A Case of Alopecia Barbae Effectively Treated with A Minute Dose of Homoeopathic Medicine
Abstract : A male of 26 years of age resident of Panaji, Goa presented with complaints of a bald patch on his beard. Based on the presenting complaints, Arsenic album was prescribed which proved to be very effective in growing the hair back on the bald area with complete relief from accompanying symptoms. The patient attained complete cure within 1 month of Homoeopathic treatment.
Keywords
Homoeopathy, Alopecia, Alopecia Areata, Alopecia Barbae, Arsenic album
Introduction
Alopecia Barbae or also known as Beard Alopecia is a type of Alopecia Areata that occurs on the facial hair in males. It is basically presented with small circular shaped patches on the beard. It is very similar to Alopecia Areata but the difference being that the patches appear on the beard instead of the scalp. It is an auto-immune condition, where the body attacks its own cells due to some error, causing patchy hair-loss. Alopecia Barbae can also result from fungal infection where it is termed as Tinea Barbae. Studies have shown contribution of certain factors like stress, environment, psoriasis, type 1 diabetes play a major role in promoting this condition. Other symptoms like mild itching, dryness and redness may also be seen accompanying the bald patch.
Alopecia can also affect the individuals mentally. It often leads to reduced self-esteem and sense of shame in the affected individuals.
Homoeopathy believes in treating the patients and not just the disease. The dynamic action of Homoeopathic medicines has the potential to totally eradicate the disease from its roots and bring about complete cure in the sick
Homoeopathy has seen lot of scope in skin disease ranging from Psoriasis, Eczema, Warts etc. It is the first line of treatment opted by people all around the world because of its gentle action and power of bringing cure in cases where other systems of medicine fail. Popular remedies like Sulphur, Phosphorus, Vinca Minor also has shown great results in treating cases of Alopecia effectively.
Case study : Presenting complaints
A 26-year-old male presented with complaint of loss of facial hair in a form of circular patch accompanied by intense itching, burning & stinging which aggravated on perspiration & scratching.
| SR. NO | DATE | LOCATION | SENSATION & PATHOLOGY | MODALITIES | ACCOMPANIMENTS |
| 1. | 04/12/2021 | SKIN Beard Since 2 weeks Sudden onset & progression | Loss of facial hair Circular bald patch Itching2+ Burning Stinging | < perspiration < scratching |
History of presenting complaints
The patient was apparently well until last 2 weeks. In the past 2 weeks, the patient presented with complains of severe itching of skin all over the face over the beard. The itching was worse during perspiration. Gradually, the patient observed loss of hair in a form of circular patch on the face.
On observation
The patient appeared very restless accompanied by anxiety. He confessed his fear about the patches spreading all over the face and head. Also, he was constantly moving things kept on the doctor’s desk in an attempt to maintain symmetry.
Past History
He suffered from Seborrheic dermatitis of the scalp which was cured by Homoeopathy
Personal History
Diet – Non-vegetarian
Thirst: Thirsty; large quantity of water
Appetite: Good
Craving: Cold water++
Bowelhabits: 1-2/day
Bladder Habits:5-6/day
Sleep: Sound
Dreams: Unremembered
Perspiration: Scalp++, Face++, when anxious
Local Examination
Loss of facial hair in the form of circular patch
Diagnosis
On the basis of examination and clinical presentation it was diagnosed as Alopecia Barbae
Alopecia Barbae
- Loss of facial hair
- Bald patches
- Itching
- Burning
Analysis & Evaluation of Symptoms
| MENTAL GENERALS | PHYSICAL GENERALS | CHARACTERISTIC PARTICULARS |
| Restless Anxious Wants things in proper order | Craving: Cold water+2 Thirst: Thirsty for large quantity of water Perspiration: when anxious | Loss of facial hair Circular bald patch Itching2+ < Perspiration Burning pain < Perspiration < Scratching |
Repertorisation (Synthesis Repertory Mobile App)
Remedy selection
Arsenic Album was selected as the remedy based on his mentals, his physical generals and also his presenting complaints especially considering marked itching, burning. stinging of the affected part which was worse on scratching. I have always been of view that even in acute cases, mentals of the patient should not be overlooked.
Prescription
- Arsenic Alb 1M
- 0-0-4
- Before sleep
- (Once a week)
- For 2weeks
Follow Up
| DATE | SYMPTOM CHANGES | PRESCRIPTION |
| 18/12/2021 | Circular bald patch – SAME Itching+ – REDUCED Burning – REDUCED Stinging – REDUCED | Rx Arsenic Alb (0) 4-4-4 For 2 weeks |
| 1/01/22 | Circular bald patch – BETTER BY 50% Itching+ – REDUCED Burning – REDUCED Stinging – REDUCED | Rx Arsenic Alb (0) 4-4-4 For 2 weeks |
| 15/01/22 | Circular bald patch – BETTER Itching+ – BETTER Burning – BETTER Stinging – BETTER | Rx Arsenic Alb (0) 4-4-4 For 1 weeks |
Before Treatment
After treatment
Conclusion
The patient presented with loss of facial hair in the form of circular patch with severe itching of skin under the facial hairs. The case was diagnosed as Alopecia Barbae. Arsenic album according to the totality of symptoms was prescribed. Arsenic album was selected as the remedy considering the patient has a whole, that is, his mental aspect as well as physical plane. The patient was completely cured within 3 follow-ups. This case proves the effectiveness of Homoeopathic medicine selected based on Law of Similia along with concept of infinitesimal dose as proposed by Dr. Samuel Hahnemann. Also, this case has again proved that Homoeopathy as always has a great scope in curing some of the so-called incurable diseases.
References
- Hahnemann S. Organon of Medicine. 6th edn. New Delhi, India: B.jain Publishers; reprint 2008.
- Kent, J., 1985. Lectures on homœopathic materia medica. New Delhi: Jain Pub.
- William Boericke; Pocket Manual of Homoeopathic Materia Medica With Indian Medicine & Repertory;9th edition
About the Author
Dr. Niranjan Bapat
PG SCHOLAR
Department of Organon of Medicine
Father Muller Homoeopathic Medical College & Hospital
