Role of Homoeopathy in the Management of Irritant Contact Dermatitis- A Case Study

Role of Homoeopathy in the Management of Irritant Contact Dermatitis- A Case Study

Abstract- 

Irritant contact dermatitis is localized rash or irritation of skin caused by contact of foreign substances. This case was taken with its presenting complaint with detailed history after physical general, mental general, physical examination and repertorization. This case treated with individualized homoeopathic medicine shows significant improvement which is evident from the photographs.

Key Words- Homoeopathy, irritant contact dermatitis, individualization.

Abbreviation– ICD

Introduction

Irritant contact dermatitis is generally well demarcated and often localized to the area of thin skin (eyelids, intertriginous) or area where the irritant was occluded. Lesion may range from minimal skin erythema to area of marked edema, vesicles and ulcers. 1 

Acute irritant dermatitis may be caused by one single overwhelming external exposure of comparatively short duration. It is usually accidental and therefore recognized early.2

Chronic irritant dermatitis may be the result of a too early repetition of one impairing factor but is more commonly the result of the influence of a variety of stimuli. By repetition of the same stimulus or by a combination of varying stimuli, the degree of impairment surpasses a critical level.2

Prevalence

Contact dermatitis is a common inflammatory skin disease, an estimated 15% of the adult general population over a life time.3

Case Presentation

  • PATIENT’S PROFILE 
  • Name- ABC
  • Age- 32 years/ male/ married/ textile worker
  • Address- House no. 74, Shastri Nagar, Neelbad, Bhopal.
  • The patient came to OPD no. 6 of GHMC Bhopal. 
  • CHIEF COMPLIANTS
  • Patient complaining of red itchy dry patches over the front & back region of neck along with burning and discomforts (since 7-8 days) 
  • Aggravation – after contact of some chemically treated fabric.
  • HISTORY OF PRESENT ILLNESS
  • The patient is a textile factory worker, exposed to some chemically treated fabric and dyes.
  • Complaint started with mild itching and progressing to dryness, mild scaling and reddish discoloration of neck scratching worsens conditions and occasional burning.
  • Aggravation sweating, itching, exposure to synthetic fibers.
  • Amelioration staying away from the workplace.
  • HISTORY OF TREATMENT 
  • Initially used topical steroids prescribed by a local doctor (temporary relief only).
  • No lasting improvement patient discontinued allopathic treatment.
  • PAST HISTORY
  • Mild seasonal rhinitis 
  • No pass history of skin disease or major illness 
  • FAMILY HISTORY
  • Father- Diabetes mellitus type 2 
  • Mother- Hypertension, no skin or allergic disorder
  • No family history of any autoimmune disease.
  • PHYSICAL GENERAL
  • Thermal reaction- Towards chilly
  • Appetite – Adequate (2meals / day)
  • Thirst- Moderate (5-7 glasses/ day)
  • Tongue- Clean
  • Craving- Spicy food
  • Aversion – Milk
  • Sleep- Disturbed due to itching
  • Perspiration – Profuse especially on face and neck.
  • MENTAL GENERALS
  • The patient is hardworking, disciplined and responsible at work.
  • Becomes irritated when others are careless.
  • Sensitive to criticism.
  • Emotionally affected by stress at work and skin complaints. 
  • PHYSICAL EXAMINATION
  • Inspection- Erythematous, dry, thickened, scaly patches in anterior & posterior region of neck.
  • Palpation- Rough surface mildly warm to touch, no tenderness.
  • No lymphadenopathy, no systemic sign of infection.
  • Vitals- Pulse: 80/ min, BP: 120/78mm of Hg, temperature: 98.6o F 
  • Analysis And Evaluation 
              Classification           Symptoms
1. Mental generalIrritability from triflesFastidious
2. Physical generalDisturbed sleep from itchingThermally chilly
3. ParticularsItching and burning in eruptions from irritantsAmelioration by avoiding work place
  • RUBRICS
  • SKIN- Eruptions-contact-from external irritants
  • SKIN-Eruptions-dry-scaly
  • SKIN-Eruption-redness
  • SKIN-itching-scratching-aggravation
  • SKIN-Burning-eruptions-in
  • MIND-Irritability-trifles, about
  • MIND-fastidious
  • REPERTORY USED- Synthesis repertory
  • REMEDY SELECTION

After repertorial analysis and individualization finally Nux vomica was selected.

  • PRESCRIPTION – 3/6/25

Rx

                Nux Vomica 1M X OD X HS X 2 DAYS

                Take 6 globules in half cup of water

                Placebo 200 X BD X 7 DAYS

                Take 6 globules twice a day

Advice- Avoid the irritant, clean skin gently with plenty of water, avoid harsh soaps, apply a thick fragrance-free moisturizer 2-3 times a day and avoid scratching.

  • FOLLOW UP – 12/6/25

After10 days

  • Patient feels better
  • Itching – Decreased
  • Burning – Decreased
  • Redness- Decreased
  • Prescription

Rx

    Placebo 200 X BD X 7DAYS

  • FOLLOW UP- 24/6/25
  • All presenting complaints have subsided after treatment, burning, itching & redness completely resolved after treatment.

BEFORE TREATMENT

AFTER TREATMENT (First follow up)

AFTER TREATMENT (Second follow up)

  • DISCUSSION

This example shows how individualized homoeopathic remedies can successfully manage irritant contact dermatitis; it shows the importance of totality.

  • REFERENCE
  1. Harrison’s principles of internal medicine by Jameson Fauci, Kasper, Hauser, Longo and  Loscalzo 20th edition.
  2.  https://share.google/4qfsnTjt7OUHblhvz
  3. https://share.google/twlgqTxw2G4kJo4xN

About the Author:

Dr. Asmita sahu , BHMS MD scholar at government homoeopathic medical College ,Bhopal

Guided by

Dr. Babita Shrivastava, BHMS MD(homoeopathy) Head of Department at government homoeopathic medical College, bhopal

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About the author

Dr Asmita sahu

Dr. Asmita sahu , BHMS MD scholar at government homoeopathic medical College ,Bhopal

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