A case of xeroderma with cracks and fissures managed by homoeopathy

Dr Rahul Yadav

INTRODUCTION:-
It can also be known as xerosis, which is dry skin. It characterized by dry, cracked, and scaling skin that is typically inflamed. It usually begins as dry skin, and as the disease becomes more severe, the skin can crack and cause fissures. These fissures are a result of epidermal water loss. The fissured skin occurs in a polygonal or curvilinear pattern. The irregular fissuring and scaling patterns are sometimes referred to as “crazing paving.” Patients also report pruritis associated with dry skin.[1]

ETIOLOGY :- Drying of the skin occurs due to epidermal water loss; this is common in winter months and cold, dry climates. Medications such as diuretics also can exacerbate the drying of the epidermis.[1]

 OTHER FACTORS :

• frequent, prolonged bathing in hot water.
• friction
• use of degreasing agent
• nutritional deficiencies eg. Zinc, essential fatty acid Vitamin deficiencies etc.

 HOMOEOPATHIC MEDICINE;-

1. PETROLEUM -Skin dry , constricted , very sensitive, rough and cracked, lethargy .thick weather.
2. GRAPHITIS – Rough , hard , persistent dryness of portion of skin .eruption, oozing out a sticky exudation .rawness in bend of limb ,groin ,neck, behind ear .unhealthy skin ,every little injury suppurates .worse by warmth , night and better by in the dark, from wrapping up.
3. SULPHUR -Cracked skin accompanied by itching and burning .dirty ,filthy people, prone to skin affection .dry scaly ,unhealthy ;every little injury suppurates. Itching burning; worse scratching and washing .pimply eruption , pustules ,rhagades ,hang nails, excoriation , especially in folds .
4. SARSAPARILLA -Skin cracked on hands and feet. Skin hard, indurated. Summer cutaneous affection .skin is emaciated, shriveled, lies in folds , dry .rash from exposure to open air ; dry, itching; comes on spring.
5. LYCOPODIUM CLAVATUM – Lycopodium is one of the best medicine for cracked skin on heal. Cracks on heal are painful and very deep.there may be itching and sweating on the heels and feet.it is best suited for painful callosities on the soles and toes.

 CASE REPORT –
A 10 year old child came to outpatient department of government homoeopathic medical college and hospital Bhopal on 27/04/2023 with complaints of dry skin with multiple crackes and fissures on palms and soles . these cracks are painful with sometime bleeding is present.

 CHIEF COMPLAINTS –

• dryness with itching on palm and soles.
• multiple cracks and fissure which are very painful
• no discharge
• sometimes bleeding is presents .
• cracks are painful.

 HISTORY OF PRESENT COMPLAINTS
Patientswas apparently well till last 3 month . then he started complaining of dryness on palm and soles with multiple cracks and fissure. These cracks are painful and sometimes bleeding is present.

RUBRIC TAKEN :-

1. MIND-IRRITABILITY
2. MIND- CAPRICIOUSNESS
3. EXTREMITIES-CRACKED skin -Soles
4. EXTREMITIES-CRACKED skin-palms
5. PERSPIRATION – PROFUSE
6. SKIN – CRACKS – deep, bloody
7. CRACKS – Painful
8. SKIN – CRACKS – winter agg.
9. GENERALS -FOODS AND DRINKS – sweets , desire

Patients consent : parent of the patients was explained about the study and consent was obtained .

ACKOWLEDGEMENT:
I am thankful to Dr. Ajay Singh Parihar Proffeser and HOD Department of pediatrics ,GHMC Bhopal , Madhya Pradesh , for his constant supports and guidance.

REFFRENCES :

1. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK549807/
2. Norman RA. Xerosis and pruritus in the elderly: recognition and management. Dermatol Ther. 2003;16(3):254-9. [PubMed]
3. SYNTHESIS REPERTORY – Dr. FREDERIK SCHROYENS
4. HOMOEOPATHIC MATERIA MEDICA WITH REPERTORY – WILLIAM BOERICKE

Dr Rahul Yadav
MD Scholar
Department of Paediatrics
Government homeopathic medical college and hospital Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh.

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