Neutrophilic Vasculitis is an uncommon skin disease occurring one in 10-30 million people. It is also called Cutaneous Vasculitis. It causes an immunological and degenerative swelling of the small (arteries) vessels, present just beneath skin. It is mediated by white blood cells called Neutrophils.

Neutrophilic vasculitis is one of the type of Leukocytoclastic vasculitis. (LCV)
It may occur at any age. Affects men and women in equal proportion.
Neutrophilic vasculitis can be self-limiting localized skin ulcer to rapidly progressive disease affecting multiple organs like joints, Gastro intestinal tract and kidneys.

Causes of Neutrophilic Vasculitis

1. Some of the commonly used medicines such as antibiotics, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, and diuretics are known to induce Neutrophilic Vasculitis.
2. Underlying infection (Commonly, Respiratory infection, Hepatitis C, HIV etc.)
3. Preexisting chronic diseases (Rheumatoid arthritis, Sjögren syndrome, Systemic Lupus Erythematosus, Inflammatory bowel disease, Ulcerative colitis, Crohns disease etc.)
4. Cancer
5. Idiopathic (Unknown cause)

Symptoms

When Neutrophilic vasculitis involves only skin,

1. Raised eruptions or purpural rash, which may involve ulceration
2. Severe itching of the skin lesion
3. Pain in the lesion
4. Burning sensation
5. Swelling of the affected part

If there is internal organ involvement then,

1. Preceding fever
2. Joints pain
3. Joints swelling
4. Body ache
5. Abdominal pain
6. Diarrhea
7. Cough with expectoration
8. Weakness

Diagnosis of Neutrophilic Vasculitis

1. Skin Biopsy - Can be done by biopsy of the lesion. It is of the gold standard.
2. Complete blood count
3. ESR
4. C reactive protein
5. ANCA (Antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody)
6. Tumor necrosis factor-a  (TNF-a)

Prognosis

If there is no internal involvement, the prognosis is excellent. Approximately one in 10 patient may have chronic or recurrent disease.

Conventional Treatment

It is based on the underlying causative factors and associated diseases. Antihistamines, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory agents, corticosteroids, immunosuppressive medicines can be given in allopathic mode of treatment.
Surgery may be required in cases associated with cancer.

Homeopathic treatment for Neutrophilic Vasculitis

There is no homeopathic literature available to us based on anyone's experience.  However, based on our experience with the treatment of various chronic diseases of blood vessels, we can say that homeopathy will have some supportive role to play and that must be explored in every case of Neutrophic vasculitis. In vasculitis only related to skin, we expect good recovery in terms of reduction of itching, pain, burning, swelling and internal healing of the ulcers, However in those cases where internal organs are affected, we recommend homeopathy in association with the conventional treatment. At Life Force, we have registered two cases of Neutrophilic Vasculitis and would share experience at a suitable time.

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