Skin diseases and Homeopathy effectiveness

In this time of the Pandemic of 2020, during the month of June when people had to be in their houses for days when hospitals were only available for emergency cases, the whole country was on high alert with the best focus on Corona cases. During this time, the transports were to a halt and clinics were shut. Responsibilities of the doctors working at COVID centers and those handling clinics had raise at the same time. During this time we came across a case of skin infection that was acute in origin. Homeopathy is often known to have a good scope in curing chronic skin diseases like Psoriasis, Eczema. Homeopathy proved to be effective in the management of a case of acute skin infection.

Skin diseases and Homeopathy- Case of Acute Cellulitis

A case of 55 years old female, diagnosed with Rheumatoid Arthritis for more than 30 years landed up with acute skin infection during the national lockdown situation. It became difficult for her to visit the doctor. She was started on the Homeopathy medicine with few hourly follow-ups for 10-15 days at home.

The patient’s complaint started with itching and redness on the lower limb of the right leg in the mid of the month of May 2020. The patient recovered within a span of 15 days.

Size of the swelling- Before and After Treatment.

• The right leg calf level was reduced from 17 cm to normal 15 cm.
• Right above ankle swelling was reduced from 11.5 cm to normal limb 9 cm size.

In 2 days swelling reduced- (measurement in centimeters *) screenshot from the chat below.

In the next 3 days, it is almost reduced to normal size.

Section for Homeopaths-

The patient was already taking medicine for her chronic complaint for 2 years. After giving her the constitutional medicine she was better and then medicine was only repeated as and when required by alteration in potency. As her acute complaint started at the end of May 2020, her acute state was analyzed. On the basis of physical symptoms and her mental state, she was prescribed medicine. No medicinal topical applications were used. Rubrics were selected on the basis of her present condition- Calc Sulph 200 1st dilution was given once and then again repeated on sos basis.

Realizations in the case- Importance had to be given to diagnosis, the present state of the patient, condition of the disease, and repetition of the medicine.

Skin disease and Homeopathy management

Following the diagnosis of the condition, she was given homeopathy medicine three times a day along with SOS medicines. The relative of the patient was asked to keep a check on the warning signs. Twice in a day, the measurement of the swelling was done to compare it with the other limb. The oozing sites were handled with septic precautions. The patient was asked to keep her leg elevated mostly. The son of the patient was well informed about the condition and instructed on nursing routines.

The patient was urged to keep moving her limb so that the circulation is alive and to prevent discoloration of the skin due to hindered circulation.

Management of the case would differ if the ailment is due to diabetes or wound infection. Management of an uncomplicated case of cellulitis is treated with 1-2 weeks of antimicrobial therapy in the allopathic system of care. However, the duration of antibiotic treatment is reduced to 5 days in the case of uncomplicated cellulitis. The regime of the antibiotic course is advised based on the severity of the cellulitis. The administration of the dose is through the intravenous route in those who have difficulty in absorption or consumption, otherwise via the oral medium. Along with antibiotic medicine, the patient is medicated for inflammatory symptoms like pain, fever, swelling. Medicines like antacids and anti-emetics are part of the regime.

What is Cellulitis?

Cellulitis is an acute infectious condition of the skin that involves the dermis and subcutaneous tissues. Symptoms of cellulitis infection-

• Local pain of the affected part.
• Redness of the part
• Itching
• Swelling with a glossy appearance of the part
• Warmth
• Oozing from the skin
• Tenderness on touch
• Fever

Severe infection may show symptoms-

• Weakness
• Fatigue
• Blisters on the affected part
• Prolong fever episode
• Fever with chills
• Red streaks/curvy lines
• Pain indicating necrotizing fascitis

Cause- Acute Cellulitis

Infection is due to an increase in the numbers of the normally present flora (bacteria) of the skin or due to other bacteria. The infection gets excited due to low immunity or any stress. Acute cellulitis is mostly found to affect the lower limbs of the person. The common bacteria colonizing are those present in the appendages of the skin- Staphyloccocus aureus and Streptococcus.

During the times of low immunity, while the person is under stress physically or mentally; it leads to the commencement of opportunistic infections i.e. colonization of the bacterial flora of the body leading to infection. The doctor decides the plan of management of the patient whether to prescribe on the acute or chronic condition. In Homeopathy, the prescription works only if it is ‘similimum’ which means that picture of your signs and symptoms is matching the picture of the remedy given to you.

Diagnosis of skin disease- Cellulitis

The classic presentation of rubor (redness), dolor (pain), tumor (swelling), calor (heat) are the indicating points towards cellulitis. The infection starts with the redness, itching, and swelling of the part. If the swelling is in both the lower limbs it indicates complain due to systemic involvement i.e. of Cardiac, Renal origin. The expression of the symptoms should be differentiated from the other skin conditions like Eczema, Erysipelas, lymphadenitis, or venous involvement. Look out for the local wound of the part, if it is due to Peripheral artery disease, DVT (Deep vein thrombosis), or Diabetes.

The doctor does a physical examination of the part, checking its warmth, measure its swelling and intensity of pain. The doctor may advise examination of the tissue for bacterial study or blood culture if needed or any other tests like doppler to rule out arterial or venous obstruction.

Complications of cellulitis

It is important to inform the doctor immediately of the condition as it requires proper observation and management. Complications of the condition could be-

• Severe infection with secondary local infection of the oozing wound
• Gangrene of the part
• Amputation
• Loss of function
• Blackish discoloration
• Septicemia
• Shock

Homeopathy and skin diseases

Dr. Hahnemann has narrated about the skin conditions in his book Organon of Medicine, 6th edition. He writes- the symptoms and signs on the most external part of the body which is the largest organ also, is the expression of the whole organism. As per Dr. Hahnemann physicians should treat the person as a whole and not just the local-part which is a representation of the inner illness. If we cauterize or surgically remove the eruption the disease in the inner body still prevails. Dr. Hahnemann classified skin disease- those that are of venereal origin (sexually transmitted diseases) and other that is of non-venereal origin (not sexually transmitted). More than 90% of the cases are of non-venereal origin as the venereal route is now reduced with the awareness.

Skin conditions are also managed in the same way the other diseases are managed by the homeopathy doctors. After the proper case assessment which includes case history and examination of the patient the doctor advises for medicines and call for follow-up as your condition demands.

• Case history
• Analysis
• Investigation if required
• Follow up

Read more about Homeopathy- Why you should reach out to Homeopathy doctor and should you believe in Homeopathy.