Medicines are like Magic! A Lichen Planus patient expressed her Gratitude

A 24-year-old female (Patient ID: 28740) enquired about homoeopathic treatment through our online treatment portal in May 2016. After online consultation through call and after seeing the photos of her affected areas, she was diagnosed as having lichen planus. Later, she mentioned having done a biopsy which had confirmed the same. The skin lesions started around six months back with the appearance of tiny red eruptions the size of mustard seeds with severe itching over legs and spread gradually to hands, abdomen, neck, and back, eventually turning dark purplish spots.

On enquiring in detail, the patient mentioned the usage of hormonal medications, after which the gradual appearance of lesions was noticed. She had been applying steroidal ointment for the past five months, which although had lessened the itching, the new lesions were still coming up. When the ointment was not used, there was an increase in spread as well as itching.

Personal and family setup:

The patient was recently married. She worked as an accountant for an MNC. Although she had no stress at the workplace, however, the patient mentioned undergoing stress due to familial conflicts which were getting intense for a year.

Physical Generals:

The patient mentioned she has an affinity for sweets and while she could tolerate mild changes in weather, but for the past year slightest heat has been unbearable, and she cannot do without an air conditioner.

History of illness:

The patient had suffered from typhoid in childhood and had recovered smoothly with conventional treatment. Also, she had an episode of hyperuricemia which was again controlled with conventional treatment.

Family history of illness:

The patient’s father had diabetes mellitus and was stable with conventional treatment. The patient mentioned that her cousin's sister had also suffered from lichen planus and was completely better with our homoeopathic treatment.

At Life Force:

Based on her case history, Dr Rajesh Shah prescribed homeopathic medicines for two months duration. She was also advised to do a few investigations. Also, she was guided for changes in her dietary habits, and lifestyle and given a diet chart for it. She was encouraged to use moisturizers and be hydrated enough.

Follow-Ups:

On the 18th of July 2016, the patient provided her feedback. The old eruptions were gradually healing; however, a few new lesions were still coming up. But the pace of disease activity had slowed down. Based on her follow-up, she was prescribed by Dr Shah for another two months.

Further follow-up on the 16th of September 2016 showed a 40% reduction in all old lesions. Also, the new lesions were still coming up but with less intensity, smaller in size, and healing as well. The patient mentioned that she used to face mood swings, and weight gain issues before starting our treatment. However, for the past 4 months, she had felt light & happy compared to earlier while taking steroids. She was again prescribed by Dr Shah for a further two months and asked for an update.

At the next follow-up on the 16th of December 2016, the patient mentioned further reduction in new lesions and further healing of all old lesions. The severity of the itching and burning sensation had reduced considerably. Based on the changes, Dr Shah prescribed homeopathic medicines for another two months.

Meanwhile, at the end of December 2016, the patient contacted and said she was two weeks pregnant and wanted to know if homeopathy could be taken. She was informed that she can safely take homeopathic medicines during pregnancy, as they are safe and have no adverse effects on her or her baby.

On the 14th of March 2017, the patient gave her follow-up and mentioned fewer new lesions with negligible intensity. Overall there was a 60 to 70% improvement. She was prescribed accordingly by Dr Shah. Also, she was advised to continue her iron and calcium supplements taken for pregnancy, along with our medicines.

At the next follow-up on the 10th of May, there was an overall 70 to 80% improvement. Few lesions persisted over both legs but intensity was milder. Also, the hyperpigmentation post-healing of lesions persisted. Based on her feedback and photos, she was prescribed by Dr Shah.

The patient further continued the treatment for another four to six months, after which stopped the treatment. She delivered a healthy baby boy. Also, she is completely cured of lichen planus and never had a relapse till the present. Also, the scars had faded out. The patient expressed immense relief, mentioning that our medicines work like magic!!

Conclusion:

The above case demonstrates homoeopathy's therapeutic benefits scientifically. In such a severe case of steroid dependency and later pregnancy, the medications' gradual and steady improvement managed to bring about full recovery safely and gently. It should be mentioned that throughout the whole patient had been receiving our online treatment and had never come in person. It demonstrates the remarkable effectiveness of Dr Shah's online care for patients who live far away and are therefore unable to visit.

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