Homoeopathic Management of Acute Eczematous Dermatitis in a Young Female: A Case Report a Dr Batra’s

Abstract

Background

Occupational eczematous dermatitis is a common inflammatory dermatosis resulting from repeated exposure to irritants, heat, friction, sweat, and allergens. Repeated inflammation often leads to post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH), particularly in individuals with darker skin phototypes. Early recognition and prompt management are essential to prevent chronicity and cosmetic disfigurement. Homoeopathy emphasizes individualized constitutional prescribing based on the patient's mental, emotional, and physical characteristics.

Case Presentation A 22-year-old unmarried female student working part-time as a coffee maker at Starbucks presented with acute onset of dry, hyperpigmented, mildly pruritic lesions over both elbows, fingers, hands, and knees for 15 days. The lesions appeared after repeated exposure to heat, sweating, coffee preparation, and sun exposure. Dermatological treatment with topical medications produced minimal improvement. Wood's lamp examination demonstrated brown hyperpigmented lesions without fluorescence, suggestive of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. Constitutional assessment revealed an introverted, oversensitive young woman with disappointed love, fear of failure, anxiety regarding examinations and career, and a tendency to weep easily while narrating emotional experiences. Natrum muriaticum was selected as the constitutional remedy, while Berberis aquifolium was prescribed as an acute remedy to support pigment reduction.

Outcome

Serial photographic comparison and Wood's lamp examination demonstrated progressive reduction in erythema, itching, pigmentation, and eczema patches. Approximately 40% improvement was observed during the initial follow-up and nearly 80% improvement was documented by the second follow-up, with no new lesions and significant reduction in pigmentation and inflammation.

Conclusion

This case demonstrates favorable clinical improvement in acute occupational eczematous dermatitis with post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation following individualized homoeopathic treatment.