Clinical Utility of the Kent Repertory of Homeopathic Materia Medica in Management of Tinea Cruris: A Case Report
Abstract
Tinea cruris is a common superficial dermatophytic infection affecting intertriginous areas, characterized by pruritic, erythematous, and scaly lesions. Homoeopathy emphasizes individualized treatment based on the totality of symptoms rather than the disease diagnosis alone. This case report highlights the role of the Kent Repertory (Version 9.1) in the successful management of tinea cruris.
A 38-year-old male patient presented with reddish-brown, circular, intensely itching eruptions over the groins, thighs, and buttocks for two months. Kents approach was selected based on the totality of symptoms. Thuja occidentalis was selected based on repertorial analysis and prescribed in 200 potency, resulting in marked clinical improvement. This case demonstrates the effectiveness of repertorial approach and individualized homoeopathic treatment in managing tinea cruris.
Keywords
Tinea cruris, Homoeopathy, Thuja occidentalis, Kent Repertory, Repertorial Approach, Case Report
Introduction
Tinea cruris, commonly known as jock itch, is a superficial dermatophytic infection predominantly affecting the groin, perineal, and adjacent areas. The condition is more prevalent among adult males and is facilitated by factors such as excessive perspiration, occlusive clothing, poor hygiene, and warm, humid environments. Clinically, it presents as annular, erythematous plaques with raised margins, scaling, and intense pruritus, often worsening at night or with sweating.
While conventional management primarily focuses on antifungal therapy, recurrence and chronicity remain common concerns. Homoeopathy approaches tinea cruris holistically, considering the patient’s mental, physical, and general characteristics along with the disease manifestations. Repertorial analysis plays a pivotal role in selecting the simillimum. The Kents Repertory of Homeopathic Materia medica is a refined and comprehensive tool that facilitates accurate remedy selection through systematic analysis of symptoms.
- Case History: Complaints of reddish-brown, circular, itching eruptions over the groins, both thighs, and buttocks for the past two months. The complaints reportedly began after a recent visit to his native place.
- History of present illness: The eruptions were associated with severe itching, which was aggravated at night, during perspiration, and after consuming meat. Fine scaling was observed over the lesions, along with mild watery discharge following scratching.
ODP: – Patient was apparently well two months prior to presentation. The condition began with sudden onset of itching in the groin region. Gradually, the itching extended towards the buttocks. Subsequently, round, circular patches appeared over both the groin and buttock regions. The lesions were reddish in appearance and associated with persistent itching.
The patient had taken allopathic treatment for 20 days, one month prior to consultation, but reported no significant relief in symptoms.
- Treatment History: Patient Has taken Allopathic medicine with no relief in complains.
- Past history: Not Specific
- Family History: Mother – HTN
- Physical Generals–
- Thermal reaction-: Hot
- Appetite: 2 parathas in Morning breakfast, 2 Chapati & dal rice in Lunch, Khichadi / Dal – Rice at night.
- Thirst: 8-9 glasses per day, decreased/ increased
- Desire: salty++ and spicy food
- Urine: D 4 – 5 times, N 2- 3 times_ , colour: pale yellow
- Stool: D once, Character: soft consistency & pale-yellow colour
- Sleep: 6-7_hours, Refreshing
- Perspiration: L- Forehead, scanty odour- not present
- Mental Generals: The patient was calm, polite, and hardworking by nature. He was conscientious about minor details. His speech was hurried, and he appeared confused while talking.
- General Examination: Reddish-brown, circular eruptions over the groins, both thighs, and buttocks
- Analysis and Evaluation of Symptoms
- Hasty in nature
- Confusion while talking
- Desire spicy and salty food
- Eruptions Were Associated with Severe Itching, Which Was Aggravated at Night, During Perspiration
- Repertorial analysis:
Repertorial Result:
- Thuja occidentalis – 9/7
- Sulphur – 8/5
- Natrum muriaticum – 10/5
- Sepia – 9/4
- Repertory/Software used– Repertorization was carried out using Kent repertory of Homeopathic Materia Medica from Hompath Firefly Software.
- Prescription:
Remedy: Thuja occidentalis
Potency: 200
Dose: Single dose (as per homoeopathic principles)
- Follow Up: On subsequent follow-ups, the patient showed marked improvement in itching and scaling. The eruptions gradually subsided, and no new lesions appeared. The patient reported significant relief and overall well-being.
- Conclusion: This case report highlights the effectiveness of individualized homoeopathic treatment in the management of tinea cruris. The Kent Repertory proved to be a valuable tool in repertorial analysis, facilitating accurate remedy selection based on the totality of symptoms. Thuja occidentalis, selected on strong mental, general, and particular indications, resulted in significant clinical improvement. This case reinforces the role of repertorial approach and holistic homoeopathic management in superficial fungal infections.
- Reference
- Sahoo AK, Mahajan R. Management of tinea corporis, tinea crusis and tinea pedis: A comprehensive review, Indian Dermatol Online Journal 2016;7:77-86
- Munjal Y.P., Sharma S.K., API Textbook Of Medicine, 9th edition, Jaypee Brothers Medical Publishers (P) Ltd,
- Khanna Neena, Illustrated Synopsis of Dermatology & Sexually Transmitted Diseases, 4th edition , Elsevier Ltd.
- Repertory of the Homoeopathic Materia Medica by Dr. J. T. Kent (6th Edition)
