Abstract
Atopic dermatitis (eczema) is a condition that causes dry, itchy and inflamed skin. It’s common in young children but can occur at any age. Atopic dermatitis is long lasting (chronic) and tends to flare sometimes. It can be irritating but it’s not contagious.
People with atopic dermatitis are at risk of developing food allergies, hay fever and asthma.
This case report presents the successful homeopathic management of a 40-year-old female suffering from a skin eruption on the right thumb. The condition was marked by intense itching, voluptuous scratching, and subsequent burning sensations. The affected skin was dry, rough, and exhibited cracks. Symptoms were aggravated at night, by contact with soap and detergents, and the warmth of the bed. The patient was notably sensitive to environmental changes and had a tendency to recurrent cough, cold, and coryza. She also had a history of recurrent skin affections and suppression of skin diseases.
Based on a detailed case analysis and totality of symptoms, individualized homeopathic treatment was prescribed. The case demonstrated marked improvement under homeopathic management, suggesting its potential role in addressing chronic dermatoses in constitutionally sensitive individuals.
Keywords: Homeopathy, dermatitis, skin eruption, itching, individualized treatment, suppression history, case reports.
Introduction
Atopic Dermatitis (AD) is a chronic, relapsing, and inflammatory skin condition primarily affecting the epidermis. It is characterized by intense pruritus (itching), dryness, erythema (redness), and eczematous lesions.
Common Types of Dermatitis
1. Atopic Dermatitis (Eczema)
2. Contact Dermatitis
3. Seborrheic Dermatitis
4. Nummular Dermatitis
5. Dyshidrotic Dermatitis (Pompholyx)
6. Stasis Dermatitis
7. Perioral Dermatitis
8. Neurodermatitis (Lichen Simplex Chronicus)
Case Presentation
Case Summary
Patient Name: XYZ
Age: 40
Sex: Female
Date of First Visit: 26-03-2025
Chief Complaint
Localized skin eruption on the right thumb associated with intense itching, burning, dryness, and cracking.
History of present illness
A 40-year-old female presented with a localized eruption over the right thumb, initially characterized by intense (voluptuous) itching. Persistent scratching led to a burning sensation and dry, rough, cracked skin in the affected area.
The patient has a known predisposition to skin disorders and a significant history of suppression of skin conditions, possibly due to prior topical or systemic treatments. Her condition is sensitive to atmospheric changes and worsens with fluctuations in weather.
She also reported a history of recurrent upper respiratory tract infections, including cough, coryza, and episodes of the common cold, indicating broader constitutional susceptibility.
Past History
Hypothyroidism (10 years)
Recurrent respiratory infections (cough, cold, coryza)
Prone to skin affections since childhood
History of suppressed skin disease
Menstrual and Obstetric History
LMP: 01-03-2025
Menarche: 13–14 years
Cycle: 28 days
Duration: 4–5 days
Family History
Father: Carcinoma
Mother: Diabetes Mellitus (DM), Hypertension (HTN), Tuberculosis (T.B)
Physical Examination
Eruption confined to the right thumb
Skin appeared dry, red, and cracked
General Physicals
Thermal: Hot
Appetite: Normal
Thirst: Thirsty
Tongue: Clean
Desire: Sweets
Aversion: Milk
Urine: Normal
Sleep: Disturbed
Dreams: Daily routine
Perspiration: Profuse and offensive
Aggravation: Soap, detergents, solvents
Amelioration: Scratching, rubbing
Mental Generals
“Every night, she found herself wide awake, with anxious thoughts crawling through her mind. The patient was very restless at night. She had difficulty engaging in conversation and struggled to answer questions during case-taking.”
Totality of Symptoms
1. Itching eruption on right thumb
2. Intense itching followed by burning sensation
3. Rough, dry skin on thumb
4. History of recurrent cold and coryza
5. Prone to skin eruptions
6. History of suppressed skin disease
7. Anxiety at night
8. Restless at night
9. Disturbed sleep
10. Perspiration offensive
Repertoirial totality
Remedy Selection:
Based on the totality of symptoms and repertorisation, Sulphur was selected as the most suitable simillimum for the case.
Remedy Prescription
First Visit (26-03-2025): Sulphur 30C (single dose)
Follow-up (11-04-2025): Patient reported improvement – reduction in itching, burning, dryness, and redness
Prescription: Sulphur 200C (single dose)
Progress:
Within 15 days: Notable improvement
Within 1 month: Complete resolution of symptoms.
Advice to patient
Avoid irritants such as harsh soaps and detergents
Use protective gloves as needed.
Before treatment
After treatment
Discussion
This case illustrates the effectiveness of individualized homeopathic treatment in managing chronic dermatological conditions like Atopic Dermatitis. The constitutional approach, considering both mental and physical generalities, led to the successful selection of a remedy. The patient’s history of skin disease suppression and recurrent infections highlighted the importance of addressing deep-seated predispositions. Sulphur, known for its action in chronic skin affections, facilitated healing by addressing the underlying constitutional disturbance.
Conclusion
The individualized homeopathic remedy Sulphur was selected based on the totality of symptoms in a 40-year-old female with chronic atopic dermatitis. A single dose of Sulphur 30C, followed by Sulphur 200C, resulted in marked improvement and complete resolution of symptoms within one month. This case highlights the effectiveness of Sulphur in managing chronic skin conditions when prescribed according to classical homeopathic principles.
ABOUT The AUTHOR:
DR.DIKSHA KIHORI – M.D.scholar , Department of organon of medicine and homoeopathic philosophy Govt . HOMOEOPATHIC medical College and hospital Bhopal(M.P.)
Guided by :
Dr. S.C.Awasthi (Prof) – Department of organon of medicine and homoeopathic philosophy Govt . HOMOEOPATHIC medical College and hospital Bhopal(M.P.)
Dr Babita Shrivastava (HOD) – Department of organon of medicine and homoeopathic philosoph. Govt . HOMOEOPATHIC medical College and hospital Bhopal(M.P.)
