Skin ailments seen in pediatric age group range from simple fungal infection, nappy
rash to more serious conditions like atopic dermatitis & psoriasis. One comes across
a lot of these cases in homeopathic practice. In homoeopathy, we believe that any
physical ailment is an expression of the mental state of the person, so is true
with skin disease. Therefore, when treating a skin disease, all the aspects of the
child- his development, his temperament, fears, moods, cravings, aversions are all
taken into account. Another important aspect is the mother's state during pregnancy
where a definite correlation can be found with the child's ailment.
The most common skin problem encountered especially in infants is
fungal infection
in folds - in neck, around the knees, between buttocks and groin region. This is
common more in infants who are obese. It presents with marked redness of the skin
in these folds. Usually, this infection settles by taking proper hygienic measures
and keeping the part dry, but if it persists then proper medication is required.
In practice, I have observed that silica (biochemic preparation) is very useful,
but it should be administered after consultation. Also appropriate constitutional
treatment with proper intercurrent medicine helps in the long-term management.
Seborrhic dermatitis is another common skin ailment that one comes across
in practice. It presents as scaling of skin of the scalp with yellow discharge &
hair fall leaving patches of baldness. Excellent results have been observed after
use of homeopathic medicines in these cases. Drugs like vinca minor, Dulcamana have
been found to be useful. For all acute exacerabations, the management should consist
of following up with a constitutional remedy.
Werruca vulgaris or
warts is another skin ailment which is very successfully
treated with homeopathic medicine. Warts are growths of skin, which may be found
on fingers, palms, soles, around neck, on face. These may be cauliflower like growths.
Homeopathic remedies given on constitutional basis, has shown wonderful results
wherein the warts fall off. Local applications even of homeopathic remedies is strictly
contraindicated for treatment of wants, so is cauterization or any others means
of removal of want. Intercurrent homeopathic remedies given along with the constitutional
remedy enhances the response.
Scabies is another common skin ailment. It is an infectious disease which
causes burrows in the webs of the fingers, toes. The disease spreads quite rapidly
to all family members, even if a single individual is affected. Therefore the whole
family has to be treated. Drugs like Psorinum, sulphur have shown good results but
should be taken only after consultation. Medicines that are given on the basis of
totality of the symptomatology give the best results.
Atopic dermatitis is a hypersensitive reaction of the body where the skin
is affected. The skin shows redness with itching, there may also be oozing. Also
secondary infection may lead to discharge of pus and blood. Bilateral symmetry may
be observed in atopic dermatitis. Homeopathic medicines produce very good result
in these cases as they act on the immune system and reduce this increased reactivity
of the body. Constitutional homeopathic remedy given after detailed case taking
& examination works the best. Local applications are contra indicated when on homeopathic
medicines. Occasionally, one or two acute exacerbations may take place but no medicines
that would suppress the disease should be used. Any secondary infection that takes
place can also be managed using homeopathic remedies.
Page 1 of 1
Last updated on 12-07-2001
|
