Homeopathy Lightens Lichen Scars by 80% for Steroid-Dependent Elderly Patient

Mr JR (Patient ID: 53503), an 85-year-old male, visited the Life Force clinic in Mulund on January 23, 2024, with concerns about dark purplish to blackish scars on his body, which developed after his lichen planus (LP) lesions had healed with steroid treatment. Although the steroid medications had successfully cleared the LP lesions, they left persistent scar marks. He was also concerned, as new lesions occasionally appeared when he stopped using the cream and expressed a desire to discontinue the steroidal medication.

He was still applying a steroidal local application (Clonate gel) twice daily and Tab. Aprexo once daily for the last two years. He had been taking steroidal tablets and creams infrequently since onset till last 2 years ago.
On examination, there were multiple small dark purplish lesions with more dark discoloration, mostly affected over the legs, hands, and back. Scars over the rest affected areas of the body were milder in appearance, and the itching had stopped after the application of steroid cream.

Also, the patient had a known case of hypertension and Prostatomegaly; both conditions were stable with conventional treatment.

The patient mentioned that lichen planus started within a few days of changing his hypertensive medication in 2008, so his cardiologist changed his hypertensive medication thereafter.

Personal and family setup: The patient lived with his wife, and his two well-educated sons were working abroad. Having retired from a position in a private company, he felt content with his life. His childhood, however, was challenging, as he lost his parents early and was raised by caring relatives who supported and educated him, for which he remains deeply grateful. He has a strong attachment to his family and relatives and continues to offer them help whenever he can.
Past illnesses: Apart from occasional constipation, the patient had no major illness in the past

Family history: His father had suffered from hypertension and died early due to massive cardiac failure, whereas his mother had osteoarthritis.
The patient was examined, and his vitals were under normal limits. Based on his case details, Dr.Shah prescribed Lichen planus research-based molecules.

Also, he was asked to continue with the steroidal medication, along with homeopathic medicines. He has explained the process of gradually tapering and stopping the steroidal medication and the possible chance of an increase in complaints during this phase. Further, he was assured about the effects of homeopathic medicines thereafter. 

Follow ups:
On the 15th of March 2024, the patient visited for follow-up. The lesions on both hands had reduced and lightened, whereas the lesions on the legs were the same. He was advised to taper the steroid and guided about it. On the basis of the follow-up, he was prescribed homeopathic medicines by Dr Shah for a further six weeks.

Further, on the 30th of Apr 2024, when the patient visited for his follow-up, there was a lightening of the scars on all areas of the hands and legs. Also, no new eruptions had erupted. He was advised to further taper the steroid medication. Accordingly, Dr. Shah prescribed his research-based homeopathic medicines for another six weeks.

At the next follow-up on the 18th of June 2024, there was further lightening of all the affected areas, with no instance of new eruptions. He was further guided for tapering of the steroid, and medicines were revised as per the case need.
During the period from June 2024 to September 2024, there was further improvement in his discoloration. He was also guided to further taper and stop the steroids. The patient was accordingly prescribed by Dr. Shah and asked to update after another six weeks.

On November 11, 2024, the patient returned for a follow-up with a cheerful smile. All scars on his hands had completely cleared, and there was an 80% improvement in the lightening of scars on his legs. He had discontinued steroid use a month prior and reported no new lesions or itching. Based on his progress, he was prescribed homeopathic medicines and advised to continue treatment for a few more months before discontinuing.

Conclusions:
Homeopathic medicines can effectively treat lichen planus and significantly lighten scars, even in steroid-dependent patients across all age groups. In this particular case, the 85-year-old patient, who had relied on steroids and antihistamines, achieved remarkable improvement. After just ten months of homeopathic treatment, he was able to discontinue steroids and experienced an 80% improvement in his symptoms. This case highlights the powerful healing potential of Dr. Shah’s homeopathic prescriptions, which not only fully resolve active lesions but also reduce post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation.

- Written by Dr. Varsha Honkalse, Associate doctor to Dr.Rajesh Shah, MD (Hom)