Therapeutic Efficacy of Natrum Sulphuricum in Managing Chronic Skin Complaints with Damp Weather Aggravation: A Detailed Case Study

Abstract 

Skin diseases that manifest as burning, itching, red rashes, and localized swelling are  common in elderly patients and may be aggravated by environmental factors like  dampness. This case report documents the successful management of such a skin condition  in a 66-year-old female using the individualized homoeopathic remedy Natrum  Sulphuricum. A detailed case analysis focusing on mental and physical generals,  environmental modalities, and characteristic symptoms led to the remedy selection.  Remarkable improvement without recurrence was observed within one month, showcasing  the holistic potential of homoeopathy. 

Keywords 

Natrum Sulphuricum, skin eruptions, homoeopathy, damp weather aggravation,  individualized treatment, red rash, burning, itching, swelling, constitutional remedy 

Patient details:- 

A 66-year-old female presented in the OPD on 01/01/2025 with the following complaints:- 

Chief Complaints 

Red skin eruptions with intense itching and burning 

Swelling at the site of eruptions

Symptoms aggravated by damp/rainy weather and bathing 

Discomfort affecting quality of life, especially sleep 

History of Present Illness 

Kirti Saxena, a 66-year-old woman, reported suffering from skin issues for the past two  weeks. The complaints started insidiously and gradually worsened. Red, inflamed rashes  developed on her forearms and lower legs, accompanied by intense itching and burning.  Bathing and exposure to humid weather consistently worsened the symptoms. Scratching  would only provide temporary relief and often aggravated the redness. 

Mental Symptoms (Deep Characteristics) 

Emotionally sensitive; suppresses emotions rather than expressing them Prone to sadness and emotional withdrawal, especially in gloomy or cloudy weather Highly responsible; carries emotional burdens of family silently 

Experiences mental dullness and heaviness of mind in damp weather Dislikes consolation; prefers solitude during illness 

Gets irritable when her routine or rest is disturbed 

Displays a deep sense of duty but with a tendency to suppress grief and emotional turmoil 

Physical Generals 

Appetite: Normal 

Thirst: Increased, prefers cold drinks 

Stool: Loose stools, especially early morning (urgent, gushing) 

Urine: Normal 

Sleep: Disturbed due to skin discomfort 

Sweat: Profuse on face and scalp 

Thermal State: Chilly patient; cannot tolerate damp, rainy conditions Desires: Cold food and drinks 

Aversion: Fatty and rich food 

Modalities 

Aggravation: 

 – Damp/rainy weather 

 – Bathing 

 – Nighttime (especially after 10 PM) 

 – Physical exertion 

Amelioration: 

 – Dry, warm weather 

 – Cold compress 

 – Rest and solitude

Totality of Symptoms 

1. Skin – Eruptions – red, itching, burning 

2. Skin – Eruptions – aggravated by bathing 

3. Skin – Swelling with eruptions 

4. Generalities – Weather – damp – aggravation 

5. Mind – Reserved; avoids emotional expression 

6. Mind – Sadness – worse in cloudy weather 

7. Mind – Consolation – aggravates 

8. Stool – Loose in morning 

9. Generalities – Desires cold drinks; increased thirst 

10. Generalities – Worse from physical exertion 

Rubrics Taken from Repertory 

Skin – Eruptions – red 

Skin – Eruptions – itching – bathing – agg. 

Skin – Eruptions – burning 

Skin – Swelling 

Generalities – Weather – damp – agg. 

Mind – Reserved 

Mind – Consolation – agg. 

Mind – Sadness – cloudy weather – agg. 

Stool – Morning – diarrhea 

Generalities – Physical exertion – agg. 

Remedy Selected: Natrum Sulphuricum 200C 

Justification: 

The patient’s symptoms clearly matched the constitution and modalities of Natrum  Sulphuricum, especially the aggravation in damp weather, mental sadness in gloomy  conditions, reserved personality, and skin complaints aggravated by bathing. 

Prescription 

Natrum Sulphuricum 200C, single dose 

Sac Lac, twice daily for 5 days 

External care: cold compress, avoid harsh soaps. 

Follow-Up 

7 Days: Itching and swelling reduced significantly; better sleep 

14 Days: No new eruptions; older rashes drying out 

1 Month: Full recovery, no recurrence; improved emotional state 2 Months (Preventive): Placebo to maintain stability 

4 Months: No further complaints, general health better

Discussion 

This case exemplifies the importance of individualization in homeopathy. While skin  complaints are common, the mental picture, modalities, and constitutional background  helped in selecting Natrum Sulphuricum, which is not often considered a first-choice  remedy for skin issues. However, its deep action in cases aggravated by dampness and  emotional suppression was well-suited here. 

Conclusion 

Natrum Sulphuricum proved to be a curative remedy in this case by addressing both the  dermatological symptoms and the constitutional imbalances of the patient. This highlights  the efficacy of homoeopathic constitutional treatment in chronic skin conditions, especially  when selected on a detailed totality of symptoms. 

References 

1. Boericke, William. Pocket Manual of Homoeopathic Materia Medica. B. Jain Publishers. 2. Kent, James Tyler. Repertory of the Homoeopathic Materia Medica. 3. Phatak, S.R. Materia Medica of Homoeopathic Medicines. 

4. Allen, H.C. Keynotes and Characteristics with Comparisons of Some of the Leading  Remedies of the Materia Medica. 

5. Clarke, J.H. A Dictionary of Practical Materia Medica. 

6. Vithoulkas, George. The Science of Homeopathy.

Author Name:- 

Dr.Ayushi Shrivastava 

P.G Scholar Department of Homoeopathic Materia Medica  

Government Homoeopathic Medical College and Hospital Bhopal 

Under the guidance of:- 

Dr.Shobhana Shukla 

H.O.D. and Professor of Homoeopathic Materia Medica dept. 

& Former joint director AYUSH DEPT  

Government Homoeopathic Medical College and Hospital Bhopal