This is the case of Mrs. S.P. 37 years old (Patient Reference No. L 5761) who suffered from Lichen Planus of the skin on both her legs, hands, and back for 17 years. She was prescribed oral cortisone along with local steroidal applications by her dermatologist. The disease remained suppressed for about 10 years. She reported to us in a relapsed state for 2 months that was much more severe than before for which she was again put on steroids ( i.e. Wysolone 20 mg/day). She had terrible itching on the affected areas that were aggravated at night and by touch and better by warm water.

Along with this she also complained of recurrent upper respiratory tract infections for 4 years that occurred each time after exposure to dust and pollution. Her appetite was average and she had a marked craving for sweets, eggs, and fried foods with no addictions. She perspired very little and was thermally sensitive to heat and cold equally. Her menstrual cycles were regular and she complained of the tenderness of breasts before the appearance of menses. She had a family history of Diabetes Mellitus and her mother too suffered from Lichen Planus.

She was impulsive by nature. She loved the company as well as the music. She was a confident lady and did not like consolation from others. She felt lonely most of the time as her husband was too occupied with his job.

Based on the entire case history a constitutional homeopathic remedy Staphysagria 200 was selected to be taken twice a day for 3 weeks. Along with this, she was advised to stop her steroid intake after explaining her adverse effects on her body in the long run as it was just contributing to further suppressing her disease. When she reported to us after 3 weeks as expected her Lichen Planus was aggravated due to the withdrawal of steroids. Her itching and respiratory symptoms remained the same. In spite of the aggravation of symptoms, she was reluctant to restart the steroids as she had fully understood its long-term grave effects.

Next, when she reported to us after a month her eruptions were about 25% better and there was a slight reduction in her itching. This time the intensity of her respiratory infections had considerably reduced. In the subsequent visits, her LP showed considerable improvement with no aggravation of symptoms. Currently, she is completely free from her stubborn Lichen Planus and we can proudly say that we have been successful in bringing her out of the vicious steroid cycle which she never thought she would possibly come out of.

Remark: The remedy prescribed in these cases is patient-specific i.e. it has been prescribed based on the symptoms specific to the patient at that point in time. It is advisable that the patient does not indulge in any self-medication.