How Homeopathy Healed Steroid Dependent Eczema in Toddler

A toddler girl (Patient ID: 56128) was brought to the clinic with complaints of small erythematous, bumpy eruptions localized to the neck, shoulders, nape of the neck, and right leg. These eruptions were associated with mild itching, dryness, and roughness. The condition had been persistent for the past two years and had worsened now. Earlier, the eruptions occurred every 2–3 months, but in the past month, the frequency had increased to once per week. The symptoms were masked due to the regular use of a topical steroid ointment, Momate F, which the patient had been applying for the past two years. With the topical application, the itching was mild, with no complaints of burning, bleeding, or heat sensation. The condition was steroid-dependent and relapsing in nature.

Associated complaints—The patient also had a history of asthmatic bronchitis for the same period of 2 years; symptoms included recurrent cough, nasal blockage, nasal discharge, chest congestion, and occasional shortness of breath, particularly aggravated by changes in weather. These episodes were managed with conventional medicines taken on an SOS basis. 

Family history: Atopic conditions were evident. Her twin sister also had atopic dermatitis, though less frequent in occurrence (once in 4–5 months). The maternal grandmother had a history of dry skin, and a maternal cousin was diagnosed with psoriasis. On the paternal side, both the father and grandmother had a history of asthma, confirming the genetic predisposition toward atopic conditions in the family.

Physical generals:

She was taking a mixed diet with a marked craving for chicken and fish. There was no specific aversion to any food. Her thirst was low, with approximately one bottle of water per day. She perspired profusely, especially on the back, face, and forehead. Thermally, she was hot. Her bowel and urinary habits were normal, and she had sound sleep, mostly sleeping on her back, abdomen, or side. Physically, she had fair skin, pink nails, a moist, clean tongue, and silky hair. 

Birth history—She was a full-term LSCS baby with a birth weight of 2.1 kg. She had been breastfed for one year, and all developmental milestones were achieved on time.

Mental generals: She was a calm, polite, and happy child with no excessive demands or behavioral concerns.

Based on the case details, Dr. Shah prescribed the medicines.

Follow-ups:

During the first follow-up on 31/12/2024, the eruptions had started to reduce in size and number. The roughness and dryness also showed improvement, particularly in the folds of the skin. The patient was still using Momate F along with Atogla Resyl cream once daily. 

By mid-February 2025, the patient was much better, and the eruptions were markedly reduced. Roughness and dryness were minimal, and the steroid ointment had not been used for the past 20 days. 

At the end of March 2025, almost all eruptions on the neck, upper arm, back, and chest had resolved, with only a few bumpy eruptions present below the lips. Itching and dryness were absent.

By the most recent follow-up on 11/05/2025, 60–70% improvement was observed. No new eruptions had appeared, old lesions had significantly improved, and only mild eruptions remained below the lip. The patient was off all medications, including steroids.

Conclusion:

This case demonstrates the successful homeopathic management of a chronic case of steroid-dependent atopic dermatitis in a genetically predisposed child. The condition, which had persisted for two years and was worsened by conventional steroidal treatment, responded positively to individualized homeopathic intervention. Over time, not only were the skin symptoms resolved, but the dependency on steroid-based creams was also eliminated. 

• Case study written by Dr. Shreya Hedaoo, an associated doctor to Dr. Rajesh Shah, MD (Homo)