HOMOEOPATHIC MANAGEMENT OF ALOPECIA UNIVERSALIS ASSOCIATED WITH ENDOCRINAL DYSFUNCTION: A LONG-TERM CASE REPORT AT DR BATRA'S

Abstract

Background: Alopecia universalis (AU) is the most severe form of alopecia areata characterized by complete loss of scalp and body hair. It is considered an autoimmune disorder and is frequently associated with other autoimmune diseases such as thyroid dysfunction, rheumatoid arthritis, and diabetes mellitus. Long-standing disease often carries a guarded prognosis because spontaneous regrowth becomes increasingly uncommon. Case Summary: A 46-year-old female presented with alopecia universalis since 2010. The disease began as a solitary patch over the vertex and gradually progressed to complete scalp and body hair loss over the following years. Each episode was preceded by erythematous eruptions and intense itching followed by permanent hair loss. She was a known case of type 2 diabetes mellitus, hypothyroidism, rheumatoid arthritis, and fatty liver disease. Constitutional assessment revealed suppressed anger, prolonged grief over family responsibilities after her husband's death, emotional sensitivity, overthinking, inability to express emotions, forgetfulness, and marked craving for salty food. Individualized homoeopathic treatment with Natrum muriaticum as the constitutional remedy, Fluoric acid during active hair loss, and Thuja occidentalis as an intercurrent remedy was prescribed. Outcome: During one year of treatment no fresh alopecic patches developed. Progressive regrowth was documented on videomicroscopy, itching subsided, inflammatory eruptions disappeared, scalp stability improved, and joint symptoms also showed improvement. The autoimmune condition remained clinically stable with gradual follicular recovery.