitioners have some concerns regarding the practice of homeopathy. The National Institutes of Health outlines two main concerns: unclear side effects and toxicity. In homeopathic remedies, there is no standardized dosage system. Even though most homeopathic products are diluted solutions of active ingredients, some products may surpass the threshold of what is safe. Furthermore, some treatments utilize heavy metals, which are considered to be toxic. If the quantity of such metals is sufficient, it may propose serious health risks.
Some case reports, however, have indicated that homeopathic treatments do propose benefits: although, the authority of these studies is questionable in reliability. Regardless, it is important to consider that there still remains extensive research that needs to be conducted to substantiate such claims. Homeopathy does not obtain the same validity as allopathy: the usage of various active ingredients is not approved by the Food and Drug Administration as medical treatments, and thus it may propose a series of health risks. Although allopathic treatments do not offer a cure for psoriasis and may have side effects, all of the treatment options that are available to consumers are approved by the FDA: so, the effectiveness and scientific claims proposed by such medications are validated by the FDA. This reassurance does not exist with homeopathic medications. All in all, it is important to consult with a healthcare professional before seeking out alternative medicine to establish the best treatment plan for you.
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References:
Martin, L. “What to know about allopathic medicine.” Medical News Today, https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/allopathic-medicine
Wilson, D. “Homeopathy for psoriasis vs. allopathy.” Medical News Today, https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/homeopathy-for-psoriasis
“How is Allopathy Different from homeopathy?” American University of Antigua, https://www.auamed.org/india-blog/how-is-allopathy-different-from-homeopathy/
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