Pediatric Oral Ulcers Treated Successfully with Homeopathy

A 9-year-old boy, Mr. K.M. (Patient ID: 52268), was brought for a consultation by his parents from Andhra Pradesh on 16th August 2023, with complaints of recurrent aphthous ulcers. He had persistent ulcers on the tip of the tongue, accompanied by a burning sensation when consuming mildly spicy food, for the past 8 months. There was also a history of constipation for the past 2 years. He had to strain while passing stools and was able to do so only after drinking warm water. No treatment had been taken for these complaints.

During the initial consultation, a comprehensive case history was taken, focusing on physical and mental state.

Aphthous ulcers, commonly known as canker sores, are small, painful sores that appear inside the mouth, often making eating and speaking uncomfortable. These ulcers are not contagious, but they can recur and cause significant distress, especially in children. Though the exact cause is unclear, factors such as stress, food sensitivities, and minor injuries can trigger their appearance

Physical generals:

The patient follows a mixed diet and has an excessive appetite. He has marked cravings for fish, chocolates, crab, and prawns. He does not prefer spicy food. Thirst and perspiration are within normal limits. Speech and overall child development are age-appropriate. All vaccinations have been taken as per schedule.
Mental State:
The patient is competitive and tends to feel jealous upon seeing the success of others, especially his classmates. Emotionally sensitive; gets hurt easily and weeps readily. Fearful by nature — has fears of darkness, insects, being scolded, and general anxiety about various things. Reserved and introverted; speaks less. Shows a liking for painting and engages in it as a preferred activity.

Family History and Background: The patient was currently studying in the 3rd standard.
His father is a businessman, and his mother is a homemaker. No significant past or surgical medical history was noted by the patient.

Family history revealed that the father is diabetic and the patient''s brother has asthmatic bronchitis.

Dr. Rajesh Shah prescribed him Borax 30 after going through her case in detail. 

Follow-ups:

11.10.2023 (First Follow-up): Burning pain slightly reduced, redness of the ulcer also decreased.

22.12.2023 (Second Follow-up): Burning pain improved by approximately 50%. Burning was still aggravated by spicy food. Redness of the ulcer was reduced by about 70%.

20.03.2024 (Third Follow-up): Overall improvement around 70%. Redness of ulcers completely resolved. The patient can now tolerate mildly spicy food.

05.05.2024 (Fourth Follow-up): Continued improvement, maintaining 70-80% relief overall. No active ulcers present. Redness has subsided. A burning sensation is still triggered by spicy and outside food.

Conclusion:

This case highlights the effectiveness of homeopathy in providing long-term relief from chronic aphthous ulcers, especially in children, where conventional treatments may not have provided lasting results. Overall, homeopathy provided long-term, sustained relief without side effects.

- Case study written by Dr. Shweta R., an associate of Dr. Rajesh Shah, MD (HOM)