A U.S. Patient’s Experience with LPP: Homeopathy Achieves What Triamcinolone Couldn’t

Mrs V.R. in her late 50's (Patient ID: 26549) residing in the United States, first noticed the occurrence of a small itchy brown patch on her neck in 2012, so she decided to see a dermatologist. It was treated with triamcinolone (steroid topical application) to calm the inflammation. Within 2-3 weeks, the itch subsided and the skin turned to normal texture.

3 years later in March 2015, the patches reoccurred, but this time they were more widespread across the neck and also on the face. She saw the dermatologist again and was treated with conventional medicines, the treatment included triamcinolone, hydroquinone and later chemical peels to lighten skin colour also she started using sunscreen religiously, so after 2 years of proper care, her skin recovered.

In Aug 2017 she had a bad flare-up; another episode of LPP was noticed after outdoor prolonged sun exposure covering more areas of the face and neck. Again, she was treated with triamcinolone and later using retinol products—application of low-strength retinol products every day and sunscreen every day and her skin recovered and was in good condition.

 In July 2018- some itching on the forearms and in the area of the elbow crease started. The skin started turning dark in elbow creases on both arms and some patchy darkening on the arms; she was prescribed triamcinolone and Tablet. Allegra (allergy medication) and she started using sunscreen on her arms too.

In April 2019 the Patch testing was done and she was found Allergic to Methylsothiazolinone & formaldehyde.

In August 2019 she had an episode of itching and pigmentation on her face and neck. Since her pigmentation was flaring up recurrently, this time the Biopsy, and blood work were done, and the diagnosis was made as Lichen Planus Pigmentosus (LPP) after several visits to a dermatology specialist.

The itching lasted for 2-3 weeks so she discontinued all Retinol Products and was treated with the same Triamcinolone and prescribed Tranexamic Acid for the pigmentation and continued sunscreen use. She took the Tranexamic Acid for 3 months from Oct 2019 to Dec 2019 and stopped since did not see much improvement in skin colour. After stopping all medications she has been using only sunscreen on her face and neck and her condition of skin was stable, no itching was present but the pigmentation was evenly distributed all over her face and neck.

She searched about Homeopathy for LLP online treatment and enrolled for the treatment under Dr.Shah in January 2020.

Physical generals:

Her appetite was average; she found it harder to digest wheat compared to rice. She enjoyed eating spicy food and sweets. She drank around 6-7 glasses of water a day. Her sweat was normal and generally preferred cooler temperatures.  She had attained menopause with her last period being in May 2016.

Dr.Shah analyzed her case and prescribed Sepia 30 along with his research-based medicines which are specifically used in LPP cases. She started treatment under Dr.Shah in January 2020 and the following are her follow-ups:

Follow-ups:

In May 2020 after 4 months of treatment, she noticed about 20% improvement. She mentioned in the first 2 months, she could not notice any significant change but over the last month and a half, she noticed some lightening in skin colour and more even skin tone and texture. She had not noticed any spread of her LPP patches.

By September 2020 the skin pigmentation on her face, neck forearms, and arms improved by 40%. There was skin lightening in all these areas and skin tone was improving.

In February 2021 after 1 year of treatment, she gave the following feedback: Overall in all areas, there is an improvement since the beginning of treatment - The face is showing maximum improvement (80%) compared to other areas, with some spotty dark patches remained on forearm and area behind the neck was also darker compared to face and front of the neck. The facial skin was more even and lighter as compared to the arms and behind the neck.

By September 2021 around 90-95% improvement was seen on the face, neck, arms, and forearms. She was very satisfied with the treatment and the results achieved.

She was advised to continue with Homeopathic treatment for the duration until she was completely better.

In May 2021 these are the patient's words:  I am continuing the medication to maintain the progress achieved. I feel my skin has returned to 95% original color and texture - I am very satisfied with the results. No new spots are observed and I wish to continue the medication. I want to thank Dr Rajesh and his team for the treatment and good results. Thank you

By June 2023 she gave the feedback that her hyperpigmentation had fully gone and the skin had turned to normal color, she had achieved 100% recovery from LPP.

Conclusion:

This case highlights the efficacy of Homeopathic treatment in chronic long-standing deep-seated auto-immune conditions like Lichen Planus Pigmentosa (LPP). Triamcinolone a corticosteroid helped her initially but it was giving temporary results and the same with peeling therapies. Homeopathy is safe and gentle helps in skin recovery, also helps to improve overall skin health without the use of any harsh chemicals in a non-invasive way, providing long-lasting relief and preventing relapses.

Case study written by Dr Mithila Kargar, Associate doctor to Dr.Rajesh Shah,MD (Hom)