Exemplary Cures with Homoeopathic Constitutional Medicine – A case study on Hyperhidrosis
Abstract
A 21-year-old boy presented with the complaints of excessive sweating in palms, feet and axillae associated with emotional overstimulation since 7 years. Detailed history taking gave way to a constitutional approach in treatment. He was treated with constitutional medicine which yielded astounding results.
KEYWORDS
Hyperhidrosis, Homoeopathy
INTRODUCTION
Hyperhidrosis is a condition that causes excessive sweating due to an overstimulation of cholinergic receptors in eccrine glands. Sweating more than the body needs for homeostatic temperature regulation is a defining feature of this illness.
Excessive sweating is a socially embarrassing disorder, and its treatment options are receiving widespread attention.
In Homoeopathy we are guided by the belief that any morbid symptom is a riddle put forth by the altered disposition of an individual. The best and only way to achieve complete cure is to get to the core of the affection and treat the patient holistically and individually.
CASE STUDY
PRESENTING COMPLAINTS
A 21-year-old body presented with excessive sweating in palms, soles and axillae since 7 years.
DATE OF CASE TAKING: 06-02-2021
| LOCATION | SENSATION | MODALITIES | CONCOMITTANTS |
| Integumentary system Skin Palms, soles & axillae | Profuse sweat2+ No odour No staining | A/F: Anticipatory Anxiety, Fear |
HISTORY OF PRESENTING COMPLAINT
Approximately 7-8 years ago when the patient entered class X, his family suddenly had a lot of expectations from him and started worrying about his future. Until then the patient was average in studies. Since then, this complaint started before and during any anxiety/fear inducing event. Patient has to carry a hand towel with him at all times. He has difficulty writing his exam papers as his fingers become slippery and he needs to repeatedly wipe them.
PAST HISTORY
Patient suffered from a perforated appendicitis at the age of 7 years and almost went into septic shock. He underwent an emergency appendicectomy.
PERSONAL HISTORY
Appetite: Good, 4 meals per day
Thirst: Thirsty, 2-3 L/ day
Cravings: Sweets
Aversions: NIL
Bladder habits: 5-6 times/day
Bowel habits: 1t/day
Sleep & Dreams: Refreshing. Dreams unremembered.
Thermals: Hot patient (fan full speed all seasons, uncovering all seasons, ventilation all seasons, prefers loose and light clothes.)
LIFESPACE
Patient is the younger child among 2 siblings. Growing up he was always pampered and not given any responsibility. Patient thinks this might be owing to the fact that he underwent a major surgery at such a young age. Both his parents are very strict and protective but have high expectations of both the children. According to the patient it is impossible to meet these expectations at all times.
When the patient was about to get promoted to class X, his parents’ expectations of him suddenly increased. Until then he was average in studies. Since then, he started feeling the pressure and having these episodes of profuse sweating whenever he had to answer an exam or perform.
The patient realised that when the time came, he was expected to be good at things he was not allowed to do growing up unless required such as, riding a bike, doing outside chores, bankwork etc. He was always admonished upon failing to complete tasks properly. Due to this he slowly started developing an insecurity and fear of failing/disappointing.
Patient is very sensitive emotionally and feels hurt when his father admonishes him or underestimates him as he looks up to his father who is quite established professionally.
He is ambitious but feels the need of confidence.
As he grew up the patient became obstinate and rebellious and stood up to his parents when he wanted to do something. But the fear of failure, want of self-confidence and anxiety persisted.
It is now hampering the patient’s day to day activities as it is quiet embarrassing to the patient.
CHRONIC TOTALITY
| MENTAL GENERALS | PHYSICAL GENERALS | CHARACTERISTIC PARTICULARS |
| Insecure Want of self confidence Anticipatory anxiety Emotionally sensitive Ambitious Obstinate Fear of failure | Desires sweetsHot patient | Profuse perspiration in palms, soles and axillaA/F: anxiety, fear. |
REPERTORIZATION
REMEDY SELECTION
Based on the totality of the symptoms and repertorial result the remedy Lycopodium clavatum was selected.
PRESCRIPTION
RX 1. LYCOPODIUM 1M
1P EMES
2. No. ii PILLS
4—0—4 x 2 weeks
ANCILLARY MEASURES
The patient was also referred for counselling and a one-to-one session was held with the parents encouraging open communication.
FOLLOW-UP
| DATE | SYMPTOM STATUS | PRESCRIPTION |
| 01-03-2024 | Patient said that the sweating persisted but the intensity reduced.Also, he was able to cope with his anxiety. | 1. Lycopodium 1M 1P EMES2. No ii PILLS 4—-0—-4 x 2 weeks |
| 12-05-2024 | Patient reported after answering his final semester exams.This time he answered with his mind at ease.He had clammy hands before and during but there was no profuse sweating and it did not hamper his ability to write clearly. | 1. No ii PILLS 4—-0—-4 x 2 weeks |
CONCLUSION
This is a case of a 21 year old boy who presented with the complaint of Hyperhidrosis. On case taking it was realised that the hyperhidrosis was linked with the anticipatory anxiety the patient was feeling due to his inability to cope with a stressful situation. The case was treated in accordance with the Homoeopathic principles to arrive at an exemplary cure.
REFERENCES
- Sammons JE, Khachemoune A. Axillary hyperhidrosis: a focused review. J Dermatol Treat. 2017;28(7):582– 90.
- Davidson JR, Foa EB, Connor KM, Churchill LE. Hyperhidrosis in social anxiety disorder. Prog Neuropsychopharmacol Biol Psychiatry. 2002 Dec;26(7-8):1327-31. doi: 10.1016/s0278-5846(02)00297-x. PMID: 12502021.
- W Boericke. Pocket Manual of Homeopathic Materia Medica and Repertory and a Chapter on Rare and Uncommon Remedies. Wazirpur, Delhi, India: B. Jain Publishers; 1998.
