Dr RAMYA S J
ABSTRACT: Irritant contact dermatitis is a common skin condition characterized by redness, inflammation, and itching caused by exposure to irritating substances. It is one of the most prevalent forms of contact dermatitis, affecting millions of people worldwide. Common causes include chemicals, allergens, and physical irritants such as friction and moisture imbalance. Symptoms typically manifest shortly after exposure and can range from mild to severe. This article deals with one such case of irritant contact dermatitis which shows promising results with Homeopathic medicine Sulphur as a constitutional remedy.
KEYWORDS: Homoeopathy, Irritant Contact Dermatitis (ICD), Modified Naranjo Criteria, Constitutional Homoeopathic Medicine, Visual Analogue Scale, Sulphur, Case report.
INTRODUCTION: Irritant contact dermatitis is a prevalent skin condition that affects millions of people worldwide, having a global prevalence of 1.7–6.3%.1 The skin serves as a protective barrier against the external environment, shielding the body from potential harm. However, when the skin comes into contact with certain substances that are irritating or damaging, it can lead to the development of irritant contact dermatitis. This condition can occur in people of all ages and backgrounds, and it may affect various parts of the body depending on the site of exposure. Understanding the causes and risk factors associated with irritant contact dermatitis is crucial for its prevention and management. Various substances can act as irritants, including chemicals found in cleaning products, solvents, detergents, certain metals, and even allergens for individuals with heightened sensitivity. Physical factors such as friction, pressure, and excessive moisture or dryness can also contribute to the development of irritant contact dermatitis. Following are the signs and symptoms of irritant contact dermatitis.2
| SYMPTOMS | SIGNS |
| The affected skin may become extremely itchy, leading to a strong urge to scratch and affected area may be painful or have a stinging sensation.3 | Redness, inflammation, itching, dryness and in severe cases, blistering or cracking of the skin.3 |
Table 1- Signs and symptoms of Irritant Contact Dermatitis
DIAGNOSIS:
Diagnosis made on the basis of history and clinical presentation.2
Homoeopathy has good scope in treating cases of Contact Dermatitis including ICD, as homoeopathic remedies offer gentle and safe treatment for patients with ICD. Homoeopathy treats the person as a whole with the help of individualization and determining the right remedy for the subject.1 As well as it treats his pathological condition. The homeopathic medicines are selected after a full individualizing examination and case-analysis, which includes the medical history of the patient, physical and mental constitution, family history, presenting symptoms, underlying pathology, possible causative factors etc. A miasmatic tendency (predisposition/susceptibility) is also often taken into account for the treatment of chronic conditions3
CASE REPORT:
A female patient named Mrs. XYZ, aged 45 years, House wife residing in the outskirts Bengaluru presented to the outpatient department of Government Homoeopathic Medical College and Hospital on 10.10.2022 with the complaints of persistent rash on her hands, which is causing itching, redness, and discomfort.
The patient was apparently healthy doing her house hold works, she regularly handles various cleaning agents and detergents and pesticides in her house and farms. She primarily noticed the rash after using a new pesticides solution in her farm two weeks ago. Initially, the rash was mild, but it has since spread and become increasingly bothersome. She has tried using over-the-counter hydrocortisone cream, but it provided only temporary relief.
Past history: She has tried using over-the-counter hydrocortisone cream, but it provided only temporary relief.
Personal history:
- Diet- Mixed Appetite- Reduced
- Thirst- Thirstless (1L/day) Desire- Nothing specific Aversion- Nothing specific
- Micturition- 4-5 times/ day; 1time/ night Bowel- Regular, Satisfactory.
- Sleep- Refreshing
- Dreams- Falling from height
- Perspiration- Generalized, No odour, no staining Thermals- Hot
Life Space Investigation: Patient belongs to low socioeconomic status. She was the eldest child of the family; she had 2 brothers working as a farmer. Her father died because of old age and her mother living healthy. She studied till 7th standard. She was hardworking and wants to do everything fast and perfect. She got married when she was too young. As her husband is also a farmer, she used to go with him and work in her own farm. She always wants to be occupied by some work, also wants to be with people and cannot stay alone. She usually maintains the house very neatly; she is religious and have her own principles and belief. If other family members don’t follow her beliefs, she gets very angry and shouts at them. But, later on will feel bad about that. Always thinks regarding health of family members and pray for them. Recently she had a financial loss, was difficult to even arrange a day’s meal. All these miseries made her cry most of the time and think of ending her life. She attributes her symptoms to be developed after the use of new pesticide solution in her farm which gradually led to severe itching and dryness of hands
Be the first to comment