A Case of Atopic Dermatitis, How Homeopathy Replaced Steroid Treatment

Atopic dermatitis is a condition that causes dry, itchy, and inflamed skin. It usually develops in early childhood but can occur at any age. With similar complaints, Ms R.K.R aged 14 years (Patient ID: 53327) visited at Thane branch to seek Homeopathic treatment, from which she was struggling for the past 2 months. The dermatitis had mainly affected her hands, feet, and knees, manifesting as severe dryness, especially on her palms, and dry patches on her knees and feet. The condition appeared aggravated as she spent long periods kneeling on the floor, possibly due to friction.

In addition, her mother mentioned that she had 1-2 dry eruptions on her scalp which improved with the use of the lotion. The onset of dermatitis appeared to coincide with her frequent use of Fevicol glue for a school project, suggesting that the chemicals in the glue may have caused the skin reaction.

Her main concern was intense dryness of the skin and slight peeling of the skin without irritation or itching. Since changes in the environment can often exacerbate skin disorders, Ms R.K.R and her family's recent move to a new house, two months ago may have also had a role in her flare-up.

The dermatologist had advised to use steroid creams to manage her skin complaints. She applied Happy Heal cream, Momishot (Mometasone) cream, Halonext lotion (halobetasol 0.05% w/v), and Hbsalic ointment (containing Mometasone 0.10% and salicylic acid 3.50%). For her scalp, she had also used Halonext Lotion, and her doctor had advised her to use Olesoft Max Cream for her skin, alongside chewable Vitamin A tablets and Syp.Vitcofol.

When Ms R.K.R visited Life Force, her mother was concerned about the persistent dryness in the affected areas and her desire to find a sustainable, non-steroidal solution. The dark discoloration that had previously been visible in her skin was now gone, but the dryness remained, especially on her palms. Her parents were worried about the potential long-term consequences of steroid ointments on such young skin.

During her consultation, a detailed case history was taken to discover the possible precipitating factors of her condition. The use of Fevicol would have triggered her dermatitis.

Having had a negative experience with steroid treatments, Ms RKR's parents hoped that homeopathic remedies could provide lasting relief, unlike the side effects of stronger allopathic medicines.

The patient's present medications and comprehensive medical history were taken and medicines were prescribed.

Follow-ups:

First follow-up: On March 28, 2024, her parents reported that while her palms remained dry and scratchy, her scalp had significantly improved. Her case was carefully re-evaluated and an additional homeopathic remedy was added upon evaluation for the following six weeks.

Second follow-up (6 weeks later): After six weeks of treatment, Ms R.K.R has shown signs of progress. The dryness of her hands and feet was significantly improved, and her dandruff and scalp were further reduced. However, she felt a slight roughness in her elbows, perhaps due to the constant friction from leaning on her study table.

The third follow-up (May 9, 2024): In her third follow-up, Ms R.K.R reported further improvements in her skin condition. The dryness of her hands had lessened further and the black pigmentation of her skin had gradually cleared. Her parents were happy with the steady progress she was making under homeopathic treatment.

Last update (July 31, 2024): When last updated, Ms R.K.R showed significant overall improvement. The extreme dryness she initially experienced was significantly reduced and the sores on her scalp, as well as the dandruff, were much better. Her skin condition had stabilized, with no further flare-ups, indicating a positive response to treatment. Throughout her treatment, her skin condition steadily improved.

Conclusion:

This case highlights how homeopathy helped a child to get rid of her Atopic dermatitis safely with homeopathic remedies at the root level rather than just suppressing it with the use of steroids.

- Case study is written by Dr. Deepa Chandroth, Associate doctor to Dr. Rajesh Shah, MD (Hom)