Dr D Keerthana
ABSTRACT:
Introduction: Athlete’s foot, medically known as tinea pedis, is a common fungus-induced skin ailments of the feet. Itching, scaling, cracking, and redness are typical signs and symptoms.
Athlete’s foot is most commonly observed between the toes (interdigital), with the space between the fourth and fifth digits (the little and fore toes) being the most afflicted. The skin may crack as the condition advances, resulting in bacterial skin infections and lymphatic vessel irritation. If athlete’s foot fungus is left to persist for too long, It may spread to infect the toenails and feed on the keratin, a condition known as onychomycosis.
Homoeopathic medicines have been found to be effective in treating skin illnesses; hence, this case report is an attempt to demonstrate the efficiency of the individualized Homeopathic medicine Mercurius solubilis in the treatment of tenia pedis.
Case summary:
A 10 year old female patient presented with itching and scaly eruptions on both feet in OPD of Government Homoeopathic Medical college and Hospital, Bengaluru; following a thorough case history, Mercurius solubilis was prescribed, and the condition improved, demonstrating the effectiveness of a Individualized Homoeopathic Medicine in treating Tenia pedis. The before and after results were evaluated clinically.
KEYWORDS: Homoeopathy, Tenia pedis, Atheletes foot, Individualized Homoeopathic Medicine, Mercurius solubilis.
INTRODUCTION:
Dermatophytes are the most common agents of superficial fungal infections globally, and they are more prevalent in developing nations, particularly tropical and subtropical
Countries such as India, where the ambient temperature and relative humidity are high. Other factors, such as greater urbanization, the usage of occlusive footwear, and Tight-fitting clothing, have been related to a higher frequency. 1
CASE: This is a case report of a female patient aged 10 years, a student by profession in Bangalore, who presented to the outpatient department of Government Homoeopathic Medical College And Hospital with complaints of itching and scaly eruptions on both feet for one year.
HISTORY OF PRESENTING ILLNESS:
The patient appeared to be in good health prior to the symptoms of itching and scaly lesions on both feet which started one year. The patient was taking conventional Medications that were not effective for her.
- Complaints began with the left leg foot and progressed to the right.
- LOCATION: Toes of both feet, extensor and plantar surfaces and between the toes.
- SENSATION: Itching and burning pain.
- CHARACTER: Scaly eruptions, peeling of skin, redness, dryness, slight bleeding on scratching, offensive discharge.
- MODALITY: Itching <evening, night.
- >warmwater application.
- Itching and scratching leads to bleeding.
- No concomitant symptoms.
- PAST HISTORY:
Three years ago, there was a history of recurrent fever with circular eruptions all over the body. The patient took allopathic treatment and recovered.
FAMILY HISTORY: Father suffers from asthma, while mother and one younger sister are apparently healthy.
PERSONAL HISTORY
Appetite is good. Desires lemon and sweets. Thirsty. Urine and stool were regular and satisfactory. Refreshing sleep; sleeps sideways. Drooling during sleep. Dreams of robbers
And animals. Perspiration on exertion. Thermally, chilly patient.
CONCLUSION AND DISCUSSION:
This case report was done in the term of fulfilling the aim and objectives of the study which was conducted to ascertain the effectiveness of Individualized Homoeopathic medicines in the treatment of tinea pedis.
The case study was from the OPD of the Government Homoeopathic Medical College and Hospital, Bengaluru and the medicine and potency was selected based on the Homoeopathic principles. Follow ups were recorded and analysed as per the requirement of the case. After detailed case taking the patient was given Individualized Homoeopathic medicines.
Mercurius solubilis selected on the basis of individualization using totality of symptoms. The predominant symptoms observed in this case are a hurried nature, anger when contradicted, difficulty concentrating while calculating, heedless and careless attitude, dreams of robbers and animals, and desires for sweets and lemons, which are similar to the symptoms of Mercurius solubilis. The patient exhibited remarkable improvement during subsequent follow-ups. Homoeopathic medicine takes a holistic approach to understand the patient as a whole. In the Organon of Medicine, Dr. Samuel Hahnemann discusses the drawbacks of local application for local maladies. 6 The condition improved significantly as a result of the Individualized Homoeopathic Medicine, and the tinea pedis was successfully treated. This case report demonstrates the effectiveness of Homoeopathy to tinea pedis and thus, other fungal illnesses.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT:
I am grateful to my PG Guide and Professor, Dr. Shobha B. Mali patil ma’am, Department of Organon of Medicine with Homoeopathic Philosophy and also grateful to the patient and her family for her cooperation.
DECLARATION OF PATIENT CONSENT
Due written informed consent and assent were obtained from the patient and patients family for the publication of this study, ensuring anonymity.
CONFLICT OF INTEREST: None declared.
REFERENCE:
- Sahoo AK, Mahajan R. Management of tinea corporis, tinea cruris, and tinea pedis: A comprehensive review. Indian dermatology online journal. 2016 Mar;7(2):77.
- Ilkit M, Durdu M. Tinea pedis: the etiology and global epidemiology of a common fungal infection. Critical reviews in microbiology. 2015 Jul 3;41(3):374-88.
- Priya BT. Tinea Pedis-A Clinico-Mycological Study (Doctoral dissertation, Madras Medical College, Chennai).
- Al Hasan M, Fitzgerald SM, Saoudian M, Krishnaswamy G. Dermatology for the practicing allergist: Tinea pedis and its complications. Clinical and Molecular Allergy. 2004 Dec;2:1-1.
- Complete Repertory by Roger van Zandvoort (CARA software)
- Hahnemann S. Organon of medicine. 6th New Delhi: B Jain Publishers; 2012.
Dr.D.Keerthana.
PG Scholar,
Dept. of Organon Of Medicineand Homoeopathic Philosophy
Government Homoeopathic Medical College & Hospital, Bengaluru.
