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
