Abstract:
Background: Allergic Contact Dermatitis (ACD) is a Type IV hypersensitivity reaction characterized by pruritus, erythema, and dryness, often triggered by allergens like artificial jewelry , metals or detergents. While Conventional approaches provide symptomatic relief, they often fail to address the deeper predispositions and recurrent tendencies seen in long-standing cases. Homoeopathy, rooted in the individualization of symptoms and miasmatic understanding, offers a holistic pathway to healing.
This case report demonstrates the transformation of chronic ACD through constitutional homoeopathic prescribing by exploring the psychosomatic interlink between skin and suppressed emotions—validating the homoeopathic doctrine of treating the person, not just the disease.
Case Summary: A 49-year-old female presented with an acute flare of ACD localized to the neck after exposure to artificial jewelry. She reported chronic allergic dermatitis for the past 25 years, with symptoms aggravated during summers, by perspiration, and warmth, and ameliorated by cold applications. Her chronic condition began post-marriage, marked by psychological stress and emotional suppression. She also had a history of recurrent tinea infections and multiple lipomas, with a significant family history of allergic and skin disorders.
Emotional Disposition: Reserved, sensitive, conscientious, and emotionally restrained; fears conflict and criticism; suppresses emotions even under injustice, fearing disharmony within the joint family. Prone to weeping alone, emotionally unacknowledged, with a fastidious and responsible personality.
Homoeopathic Perspective: The case presented a clear constitutional picture indicating a deep seated psoro-sycotic miasmatic background. The emotional etiology and dermatological expression confirmed Hahnemann’s view of skin disorders as outward manifestations of internal imbalance. Based on totality—including suppressed grief, conscientious nature, aggravation from heat and consolation, and a history of fungal infections—a deep-acting remedy was selected.
Outcome: Following the constitutional prescription, the patient reported significant improvement in both acute and chronic skin symptoms, along with enhanced emotional resilience and general well-being.
Case Presentation:
Patient Name: ABC
Age/Sex: 49 years/Female
C/O:
Allergic Contact Dermatitis (Acute).
• Duration: 15 days.
• Location: Around the neck
• A/F: Exposure to artificial jewelry
• Symptoms: Itching (+++), redness, dryness, swelling (no scaling or discharge) • Modalities: < Warmth, perspiration; > Cold water
Chronic History (25 Years): Allergic Dermatitis.
• Location: Upper back, arms, elbow folds
• Origin: After marriage, first summer season—eruption like prickly heat • Progression: Gradual, recurring every summer
• Symptoms: Papular eruptions, itching (++), burning (+) post-scratching • Aggravation: Summer, heat, clothes changing, perspiration
• Amelioration: Cold bath
• Previous Treatment: Temporary relief from antihistamines
Past Illness:
• Tinea (Ringworm): 1.5 years, cross-infection; intense itching (+++), < Night, warmth; > Cold water
• Lipomas: Multiple, soft, painless, mobile, increasing; familial tendency on maternal side
Family & Personal History:
• F/H: Allergic rhinitis, eczema, allergic itching
• P/H: Sound sleep, chilly patient, desires ice cream, chocolate, salty food+++; aversion to pizza
• Menopause: Since 1.5 years; previous dysmenorrhea (+++); history of difficult labor and hyperemesis
Mental Disposition:
• Conscientious, dutiful, emotionally sensitive
• Avoids confrontation despite injustice
• Suppresses grief and emotional pain
• Easily hurt, cries alone, avoids burdening family
• Fears snakes, heights, and conflict
• Fastidious and punctual; aesthetically inclined
• Feels unacknowledged despite sincere efforts
Homoeopathic Analysis:
As per Hahnemann’s miasmatic theory, skin affections suppressed or left unresolved can drive disease deeper into the organism (Chronic Diseases, S. Hahnemann). This patient’s chronic ACD, emotional suppression, and psoro-sycotic miasmatic background highlighted the need for a constitutional remedy addressing both surface pathology and inner conflict.
Remedy Selection:
Based on totality—marked emotional suppression, weeping alone, reserved nature, aggravation from heat, history of fungal infections, and multiple lipomas—the constitutional simillimum pointed towards Natrum Muriaticum.
Rx: Nat Mur 30 water dose 1 Spoon 2 stroke daily for 1 week.
SL 4 BD x 15 days.
Images of Before Treatment
Follow-Up :
01/03/2025
Allergic contact dermatitis
Over neck – Itching decreases much but sometimes intense during heat & perspiration as summer nears to start.
Over elbow fold – Decreases much the same as intense during heat & perspiration. Eruptions Decrease.
Generals: Better.
Mentally feels light & relaxed.
Rx: Nat Mur 30 water dose 1 Spoon 2 stroke daily for 1 week.
SL 4 BD x 15 days.
16/03/2025:
Allergic contact dermatitis
Rashes over Neck & Elbow fold – completely better.
No itching even in heat & perspiration. No dryness,
Rx: SL 4 BD x 15 days.
Images of After Treatment
01/04/2025:
All skin complaints are better.
In spite of sunny days no skin skin issue even in chronic complaints. Generals: better.
The patient Mentally feels very relaxed and calm.
Rx: SL 4 BD x 15 days.
Conclusion:
This case highlights the inseparable bond between emotional repression and chronic skin ailments. Homoeopathy, through individualization and miasmatic understanding, offers a curative response by addressing the “inner disease” manifesting through the skin”, as emphasized by Hahnemann and Kent. This case stands as a clinical example of how deep-acting constitutional remedies can transform both the skin and soul.
