This is the case of Mrs. N.S (Patient Ref. No. L-6795) a 70 years old housewife who reported to the clinic for her skin complaints. She had hypertrophic and hyperpigmented skin lesions on both her legs since 5 years. There was much scaling from the lesions and itching was very intense. The lesions would occasionally bleed on excessive scratching. These complaints would be worse in the damp weather and after sour and sweet foods. The itching would be worse at nights. She later developed infection of these lesions, probably due to excessive scratching. There was pus formation and bleeding from the lesions. The cellulitis had involved the lower half of both her legs. She had burning type of pain that would be worse at night. She would feel slightly better after bathing the legs in hot water. The part was indurated on account of the cellulitis.

She also developed fever with chills on account of the infection. Her appetite had markedly reduced after she developed the cellulitis and she had intense thirst for large quantities of chilled water. She was feeling very weak in general and her sleep was disturbed due to the pain and the itching of the affected part.

Based on these symptoms she was prescribed homoeopathic medicines for the cellulitis of both the legs. She was advised to do the dressing of the affected parts daily and to keep the part covered. After the first week of treatment there was not much change in her condition and the cellulitis remained more or less the same. After the second week of medicines her fever subsided and her chilliness improved significantly. Gradually the cellulitis began to improve and the bleeding from the lesions stopped. The pus discharge reduced significantly over the next few days. Her pain was under better control and she was not feeling the weakness anymore now. Her appetite also started improving and she did well in general.

This is the case of Mrs. S.P. 37 years old(Patient Reference No.L 5761) who suffered from Lichen Planus of the skin on both her legs, hands and back since 17 years. She was prescribed oral steroids along with local steroidal applications by her dermatologist. The disease remained suppressed for about 10 years. She reported to us in a relapsed state since 2 months that was much more severe than before for which she was again put on steroids ( i.e. wysolone 20 mg/day). She had terrible itching on the affected areas that was aggravated at night and by touch and better by warm water.

Along with this she also complained of recurrent upper respiratory tract infections since 4 years that occurred each time after exposure to dust and pollution. Her appetite was average and she had marked craving for sweets, eggs and fried foods with no addictions. She perspired very little and was thermally ambithermal. Her menstrual cycles were regular and she complained of tenderness of breasts before the appearance of menses. She had a family history of Diabetes Mellitus and her mother too suffered from Lichen Planus.

She was impulsive by nature. She loved company as well as music. She was a confident lady and did not like consolation from others. She felt lonely most of the times as her husband was too occupied with his job.

Based on the entire case history a constitutional homoeopathic remedy Staphysagria 200 was selected to be taken twice a day for 3 weeks. Along with this she was advised to stop her steroid intake after explaining her its adverse effects on her body in the long run as it was just contributing to further suppressing her disease. When she reported to us after 3 weeks as expected her Lichen Planus was aggravated due to withdrawal of steroids. Her itching and respiratory symptoms remained the same. Inspite of the aggravation of symptoms she was reluctant to restart the steroids as she had fully understood its long term grave effects.

Next when she reported to us after a month her eruptions were about 25% better and there was slight reduction in her itching. This time the intensity of her respiratory infections had considerably reduced. In the subsequent visits her LP showed considerable improvement with no aggravation of symptoms. Currently she is completely free from her stubborn Lichen Planus and we can proudly say that we have been successful in bringing her out of the vicious steroid cycle which she never thought she would possibly come out of.

Remark: The remedy prescribed in these cases is patient-specific i.e. it has been prescribed based on the symptoms specific to the patient at that point of time. It is advisable that the patient does not indulge in any self-medication.