A Case of Plaque Psoriasis Successfully Managed with Homoeopathy

Psoriasis is a long-term, inflammatory, multisystemic condition that mainly affects the skin and joints.[1] Psoriasis vulgaris, also known as chronic plaque psoriasis, is the most prevalent type, accounting for 80 to 90% of cases.[2] In India, the prevalence of psoriasis ranges from 0.44 to 2.8%, with men being twice as likely as women to have the condition.[3] The lesions typically appear as well-defined, erythematous, and scaly plaques, most frequently found on the extensor surfaces such as the elbows and knees, as well as on the scalp and in the intergluteal cleft.[2] This chronic condition significantly impacts quality of life, leading to considerable physical, psychological, and social burdens.[4] The prolonged nature of the illness, along with the lack of successful treatments, results in ongoing physical and emotional distress. Additionally, the prologed treatment incurs more expenditure and is associated with a varying levels of patient dissatisfaction.[5] The rapid and gentle improvement within 4 months, substantial relief both physically and psychologically, and no recurrence for 2 years with homeopathic treatment are the main learning points.

A 54-year-old married female patient presented with a severe, itchy, erythematous lesion on her left leg ([Fig. 1]) for the past 2 years. Her symptoms were aggravated by heat and sweating but alleviated by applying cold water. She also reported a burning sensation in the affected area. Although she had been using an allopathic ointment as an over-the-counter (OTC) treatment for 1 year, relapses occurred whenever she stopped its application. On local examination, the lesion appeared dry, covered with silvery scales, erythematous, and thickened, with pinpoint bleeding under the skin's surface after removing skin scales (positive Auspitz sign).

Fig. 1 First visit.

She desired milk and had a 2-year history of involuntary urination when coughing. Thermally, she was hot. Her sleep was disturbed by itching from her skin lesion.

Patients' Consent

The authors certify that they have obtained all appropriate patient consent forms, in which the patient has given her consent for her images and other clinical information to be reported in the journal. The patient understands that her name and initials will not be published, and that due efforts will be made to conceal her identity; however, anonymity cannot be guaranteed.

Publikationsverlauf

Artikel online veröffentlicht:
21. März 2025

• References

• 1 Kim WB, Jerome D, Yeung J. Diagnosis and management of psoriasis. Can Fam Physician 2017; 63 (04) 278-285
• 2 Kimmel GW, Lebwohl M. Psoriasis: overview and diagnosis. Evidence-Based Psoriasis 2018; 1-16
• 3 Thappa DM, Munisamy M. Research on psoriasis in India: where do we stand?. Indian J Med Res 2017; 146 (02) 147-149
• 4 Owczarek K, Jaworski M. Quality of life and severity of skin changes in the dynamics of psoriasis. Postepy Dermatol Alergol 2016; 33 (02) 102-108
• 5 Witt CM, Lüdtke R, Willich SN. Homeopathic treatment of patients with psoriasis: a prospective observational study with 2 years follow-up. J Eur Acad Dermatol Venereol 2009; 23 (05) 538-543
• 6 Radar Opus, Version 3.0.16. Archibel Homoeopathic Software; 2019