A Case of Cumulative Irritant Contact Dermatitis Treated with Homoeopathy

Description

Irritant contact dermatitis (ICD) is the most frequent occupational skin illness, and construction workers are among those at greatest risk of developing ICD.[1] Cement, a widely utilized industrial material, is the leading cause of occupational skin ailments in construction workers.[2]

A 36-year-old male visited the National Institute of Homoeopathy, Kolkata, West Bengal, India with complaints of dry, itchy, and burning skin eruption on both hands and feet (especially on the dorsal surface), persisting for 3 to 4 years. Patient had a history of being exposed to cement and dust while working as a construction laborer. He took various treatments for his complaints without much relief.

The case was diagnosed as cumulative ICD based on the history and clinical presentation. He was provided with homoeopathic treatment that resulted in a significant improvement within 2.5 months duration, without any adverse side effects. The patient's progression is displayed in [Figs. 1] and [2], which demonstrates how effectively and gently homoeopathy can treat such an illness. The patient did not receive any additional therapy during the course of the treatment.

Fig. 1 Before treatment. (A) Dorsal surface of feet. (B) Ulnar border of hand. (C) Dorsal surface of hand.

Fig. 2 After treatment. (A) Dorsal surface of feet. (B) Ulnar border of hand. (C) Dorsal surface of hand.

The presenting characteristic symptoms were a strong desire for salt and salty things, an aversion to fat, and dry skin eruptions that were itchy and burning in character. In addition to that, he was thermally hot, mentally sad, and aggravated by consolation.

• Prescription: Natrum Muriaticum 30/1 dose (early morning, empty stomach), was prescribed followed by placebo for 30 days.

• First follow-up (at day 39): The itching and burning subsided shortly after receiving the initial medication, and the eruption began to improve, but it eventually came to a standstill. So, Natrum Muriaticum 200/1 dose, followed by placebo, was administered for the next 30 days.

• Second follow-up (at day 72): Itching and burning not noticed further and his eruption improved substantially. As his presenting complaints were resolved, his sadness improved. Placebo was prescribed.

Publication History

Article published online:
07 January 2025

• References

• 1 Patel K, Nixon R. Irritant contact dermatitis - a review. Curr Dermatol Rep 2022; 11 (02) 41-51
• 2 Behrangi E, Ansarin H, Hoseinzade Fakhim T, Azizian Z, Esmaeeli S. An unusual skin lesion in cement irritant contact dermatitis: a case report. J Skin Stem Cell. 2014; 1 (02) e22012