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.

Last updated on 12-07-2001