Abstract : Oral herpes simplex labialis, it is known as cold sores, are a common viral infection involving herpes simplex virus-1(HSV-1).In this case study of cold sores Patient come with the symptoms of Painful red blisters with itching and soreness at lower lips . It is difficult to manage clinically. Despite this, homeopathic medicines play a very effective role in cold soreness. In Homoeopathy this case managed very well after prescribing Natrium Muriaticum 200 STAT tongue dose.Here Natrium muriaticum act as curative medicine.It prevents further occurrence of cold sores and also decreases post complications. If it is well managed after treatment then chances of further occurrence is also nil.
Keyword : cold sores, prevention, homoeopathy
Introduction
Herpes simplex virus (HSV) causes recurrent mucocutaneous infection; HSV- 1 typically involves the mucocutaneous surfaces of the head and neck whilst HSV-2 predominantly involves the genital mucosa The seroprevalence of HSV-1 is 30-100 % . Infection is acquired by inoculation of viruses shed by an infected individual onto a mucosal surface in a susceptible person. The virus infects sensory and autonomic neurons and establishes latent infection in the nerve ganglia.
Clinical Features
They are small tiny fluids filled on the lips, chin, cheeks, inside the gums or roof of the mouth. Causes
Cold sores are caused by the most common virus herpes simplex virus type-1 (HSV-1) and sometimes type-2 (HSV-2). HSV-1 spreads through eating utensils, razors and towels, HSV-2 is responsible for genital herpes but can spread to face by close contact or relationship such as kissing oral sex.
The viruses live in a cluster of nerve cells (ganglion) at the side of the face, known as the trigeminal ganglion. People get a cold sore if the viruses move along the nerves to the lips, where they cause the typical symptoms.
Recurrence:
Recurrent attacks occur throughout life, most often in association with concomitant medical illness, mechanical trauma, immunosuppression, psychological stress or for oral lesions, ultraviolet light exposure. HSV reactivation in the oral mucosa produces the classical ‘cold sore’ or ‘herpes labialis’. Prodromal hyperaesthesia is followed by rapid vesiculation, pustulation and crusting.
A case profile : A case came to our OPD of government homoeopathic medical college and hospital on 11/04/2024. The patient reported that the complaint of red blisters on lower lips and burning with intense itching aggravates at night.
History of present illness – Complaints arise 1 week before, complaints start gradually with red blisters on lower lip.
Past history – diagnosed with gall bladder stone in January 2024
Physical generals
Appetite-adequate
Thirst- approx 3 liter /day
Desire- spicy food
Sleep- sleepiness
Stool- normal
Urine-normal
Perspiration-profuse on forehead while eating food
Thermal- hot
Mental generals
Mental or physical inactivity or insensibility.
Sluggishness, lethargy.
Sensitive to opinion of others very energetic and constantly talking about his complaint, very loquacious Irritable in nature.
Provisional diagnosis – Herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) Cold sores
Repertorial totality ( Synthesis repertory)
1 MIND – EXCITEMENT
2 MIND – EXCITEMENT – morning
3 MIND – SENSITIVE -opinion of others; to the
4 FACE – BLEEDING of lips – Lower lips
5 FACE – ERUPTIONS – burning – Lips
6 FACE – ERUPTIONS – herpes – Lips
7 FACE – ERUPTIONS – herpes – Lips -About
8 FACE – ERUPTIONS – Lips – Lower
9 FACE – PAIN – Lips – burning
GENERALS
10 GENERALS – FOOD and DRINKS – salt –desire
Repertorial analysis
1. Natrum mure 9/19
2. Arsenic album 7/10
3. Sepia 6/11
Basics of Prescription: The above mentioned rubrics were taken for repertorisation. After repertorisation Nat mur 200 was prescribed by referring to the material medica.
11/04/2024 : Natrum mure 200 stat
Follow up
1st follow up – after 1 week
19/04/2024 itching subsided, no tingling sensation,no burning.
2nd follow up – 23/04/2024
Blisters are fully healed.
The patient is relieved.
Only placebo given.
Dated 11/04/2024
dated 19/04/2024
dated 23/04/2024
Discussion
A case of herpes labialis comes to the opd with the complaint of red small blisters on lower lip with itching and soreness. This case highlights the effectiveness of homeopathy in managing recurrent HSV-1 cold sores. Remedy selection was based on individualization. After making totality of symptoms by Synthesis repertory Natrium mur 200 prescribed. The patient remained outbreak-free for several months with improved emotional resilience.
Conclusion
To effectively manage and treat HSV-1 , it is important to focus on both preventing recurrence and minimizing the severity of outbreaks. There is a requirement for successful treatment that prevents or minimizes the recurrence of HSV-1 episodes and further decreases the severity of exacerbations. In homeopathy, treatments have been clinically proven to have some impact, and solutions for herpes simplex viruses. Homeopathy can prevent further outbreaks of herpes simplex infection.
References
1. William Boericke’s New Manual of Homoeopathic Materia Medica with Repertory. Revised and augmented 3e: B Jain Publishers, New Delhi.
2. Clarke J H. A Dictionary of Practical Materia Medica. Jain Publishers, New Delhi. 3. API Text book of medicine
4. Nath P, Kabir MA, Doust SK, Ray A. Diagnosis of Herpes Simplex Virus: Laboratory and Point-of Care Techniques. Infect Dis Rep. 2021 Jun 2;13(2):518-539. doi: 10.3390/idr13020049. PMID: 34199547; PMCID: PMC8293188.
5. Berger JR, Houff S. Neurological complications of herpes simplex virus type 2 infection. Arch Neurol. 2008;65(5):596-600. doi:10.1001/archneur.65.5.596
6. Davidson’s Principle and Practice of Medicine.
DR. SHIVAM GUPTA
PG scholar, Department of Homoeopathic Pharmacy
Under the guidance Of
DR. HEMANT KUMAR SONI
(PROFF. OF Department of Homoeopathic Pharmacy) GHMC BHOPAL (M.P.)
