A Syrian Patient Recovered From Prednisolone Suppressed Pemphigus Foliaceus With Homeopathy
Mrs. R.A. (LFMPL PIN: 24983) personally visited our Life Force clinic’s Mumbai branch on 8th August 2017 for the treatment of her Pemphigus foliaceous which she was suffering from 2016. She had watery blisters on her arms, forearms, thighs, and feet with an erythematous base and was experiencing pain and burning in the lesions. Since 2016, she was constantly on steroids and, whenever she tried to taper the dose or stop the steroids, she used to suffer from a major flare-up. She was on Gupisone (Prednisolone) 20 mg and was using Tablet. Dermovate 25 mg (Clobetasol propionate) on & off thrice a day when her lesions would turn worse. Because of the constant use of steroids, she had gained weight and was also suffering from severe body pain.
Along with Bullous Pemphigus, she was also having complaints of Lichen planus which was mild affecting her hands and feet and had a complaint of Granuloma annulare. All her skin complaints were masked with the use of oral steroid medicines and steroid ointment. She also had the complaints of Asthma for which she was using inhalers on & off.
All her skin complaints started had after major stress which she had witnessed. Mrs. R.A was basically from Syria, but, due to the crisis in Syria, her family got shifted to Dubai. She mentioned how it was unsafe to stay in Syria and how much sufferings the people of Syria have endured.
Physical Generals:
She would perspire profusely, and she was sensitive to the hot weather. She was staying with her husband, 2 sons, and 2 daughters.
After studying the case details and history in detail, Dr. Shah prescribed Calcarea Carbonicum along with his research-based medicines to the patient.
Follow-Ups:
In her first follow-up on 15th January 2018, the patient informed that there was no change in her complaints, as, still, she was experiencing the need to take the steroids. Once she stopped the steroids, she developed the new lesions again. Dr. Shah revised the prescription and her dose of medicines was increased.
After the first 8 months of the homeopathic treatment, she was better by 40%. However, along with the Homeopathic medicines, the patient was using a strong dose of steroid so it was difficult to judge which medicines were helping her. She was advised to taper the dose of steroids from 15 mg to 10 mg.
On 18th September 2018, the patient informed that, with the reduced dose of steroids, her lesions had started to spread and, again, she required to increase her steroid dose. Dr. Shah studied her case again and prescribed Carboneum Sulphuricum 6 pills twice a day for 4 months.
On 21st February 2019, the patient informed that her relief in the lesions was better by 70% and she was on a low dose of steroid which was 5 mg.
Gradually, in the coming months, the dose of steroids was reduced from 5 mg to 2.5 mg and, ultimately, it was stopped by July 2019. Even after stopping the use of steroids, the patient had not observed any recurrence of lesions.
Her case is under observation and she is advised to continue Homeopathic medicines for a few more months.
Conclusion:
This case highlights that homeopathy is highly effective in treating Pemphigus Vulgaris successfully and safely without any side-effects.
- Written by Dr. Mithila K, Associate to Dr. Rajesh Shah (M.D.)