Abstract:
Ringworm is an important public health problem worldwide. Dermatophyte infections (ringworm)are extremely common and usually caused by fungi of the Microsporum, Trichophyton and Epidermophyton species. The fungi can originate from soil (geophilic) or animals (zoophilic), or be confined to human skin (anthropophilic). The hot and humid climate of India makes ringworm most common superficial fungal infection of the skin, nail, and hair. Besides these factors there are other factors like unhygienic lifestyle of the community.Allopathic treatment, primarily through the use of topical antifungal ointments, often provides temporary relief. However, the tendency for the infection to recur remains. In contrast, homeopathic dynamic remedies, when taken internally, aim to address the root cause and help break the cycle of recurrence, leading to a more permanent cure.
Case Summary: This article shows a case of a 36-year old female suffering from tinea corporis,is being discussed which was treated with individualistic homoeopathic medicine Magnesium carbonicum 200 .
Keywords: Tinea corporis, Body Ringworm, , Homoeopathy,Individualistic treatment
Introduction:
Fungal skin contamination can be superficial or less commonly, deep. At some point skin is impacted as a piece of fundamental fungal disease. Ringworm known as “Tinea” or “Dermatophytosis”.
In Hindi languages it is otherwise called “DAAD”. Commonly it shows up in a red, itchy, scaly, and circular rash. Hair loss for the most part happens in the impacted region of the skin. Symptoms starts
with four to fourteen days after the exposure.
Ringworm on the body (Tinea corporis)- Tinea corporis (also known as Ringworm, tinea circinata, and Tinea glabrosa) is a superficial fungal infection (dermatophytosis) of the arms and legs, especially on glabrous skin, however it may occur on any part of the body.
Epidemiology
According to WHO (World Health Organisation), the rate of prevalence of this infection is
approximately 20 – 25% worldwide. Different countries have different rates of prevalence.
The commonest type of infection is Tinea Corporis i. e. 78.1%, then Tinea Cruris i. e. 10.1%,
Tinea Manuum i. e. 2.5%, Tinea Faciei i. e. 1.8% and Tinea Pedis i. e. 0.7%. Tropical and
subtropical countries such as India have more prevalence because of the heat and humidity.
Aetiology
The dermatophytes causing tinea corporis belong to genera Trichophyton, Epidermophyton, and Microsporum. T. rubrum is the most common cause of dermatophytosis and is the most common cause of tinea corporis.
There is no sex predominance. Humans may become infected through close contact with an infected individual, an infected animal (domestic dog or cat), contaminated fomites, or contaminated soil .
Transmission
Dermatophytes are for the most part communicated by direct contact with an infected host (human or animal) or by immediate or indirect contact with the infected shed skin or hair in fomites, for
For example, combs, hair brushes, shaving razors and stylist’s instruments, theatre seats, covers, furniture, bed lines, shoes, socks, towels, and the inn carpets.
Transmission might happen from soil to skin contact. Contingent upon the types of the life form might be suitable in the climate for as long as 15 months. It additionally influences the people getting foundational corticosteroid or other immunosuppressive specialists, in whom the
contamination becomes summed up. It happens at whatever stage in life or the two genders.
Appearance
The lesions produced are ring- shaped with advancing scaling border and central clearing.
Clinical feature-
a
1)Ring –shaped rash.
2)Itching.
3)Red, scaly or cracked skin.
4)Hair loss
Clinical Type according to site of lesion
| Clinical Types Site of Infection |
| 1)Tinea capitis Head(scalp),eyebrows, Eyelashes |
| 2)Tinea corporis Body (glaborous skin) |
| 3)Tinea cruris Groin region |
| 4)Tinea unguium Nails |
| 5)Tinea barbae Beard area of face |
| 6)Tinea manuum Hand |
| 7)Tinea pedis Feet (athlete’s foot) |
| 8)Tinea Imbricata Back, arms & abdomen |
| 9)Tinea faciei Region of face without beard |
Differential diagnosis of Tinea corporis
| 1)Nummular Eczema (Nummular Dermatitis) : |
| Presents as round or oval eczematous plaques.Lacks central clearing.Often intensely pruritic with oozing and crusting. |
| 2)Psoriasis (Plaque Type) |
| Well-demarcated, erythematous plaques with silvery scales.Typically on extensor surfaces. |
| Chronic and recurrent; may involve nails. |
| 3) Pityriasis Rosea |
| Begins with a “herald patch” followed by multiple smaller lesions in a “Christmas tree” distribution. |
| Collarette scale is characteristic.Self-limiting. |
| 4) Tinea Versicolor (Pityriasis Versicolor) |
| Caused by Malassezia species (yeast).Hypopigmented or hyperpigmented macules/patches with fine scale.Typically affects the trunk and upper arms. |
| 5) Cutaneous Lupus Erythematosus |
| Photosensitive annular plaques.May show atrophy, hypopigmentation, or scarring.Requires biopsy for confirmation. |
| 6)Fixed Drug Eruption |
| Recurrent lesion in the same spot after drug exposure.Dusky red or violaceous plaques, often painful or itchy.Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation persists. |
Diagnosis
It is based on their clinical appearance,Physical examination and detailed medical history.The diagnosis is Confirmed by KOH mount prepared from the skin scrapping.
Allopathic treatment
Topical selenium sulphide lotion is applied from neck to waist daily and left on for 5-15 minutes for 7 days. Ketoconazole shampoo can be used weekly. Oral ketoconazole 200 mg daily for 1 week or 400 mg as a single dose results in 95% cure rate.
Complications
1. Hair loss and scarring
2. Dark marks left on your skin
3. Nail deformities
4. Bacterial infection
5. Skin disorders
Prevention
“PREVENTION IS BETTER THAN CURE.”
In § 4 of Organon of Medicine, Dr. Hahnemann says “He is likewise a Preserver of Health if he knows the things that derange health and cause disease, and how to remove them from persons in health.” These guidelines may help to keep fungal infection under control.
1) To prevent the ringworm/ tinea infections, one has to maintain proper hygiene. Avoid direct physical contact with the infected person.
2) Do not share their personal belongings and avoid touching them. If it requires touching things like keyboards, phones use only after sanitizing wipes. Do not share their combs or hats. Infected pets should be treated properly. Always wash your hands after using public facilities.
3) Wear shoes while using public places. And wear cotton shocks.
4) Patients are advised to wear loose clothing made from cotton so it can easily absorb moisture from the surface of skin and must be dried clothes before wearing.
Homoeopathic Approach in Tinea Corporis
Homoeopathy is based on the principle that “Like Cures Like,” or Similia Similibus Curentur. Because “Homoeopathy treats the patient as a whole and not only the disease,” the remedy in homoeopathy differs from person to person. The three illnesses mentioned in the literature—psora, syphilis, and sycosis—are thought to be the cause of all chronic illnesses. Hence the disease is entirely cured with homoeopathy.
Homoeopathy always gives significant and safe results in the cases of infections of cutaneous
diseases, also atopic dermatitis, lichen planus, eczema, seborrheic dermatitis, rosaceae, melisma. It also helps majorly in the cases of Ringworm infection. The remedies provide relief in acute symptoms like burning and itching and also causes eradication of disease completely. And there is no recurrence but complete cure. As well as there are no side effects as the remedies are made
from natural substances .
Important Homoeopathic Remedies for Tinea Corporis.
In Homoeopathy any remedies can be used for any disease conditions if it is similar to the totality of the case (whether it is acute or chronic case). Homoeopathy with the person as a whole, not on the nosological name. Here we are only pointing out remedies which are most often used for this condition and have a prominent action on skin infections.
1) Arsenicum Album: Itching, burning, swellings; oedema, eruption, popular, dry, rough, scaly; worse cold and scratching. Malignant pustules. Ulcers with offensive discharge. Anthrax. Poisoned wounds. Icy coldness of the body. Epithelium of the skin. Gangrenous inflammations. Mental and physical restlessness. Irritability. Prostration. Dry the mouth with thirst for cold water. White or
yellowish coated dry tongue. Indicated remedy for ringworm on scalp. The scalp is rough and dry. Hair falls in patches. The patient feels general debility, anxiety and restlessness. Thirst for small quantities of water at short intervals.
Modalities – Worse, wet weather, after midnight; from cold, cold drinks or food. Seashore. Right side. Better from heat; from head elevated; warm drinks.
2) Rhus Toxicodendron: Itching over the whole body, chiefly in hairy parts. Stinging and tingling on skin, burning after scratching. Humidity of skin. Swelling of affected parts. Restlessness. Eruption, generally vesicular, scabby, with burning itching, appearing esp. in spring and autumn. Eruption of small pustules on a red bottom, like a zone. Modalities- Worse at night, cold, wet rainy weather and
after rain, during rest, drenching, when lying on back or right side. Better, warm, dry weather, motion; walking, change of position, rubbing, warm applications, from stretching out limbs.
3) Bacillinum: It is a very useful & indicated remedy for ringworm. Ringworm; Pityriasis. Eczema of eyelids. Glands of the neck are enlarged and tender.
Modalities: – Worse at night and early morning; cold air.
4) Graphites: Obstinate dryness of the skin, and absence of perspiration. Vesicular erysipelas, like zona, on the abdomen and on the back. Itching of the varices on the lower limbs. Itching stinging on the surface of a mole. Eruptions oozing out a thick honey like fluid. Unhealthy skin, every injury tending to ulceration.
Modalities: – Worse, warmth, at night, during and after menstruation. Better,
in the dark, from wrapping up.
5) Sulphur: Dry, scaly, rough, unhealthy; every little injury suppurates. Itching, burning; worse scratching and washing. It feels so good to scratch. Pimply eruption, pustules, rhagades, hang-nails. Excoriation, especially in folds. Skin affections after local medication. Pruritus, especially from warmth, in the evening, often recurs in spring-time, in damp weather.
Modalities – Worse, at rest, when standing, warmth in bed, washing, bathing, in morning, 11 a.m., night, from alcoholic stimulants, periodically. Better, dry, warm weather, lying on the right side, from drawing up affected limbs.
6) Sepia: Itching and eruption in different parts of the body which changes to a burning sensation. Itching and eruption of pimples in the joints. Dry and itching eruptions, like scabies.
Modalities – Worse forenoons and evenings; washing, laundry-work, dampness, left side, after sweat; cold air, before thunder-storm. Better, by exercise, pressure, warmth of bed, hot applications, drawing limbs up cold bathing, after sleep.
7) Psorinum: Dirty, dingy look. Dry, lustreless, rough hair. Intolerable itching. Herpetic eruptions, especially on scalp and bends of joints with itching; worse, from warmth of bed. Enlarged glands. Sebaceous glands secrete excessively; oily skin. Indolent ulcers, slow to heat. Eczema behind the ears. Crusty eruptions all over. Urticaria after every exertion. Pustules near finger-nails.
Modalities-
Worse, coffee; psorinum patients do not improve while using coffee. Worse, changes of weather, in hot sunshine, from cold. Dread of least cold air or draft. Better, heat, warm clothing, even in summer.
8) Tellurium: Itching of hands and feet. Herpetic spots; ringworm. Ring-shape lesions, offensive odors from affected parts. Barber’s itch. Stinging in skin. Fetid exhalations. Offensive foot-sweat. Eczema, back of ears and occiput. Circular patches of eczema.
Modalities- Worse, while at rest at night, cold weather, from friction, coughing, laughing, and lying on the Painful side, touch.
Case Report:
A 36- year old female patient ,Registration no. 6491/45 visit to Govt. Homoeopathic Medical College and Hospital Bhopal. On 9 April 2025. comes OPD with complaints of Skin disorder.
Presenting complaint: Initially the patient felt itching+++ ,burning ++,circular ring like eruptions red inflamed raised edges and central pale clear skin since 1year .
Location: Eruption starts bilateral on the groin region then hips and thigh ,epigastric region,underarms.
Sensation: Itching +++ < night ,3-4am, morning.
Burning ++ after scratching
Modalities: Aggravation – sweat,scratching,summer
Amelioration – bathing but causes burning increase.
Concomitant : Burning in sole+++ better ice fomentation.
Pain in calf muscles agg – walking , physical exertion ,weight lift ameli – by lying
down. Desire tea but cause abdominal colic epigastric region .Acidity ++< summer.
History of presenting illness:
Onset –gradual
Progress- Itching in the moist covered part then rings like eruption.
Treatment –Allopathic ointment
Result – mild relief
Past History: – History of tendency to recurrent skin complaints Ringworm.
Family History:
• Father: Asthma for 4-5 years
• Mother: Diabetes mellitis for 2 years
• Younger Brother: Healthy
Personal History:
Mind and disposition:Anxiety about child esp.boy,Fear robbers irritability.
Married or Single : Married
No. Of children : 2 children
Health of children : Healthy
Marital relation : normal
Habits– 2-3 cups tea in a day
Physical Generals:
• Appetite- Increased
• Thirst- Thirstless 1.5-2 litre per day
• Thermal- Hot
• Tongue- Dry
Salivation – moderate as per patient
• Perspiration-Profuse offensive sour odor (2-3 times bathing /day )
• Desire – meat,cucumber,cold water
• Stool- normal
• Urine- normal
Bathing : regular 2-3 times per day in summer due to profuse sweating
Sleep – disturb and unrefreshing.
Skin – eruption ring like circular ,itching +++, burning++
• Dreams- steal children esp. boy
Fear – Thunderstorm,robbers
Gynecological History –
Menses regular
Duration- 2 days only more flow at night.
Backache after menses
Leucorrhoea- Sticky yellow clotted type, agg-after 15 days of menses
Obstetrical History –
Pregnancy : 2 (G2T2P0A0L2)
Labour : 2
Delivery : 2
Abortion :0
General Examination :-
Anaemia: Not detected Cyanosis: not detected
Jaundice: Not detected Edema: not detected
Hair: Black, slight hairfall present Neck glands: Not swollen
Neck veins: Not engorged Teeth: Healthy
Gum : Pinkish normal Tongue: white coated
Pupils: Normal Pulse: 78 beats/min
Temperature: febrile (mild) BP: 110/70 mm of Hg
Respiration: 16 beats/ min
Systemic Examination:-
Respiratory System: Normal vesicular breathing heard all over the lung field.
Gastrointestinal System: Liver, spleen not palpable. No free fluid in the abdomen. Normal peristaltic sounds.
Cardiovascular System: Apex normally placed, S1, S2 heard normal, no added sounds.
Nervous System: Higher functions cranial nerves and speech were intact.
Motor system: Power and tone normal. No involuntary movement or atrophy detected.
Reflexes: Jerks and superficial reflexes were normal.
Coordination: Both upper and lower limbs were coordinated.
Sensory system: No sensory loss.
No hyperaesthesia.
Gait: No abnormality detected.
Urogenital System: Nothing abnormality detected.
Locomotor System: No restriction of movement of all joints were there.
Skin : Eruption ring like, margin of ring red inflamed,itching,burning.
Laboratory Investigations Previously Done– none
Laboratory Investigations Advised– CBC (Hb- 12.1 gm/dl)
Provisional Diagnosis– Tinea corporis
Differential Diagnosis – Eczema, Plaque Psoriasis,Tinea versicolar.
Miasmatic Result – Psora Predomentaly ,Sycosis,Syphillis
Miasm Symptom
Psora Itching ,red
Sycosis Recurring , Excessive Moisture
Fear of thunderstorm
Syphilis Fear of robber
Rubrics-
Mental Generals:
– Dominating by father
– Anxiety about Children
-Fear robbers,thunderstorm
-Orphan feeling
Analysis and Evaluation of Symptoms:
1. Mental:
- Dominating by father
- Anxiety about Children
- Fear robbers,thunderstorm
- Orphan feeling
- Dream children taken away
2. Physicals:
- Perspiration profuse sour
- Menses more flow night
- Skin Eruption
- Skin itching+++
- Skin burning after washing
- Desire –cucumber
Repertorial Totality
Dr Fredrick Schroyen’s synthesis repertory was used to repertorise the case.
- Mind – Aliments from –domination-long time for a
- Mind- Anxiety children about his
- Mind –Fear robbers
- Mind – Orphan
- Female genitalia/sex-menses night sleep,only during
- Dream-children about kidnapped being
- Perspiration-odor sour
- Perspiration- profuse
- Skin –Eruption burning washing when
- Skin –Eruption itching
- Skin –Eruption red
- General-Food and Drink cucumber desire
Repertorial Analysis:
- Magnesium carbonicum 15/9
- Arsenicum album 20/7
- Mercurius 18/7
- Sulphur 15/7
Treatment Protocol:
| Visits | Symptoms | Prescription |
| First Visit (Initial visit) 09/04/25 | Ring like circular eruption Itching+++ Profuse perspiration sour odorBurning < night ,bathing,Scratching | Rx 1)MAGNESIUM CARBONICUM 200 (4Doses) / bd for 2 days 2) Nihilinum 1100 / bd for 20 days |
| Second visit 16/05/25 | Circular red margin of eruptionremoveItching reliefBurning after bathing completely relief,Perspiration same as it profuseDream children kidnapp removeNow dream only religious god++Vertigo < exertion | Rx PHYTUM 500 / bd for 3 daysSAC LAC. 1800 / bd FOR 15 days |
| Third visit 02/06/25 | Perspiration sour odor now decrease,Vertigo decrease | RxRUBRUM METALLICUM 800/bd for 3 daysPHYTUM 800 /bd for 15 days |
Conclusion:
Homoeopathy treats the person as a whole, thus following a holistic approach. In this case, MAGNESIUM CARBONICUM 200 was selected based on the similimum. This case also signifies the role of MAGNESIUM CARBONICUM which is indicated in the cases of Tinea corporis apart from other prescribed drugs like SULPHUR, SEPIA,NATRUM MUR, etc. The patient also came again in order to take treatment for his other complaints; however, he never mentioned any complaint recurrent eruption ,itching etc.
Date -09/04/25 First visit
Date – 16/05/25 Second visit
Date -02/06/25 Third visit
Bibliography :
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About Author : Dr. Rakhi jakhon, MD Scholar, Department of Homoeopathic Materia medica, Government Homoeopathic Medical college, Bhopal (M.P)
Guided by :
Proff. & H.O.D Dr. Shobhana shukla ,
Ex Joint Director Ayush Department Bhopal, Department of Homoeopathic Materia medica, Government Homoeopathic Medical college ,Bhopal (M.P)
