Coping with Atopic Dermatitis with a Homoeopathic Treatment: A Case Report

Coping with Atopic Dermatitis with a Homoeopathic Treatment: A Case Report

Abstract: Eczema’ is derived from the Greek word ‘to boil’ and is synonymous with the term, ‘dermatitis’. According to Hammer’s theory, Eczema can be caused due to breathtaking antagonism. “Breathtaking antagonism” describes a situation or interaction characterized by intense and captivating opposition or hostility. It implies a dramatic and compelling clash or conflict between individuals, groups, or ideas. Any old grief or unforgiven past can be manifested as a skin problem according to Hammer’s theory.  This case of a 35-year-old man has proved that Homoeopathic medicines offer a permanent and safe cure for psychosomatic disorders. 

Introduction: 

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is the cutaneous expression of the atopic state, characterized by a family history of asthma, hay fever, or dermatitis. It is extremely itchy and scratching. There is cutaneous dryness (xeroderma or xerosis). Eczema refers to a clinical and histological pattern with multiple causes and can be acute or chronic. Pruritus is a prominent characteristic of AD along with rubbing and scratching. Atopic individuals mostly have dry itchy skin and may have elevations in serum IgE. 

Case Presentation:

A 35-year-old male suffering from Atopic dermatitis with a bilateral small eruption of 6cm on the anterior part of both feet visited the OPD on 25/08/2023. He has been divorced from her wife in August 2020 . The complaints of the patient started after the divorce. 

History of Chief Complaint:

The patient was keeping well 3 years ago. The complaints started suddenly with a small eruption on the ankle part of both feet. There is no history of traveling drug-induced allergy or change of footwear. There is no burning, itching, bleeding, or sweating over the eruption. The patient was on allopathic medication from a skin specialist without any relief. He gave the case history even before the physician interrogated him.

Past History: 

Jaundice at 11 years of age. 

Family History: 

Father- Diabetes mellitus, Hypertension

Mother- nothing specific 

There is no history of eczema or respiratory illness in the family.

Personal History: 

Occupation: Job

Marital status: Divorcee

Habits: No any

General Symptoms 

  1. Physical Generals: 

Desires:-nothing specific 

Aversion:- sour food 

Thirst:- 2 liters/day 

Urine:- 5-6 times/day 

Bowel:- once a day normal 

Sleep:- 7-8 hours sound sleep  

Dreams:- nothing specific 

Perspiration:- only on exertion 

Habits:- nothing specific 

  1. Mental Generals 

The patient opened up about himself before the physician asked him to narrate his symptoms. He said that the eruptions appeared suddenly after his divorce. He visited a skin specialist for treatment and the specialist diagnosed the skin condition as eczema. The patient expressed that he adored his wife a lot. The wife had an extramarital affair leading to their divorce. These circumstances made the patient furious. He started meditating to maintain a peaceful mind. He is now averse to women and marriage. He dislikes attending weddings and is unwilling to re-marry. He has strong aversion to women and doesn’t pay attention to any woman walking on the street. The eruption has made him feel as if his whole body is functioning improperly. The patient described that he has no satisfaction with any work he does and is least interested in doing work. He eats, sleeps, and works but has no real satisfaction from it. He feels his body is decaying. His mother labels him as an awkward person as everything he holds in his hands drops off. He avoids holding glass crockeries as they eventually slip and break from his hands. The patient is loquacious and jumps from one subject to another. 

General examination 

Built: averagely built

Weight: 64 kgs. 

Tongue: clean and moist. 

Pallor: Absent 

Clubbing: Absent

Icterus: Absent

Cyanosis: Absent 

Edema: Absent 

Lymphadenopathy: Absent  

Vital signs: 

Temperature:- 98.6 ℉

Pulse:- 80 beats/ min. 

Blood pressure:- 130/82 mm of hg. 

Systemic examination 

CVS: S1 and S2 heard. 

CNS: Patient is conscious and oriented.

RS: Ae Be clear. 

P/A: soft and non-tender

Local examination 

6 cm dry and slightly scaly eruption on the right anterior foot to the ankle. 

Around 7.5 cm dry eruption on the left anterior foot to the ankle. Hardly 4-5 scales were present. Light red and lichenified spots on the left leg. 

Absence of oozing from the eruption. 

Diagnosis: 

Atopic Dermatitis

Analysis of the symptoms: 

  1. Mental Generals 
  • Anger, from disappointment in love
  • Aversion to marriage 
  • Aversion to women 
  • Delusion body is disintegrating
  • Discontented always 
  • Aversion to work
  • Awkward
  • Loquacious and changing from one subject to another.  
  1. Physical Generals 

Aversion- avoids eating sour food 

  1. Physical particular 

Skin- black spots 

Evaluation of symptoms 

  • Anger, from disappointment in love+++
  • Aversion to marriage+
  • Aversion to women+
  • Delusion body is disintegrating+++
  • Discontented always ++
  • Aversion to work+
  • Awkward+
  • Loquacious and changing from one subject to another
  • Aversion- sour food, aggravation
  • Skin- discoloration, black spots

Repertorization chart

Differential Remedies

  • Lachesis 
  • Nux vomica 
  • Lycopodium 

Remedy Selected

Lachesis 

Prescription 

Lachesis- 30

Single dose 

Sac lac 4 pills TDS for 1 month.

Follow up

In the first follow-up, the black discoloration on the right leg on the anterior part of the foot disappeared and the left foot also showed recovery with the Homoeopathic medicine. 

Before : Right leg                                                 Left Leg 

After: 1 st follow up- right leg                              1 st follow up –left leg

Conclusion:

Homoeopathic remedies have helped the case miraculously when no specialized treatment could cure Atopic Dermatitis. In conclusion, the presented case report underscores the potential efficacy of homoeopathic treatment in managing Atopic Dermatitis. The holistic approach of homoeopathy, addressing both the physical symptoms and the underlying emotional factors, showcased promising results in alleviating the discomfort and improving the overall well-being of the patient.

As the realm of alternative and complementary therapies continues to evolve, this case report encourages further exploration and research into the potential benefits of homoeopathy for Atopic Dermatitis. By embracing innovative and holistic approaches, we pave the way for a more comprehensive understanding of integrative medicine, offering hope to individuals seeking alternatives for the management of chronic skin conditions.

About the author

Dr.Nisha Arvind Wanage

Dr. Nisha Arvind Wanage - Associate Professor, Department of Homoeopathic Materia Medica , Hamsa Homeopathy Medical College & Research Center, Ksheerasagar, Mulugu, Siddipet, Telangana.