ROLE OF HOMOEOPATHIC MEDICINE IN THE TREATMENT OF A CASE OF INTERTRIGO IN PAEDIATRIC AGE GROUP: A CASE REPORT
1) Anju George, 2) Shobha B. Mali Patil
1) MD Scholar, Department of Organon of Medicine, Government Homoeopathic Medical College and Hospital, Bangalore - 79
2) HOD and Professor, Department of Organon of Medicine, Government Homoeopathic Medical College and Hospital, Bangalore - 79
ABSTRACT
This case report focuses on 6 months old female child who was presented with intertrigo in the anterior aspect of neck. After reviewing this case, she was prescribed homoeopathic medicine causticum 200, 1 dose.
KEYWORDS
Homoeopathy, Case report, Intertrigo, Causticum
INTRODUCTION
Homoeopathy -the second largest system of medicine utilized by the world population. The prime reason for this fast spreading acceptance of homoeopathy can be reasonably attributed to its being safe, simple, scientific, economic, effective medicine to all. Since it is used by largest population, researches to be done in this field to explore the effectiveness of homoeopathy in the treatment of various conditions. In this case report effectiveness of homoeopathy in the treatment of intertrigo in paediatric age group is demonstrated with evidence.
Intertrigo is inflammation of skin fold caused by skin -on -skin friction. It is a common skin condition affecting opposing cutaneous or mucocutaneous surfaces. The condition appears in natural and obesity created body folds.
The friction in these folds can lead to variety of complications such as secondary bacterial or fungal infections. The usual approach to manage intertrigo is to minimize moisture and friction with absorptive powders such as corn starch or with barrier creams.
CASE REPORT
A 6 months old female child x reported to out patient department on 9/11/21 with comlaint of itching and reddish brown erosions in the anterior aspect of neck since 2weeks. It was sudden onset and gradual profession. Complaints started due to sudden change in climate and profuse perspiration in the neck region. Started with redness, itching, eruptions lead to erosion of skin in the anterior aspect of neck. It is very painful and baby is very irritable . Initially they tried moisturing creams for this.
PAST HISTORY
BIRTH AND DEVELOPMENTAL HISTORY
Non consanguineous marriage
G2 P2 AP L2
Full term normal delivery
Baby cried immediately after birth.
2 months – Social smile
3 months- neck holding, cooking, recognise mother
4 months – Grasp rings when placed in hand
6 months – Sitting with support, Mono syllable ma, ba, Smiles at mirror image. Central incisors started to erupt in right lower quadrant of mouth.
FAMILY HISTORY
Nothing significant
PERSONAL HISTORY
Appetite : Good
Thirst : Good
Bladder : Regular, No difficulty
Bowels : Regular, No difficulty
Sleep : disturbed
Perspiration : profuse, more on neck, not offensive
Thermal state : Hot patient
GENERAL PHYSICAL EXAMINATION
No signs of pallor, cyanosis, clubbing, icterus, oedema and lymphadenopathy.
VITAL SIGNS
Pulse: 100 beats /min
Respiratory Rate: 25 breaths/ min
Temperature: 36 degree Celsius, afebrile at the time of examination
Length: 52 cm
Weight: 4 kg
Head circumference: 45 cm
Chest circumference: 45 cm
LOCAL EXAMINATION
Reddish brown erosions on anterior aspect of neck
Tenderness present
Looks like raw
PROVISIONAL DIAGNOSIS
Intertrigo
ANALYSIS OF SYMPTOMS
COMMON SYMPTOMS.
Itching
< Perspiration
Pain with erosion
UNCOMMON SYMPTOMS
Reddish brown erosions in the anterior aspect of neck
Irritable - During dentition
Sleep disturbed
EVALUATION OF SYMPTOMS
Reddish brownish erosions on the anterior aspect of neck
Itching < Perspiration,cold
Pain
Irritability
Intertrigo during dentition
Sleep disturbed
TOTALITY
Irritability
Sleep disturbed
Eruption – itching
Eruption – dentition during
Itching – cold agg
Itching perspiration during
PRESCRIPTION
On 9/11/2021
Causticum 200 / 1 dose
Rubrum
4-0-4 / 2 weeks
FOLLOW - UP
On 23/11/2021
Irritability reduced
Erosions – improving
Sleep-improved
Tenderness and itching reduced
1) Rubrum
4 - 0 - 4 / 2 weeks
2) BT
1- 0 -1 / 2 weeks
On 9/12/2021
Erosions disappeared
No irritability
Sleep – Good.
DISCUSSION
Intertrigo is characterised primarily by mild erythema that initially presents as reddish brown rashes, mostly on the skin folds. The erythema may progress to more intense inflammation with erosions, oozing, exudation, maceration and crusting. In addition, patient may present with pruritus and burning in the affected areas.
In this case reddish brown erosions present on the anterior aspect of neck since 2 weeks. Also presented with pain and itching, which is aggravated during perspiration. Baby is very irritable during this complaint, while considering milestones, baby’s lower central incisors started to erupts. After detailed case taking understood that dentition and this complaint have strict time relationship.
Considering this point, constructed totality, which includes reddish brown erosions on the anterior aspect of neck, pain, itching, aggravation from perspiration and cold, irritability during this complaint, intertrigo during dentition.
After case taking, symptom evaluation, repertorization and materia Medica differentiation were carried out. Causticum 200, 1dose were prescribed on November 9,2021, the patient asked to report after 15 days.
Apart from causticum, Lycopodium, silicea, spongia, Thuja,Rhus tox,Ars alb received the highest values during repertorization. These medicines were not selected because the patient is very irritable, disturbed sleep, intertrigo during dentition, reddish brown erosions more during perspiration and during cold climate. Considering these points, causticum is more similar to this case. Hence it was prescribed.
CONCLUSION
In this case of intertrigo homoeopathic treatment was effective. But to establish the effectiveness of homoeopathy in the treatment of intertrigo Further researches has to been done like RCT.
Consent of Patient
Patients have agreed that their reports and other clinical information can be used for research work, and it can be reported in the journal.
Acknowledgment
The author acknowledges the consent given by a patient to use his case and report for research and publication.
Conflict of interest: None
REFERENCE
Camila K. Janniger, M.D, Robert A. Intertrigo and Common Secondary Skin Infections.
Accessed on June 2023 https://www.aafp.org/pubs/afp/issues/2005/0901/p833.html
Boericke William. Homoeopathic Materia medica
Radar software: Frederik Schroyens Synthesis Repertory, Version 9.1
