"Lichen Planus Successfully Treated with Homeopathy"
Mr. N.K., a twenty-three-year old male (Patient ID: 39839), commenced online treatment for Lichen Planus a chronic skin condition troubling him for six years at Life Force homeopathy Chembur clinic in April 2019.
His chief complaints included oral lesions on the inner cheeks and under the lips, approximately four times the size of mustard seeds, appearing reddish and gray. He also had dark, pigmented patches on his thighs. The lesions first appeared in his mouth and the lesion on his thighs was noted a year after. He had previously sought treatment from multiple practitioners, including homeopaths and dermatologists, experiencing temporary relief but facing recurrence upon discontinuing medication. A notable pattern emerged where the lesions reappear shortly after stopping the prescribed oral pills and ointments.
The patient experienced mild burning sensations in his mouth, particularly after consuming spicy foods, which would subside within half an hour. There was no itching reported in the affected areas.
The patient exhibited average appetite and thirst. He was a vegetarian with a preference for mildly spicy food and sweets. He had reduced perspiration and average temperature tolerance. His sleep was characterized by dreams, though not of any specific nature.
He generally maintained a happy disposition but occasionally experienced depression when he felt he was less productive. He also expressed insecurity about job prospects due to studying at a private college. When faced with challenges, he would initially feel sad but would then actively work to find solutions. He expressed satisfaction with his studies, though maintaining consistency was a challenge he addressed through motivational lectures and family discussions.
His family history revealed that his mother suffered from a skin condition involving itching and thyroid disease.
In his past medical history, he had experienced a widespread ringworm-like eruption in childhood which was successfully treated with homeopathy.
Dr. Shah studied the case in detail and prescribed homeopathic medicines based on the complete totality of the case, taking into consideration the patient''s past and current medical history.
Follow-up and Progress:
Initially, from April 2019 to November 2019 about 15-20 % improvement was noted in the lesions inside the mouth with the patient being able to tolerate spices, only one new lesion having appeared on the right side of the mouth and the lesions on the thigh being stable.
In March 2020, there was an 80% improvement in lesions in the mouth, thighs, and feet, with further positive progress observed in subsequent months, including a 60% overall improvement by May 2020 and a further reduction in symptoms by July 2020.
By December 2020, a 70% improvement was noted in old lesions; however, the patient reported the appearance of small spots on the lips for 1-2 weeks.
In April 2021 the condition was stable with some minor flare-ups on the lip and hyperpigmentation on the thigh being the major concerns.
By the end of 2021, the condition continued to improve, with no new eruptions and less hyperpigmentation.
Throughout 2022 and 2023, improvements were sustained, with significant relief from burning pain, itching, and lesion spread. The oral lesions showed marked improvement, with lacy patches and mild lesions on the left buccal mucosa gradually resolving by mid-2023. On the thighs, while there was hyperpigmentation, the lesions showed signs of flattening with no new eruptions. New lesions were noted occasionally, such as a new spot on the palate in October 2022 and a lesion on the left side of the cheek in April 2023, but these were less severe and responded well to treatment. Itching, a recurring issue, was almost entirely resolved, though mild itching was reported occasionally.
By early 2024, most of the LP-related symptoms had improved significantly, with only hyperpigmentation remaining on the thighs. Some lesions in the mouth persisted; however, the burning pain and intolerance to the spices had improved completely with no major flareups noted.
The most recent follow-up in November 2024 confirmed that the lesions in the mouth had further improved, with no complaints while eating and a gradual lightening of the previously hypertrophied lesions on the thighs. Overall, the treatment has been successful, with significant improvement in the severity and extent of LP across various affected areas.
This case study demonstrates the efficacy of individualized homeopathic treatment in managing chronic Lichen Planus particularly in cases where conventional treatments have provided only temporary relief. While some residual symptoms persist, such as mild hyperpigmentation on the thighs and occasional oral lesions, the overall trajectory shows a consistent pattern of improvement. The sustained improvement over five years, with minimal side effects and good patient compliance, suggests that individualized homeopathic treatment can be a viable therapeutic option for managing chronic Lichen Planus.
-Case study written by Dr.Nafisa D, Associate doctor to Dr.Rajesh Shah, MD (Hom)