Child with Psoriasis Masked by Steroids and Immunosuppressants Treated with Homeopathy
Ms. F.P.''''s child visited the Life Force Homeopathy Borivali branch (Patient ID: 53261) with the main complaint of psoriatic patches and dry, scaly skin on both buttocks, elbows, knees, and the abdomen. These patches have been present since 2021. There was dry scaling on the knees, large faded patches on the buttocks, and smaller lighter patches on the elbows and abdomen. The child experienced itching, especially while sweating in the classroom. At the time of the visit, the child was using Moisturex lotion (contains paraffin) and HHsalic lotion (contains mometasone, a steroid, and salicylic acid) once a day. Earlier, the child had taken Psorid tablets (containing cyclosporine, an immunosuppressant)—100 mg in a tapering dose from April 2023 to August 2023. The child had also used Topisal ointment (contains clobetasol, a strong steroid, and salicylic acid) and Sorvate ointment (contains calcitriol and clobetasol) for the skin patches.
Associated disease: ADHD was diagnosed in 2019. She had delayed milestones and was absent-minded. She was forgetful due to a lack of concentration, though she performed well in exams. Walks fast and intermittently keeps on moving even while sitting. Vaguely stands up in between during classes and also during consultation.
She had Lactose intolerance since birth and experienced only constipation on having milk/milk products, no other symptoms. Underwent gastroscopy at the age of 4 months, as the patient was unable to digest food/milk. Gastroscopy was normal.
At Life Force Homeopathy, a detailed case history was taken. Dr. Rajesh Shah, according to the totality of symptoms, prescribed Kali arsenicosum 30. A blood investigation was advised, and diet and lifestyle changes were suggested.
Follow-ups:
Follow-up on 28.01.24: Previously faded/steroid-masked patches were now pinkish due to the immunosuppressant drug having stopped. Mild scaling on the knee patches was noted; the rest of the patches were dry, with much scaling. One new patch on the medial aspect of the left elbow was noticed. Four small new patches on the left buttock were also starting to emerge. Itching was more, especially on patches of the left buttock. No patches on the right buttock. She was still applying HHSalic lotion once a day. Stopped Moisturex lotion. Advised to continue applying moisturizing lotion twice a day and to reduce steroid application.
Follow-up on 03.03.24: Patches were further increasing in size, especially on the buttocks and knees, after steroid withdrawal, as HHsalic ointment was stopped since the last follow-up. Dryness was increased as the skin had not been moisturized for the past 3 days.
Follow-up on 14.04.24: Improvement noticed. Patches are almost healed. A few patches over the buttocks and the elbow became active after consuming red meat. Itching has reduced significantly. She was applying Vaseline petroleum jelly.
Follow-up on 23.05.24: further improvement was noticed. One new patch on the left thigh for 1 week. Itching was occasional, and dryness was noted.
Follow-up on 14.07.24: Overall condition was stable. Some new patches on the knees and elbows are visible. The rest of the patches are stable.
Follow-up on 09.02.25: Lesions over the elbows and buttocks were stable. Bilateral knee lesion size increased. Dryness and scaling were present. Increase in scalp lesions. Intense itching and scratching lead to bleeding due to cold weather.
Follow-up on 01.05.25: Lesions further improved. Itching was on the knee lesion; however, it was less severe.
Conclusion:
After stopping the immunosuppressant medicines, the skin patches became more visible, which is a common effect when stopping steroids or similar drugs. Over the following months, the condition showed ups and downs but generally kept improving with Life Force homeopathic treatment, even though some new patches or flare-ups happened at times due to triggers like eating red meat or cold weather. However, the flare-ups were managed well with Homeopathy, and the patient is in a long-term remission period.
- Case study written by Dr. Deepa Chandroth, an associate of Dr. Rajesh Shah (M.D. Hom)