Psorinum in the Treatment of Eczema: A Homeopathic Perspective

Introduction : 

Eczema, also known as atopic dermatitis, is a chronic inflammatory skin condition characterized by  redness, itching, dryness, and flaking. Conventional treatments often focus on managing symptoms, but  homeopathy provides a holistic approach to addressing the underlying causes. Among the many  homeopathic remedies, Psorinum stands out as a significant remedy for stubborn and recurring cases of  eczema. 

Types of Dermatitis: 

1. Atopic Dermatitis (Eczema) 

• Cause: Genetic and immune system factors. Often associated with allergies, asthma, and  hay fever. 
• Symptoms: Dry, itchy, red skin, sometimes with cracks or weeping lesions. • Common Areas: Face, hands, elbows, and knees. 
• Common in: Infants, children, and adults with a family history of allergies. 

2. Contact Dermatitis 

• Cause: Direct contact with irritants or allergens (e.g., soaps, detergents, metals,  cosmetics, or plants like poison ivy). 
• Symptoms: Redness, itching, burning, blisters, or dry, cracked skin. 
• Types: 
• Irritant Contact Dermatitis: Caused by chemical exposure (e.g., detergents, solvents). • Allergic Contact Dermatitis: Triggered by allergens (e.g., nickel, latex, fragrances). 

3. Seborrheic Dermatitis 

• Cause: Overgrowth of yeast (Malassezia), excess oil production, or immune system  response. 
• Symptoms: Greasy, scaly patches with redness, often on the scalp, face, eyebrows, and  chest. 
• Common in: Infants (cradle cap) and adults, especially those with oily skin or  neurological conditions like Parkinson’s disease.

4. Nummular Dermatitis (Discoid Eczema) 

• Cause: Unknown, but often triggered by dry skin, irritants, or allergens. • Symptoms: Round, coin-shaped itchy patches, sometimes with oozing or crusting. • Common in: Middle-aged and older adults, especially in winter. 

5. Dyshidrotic Dermatitis (Pompholyx or Dyshidrosis) 

• Cause: Unknown, but may be linked to allergies, stress, or moisture exposure. • Symptoms: Small, itchy, fluid-filled blisters on the palms, fingers, and soles of feet. • Common in: Adults, especially those exposed to frequent handwashing or moisture. 

6. Perioral Dermatitis 

• Cause: Overuse of topical steroids, hormonal changes, or cosmetics. 
• Symptoms: Red, bumpy rash around the mouth, nose, or eyes. 
• Common in: Women and people with sensitive skin. 

7. Stasis Dermatitis (Venous Eczema) 

• Cause: Poor circulation and fluid buildup in the lower legs due to venous insufficiency. 
• Symptoms: Swollen, itchy, and discolored skin on the lower legs, sometimes with open  sores. 
• Common in: Older adults with varicose veins or chronic venous insufficiency. 

8. Neurodermatitis (Lichen Simplex Chronicus) 

• Cause: Repeated scratching due to stress, anxiety, or underlying skin conditions. • Symptoms: Thickened, scaly patches of skin due to chronic itching and rubbing. • Common in: Adults, often on the neck, wrists, forearms, and ankles. 

Symptoms : 

1. Redness (Erythema): Inflamed or irritated skin. 
2. Itching (Pruritus): Mild to severe itching, which may lead to scratching and  worsening of symptoms.
3. Swelling: The affected area may become swollen due to inflammation. 
4. Dry or Scaly Skin: The skin may become rough, cracked, or flaky. 
5. Blisters or Fluid-Filled Bumps: Some types, like contact dermatitis or dyshidrotic eczema,  may cause small blisters that ooze or crust over. 
6. Thickened Skin (Lichenification): Repeated scratching can cause the skin to thicken over  time, especially in chronic dermatitis. 
7. Pain or Burning Sensation: Some cases, especially contact dermatitis, may cause  stinging, pain, or a burning feeling. 
8. Cracks and Bleeding: Severe dryness can lead to skin cracking and bleeding. 
9. Skin Discoloration: The affected area may become darker (hyperpigmentation) or lighter  (hypopigmentation), especially after healing. 

Understanding Psorinum : 

Psorinum is a nosode prepared from the scabies vesicle discharge and is considered a deep-acting  constitutional remedy in homeopathy. It is particularly indicated for individuals with a psoric miasm,  meaning they have a predisposition to chronic skin and systemic ailments. Redness (Erythema):  Inflamed or irritated skin. 

Psorinum is a powerful homeopathic remedy derived from scabies-infected skin vesicle discharge. It is  primarily used for chronic skin conditions, including eczema, psoriasis, and other deep-seated skin  disorders. It also addresses constitutional weaknesses, recurrent infections, and conditions aggravated  by cold weather. 

Key Indications of Psorinum in Eczema : 

1. Severe Itching and Dryness 

• Eczema cases requiring Psorinum often present with intolerable itching, which worsens  at night or with warmth. 
• The skin is extremely dry, rough, and cracked, leading to discomfort and secondary  infections. 

2. Offensive Discharges and Suppuration 

• In advanced cases, eczema lesions may become oozing and infected, with a foul smelling discharge. 
• The affected skin is dirty-looking, greasy, or appears unwashed, despite hygiene efforts. 3. Seasonal Aggravation
• Symptoms tend to worsen in cold weather and improve in summer. 
• The patient may feel extremely chilly, requiring warm clothing even in mild  temperatures. 

4. Psychological and General Symptoms 

• Patients needing Psorinum often experience deep despair, anxiety, and depression,  especially about their health condition. 
• There is a lack of vital energy, with general weakness and exhaustion. 
• Craving for rotten, spoiled food or greasy, fried items is another peculiar symptom. 

Clinical Evidence and Application : 

Homeopathic practitioners have observed that Psorinum works well in cases of chronic, suppressed, or  relapsing eczema that have not responded well to other treatments. It is often prescribed in high  potencies (200C, 1M, or even higher) as a single dose to stimulate the body’s self-healing mechanisms.  Lower potencies (30C, 200C) may be repeated in acute exacerbations, based on symptom similarity. 

Complementary and Related Remedies : 

• Sulphur – Useful for intensely itching eczema aggravated by heat. 
• Graphites – Indicated for eczema with sticky, honey-like discharge. 
• Mezereum – Suited for cases with thick crusts and burning pain. 

Conclusion : 

Psorinum is a deep-acting homeopathic remedy with profound effects on chronic eczema, especially in  cases marked by offensive discharges, severe itching, and cold intolerance. It not only addresses the skin  symptoms but also improves the patient’s overall vitality and mental well-being. However, due to its  potency and deep action, Psorinum should be prescribed by an experienced homeopath based on an  individual’s complete symptom picture. 

Refrences : 

1.Bhutani Color Atlas of Dermatology, Jaypee Health Science publisher  

2.Pasricha J S, Gupta Ramji, illustrated text book of dermatology, 3rd edition, Jaypee Brothers Medical  publishers (P) Ltd New Delhi, 2006 

3. Hering, C. (1830s-1880s) – The Guiding Symptoms of Our Materia Medica 

4.Boericke, W. (1927) – Pocket Manual of Homeopathic Materia Medica 

5.Clarke, J.H. (1900s) – A Dictionary of Practical Materia Medica 

6.Allen, H.C. (1894) – The Materia Medica of the Nosodes 

Government Homoeopathic Medical College and Hospital, Bhopal AYUSH Campus, beside Kaliyasot dam,  MACT hills , Bhopal 462003 (M.P.) 

Author Name : 

Dr. Dakshta Choubey 

P.G. Scholar Department of Homeopathic Materia Medica 

Government Homoeopathic Medical College and Hospital Bhopal 

Under the guidance of : 

Dr. Surendra Nath Tripathi  

Assistant Professor  

Government Homoeopathic Medical College and Hospital Bhopal