When Emotions Are Suppressed Eczema Speaks and Healing Begins with Homeopathy

A 45-year-old female (Patient ID: 15388) presented with the chief complaint of dry eczema, which she had been experiencing for the past two to three years. The eruptions initially started on her toes and heels and gradually extended to involve her right index finger six months ago. The main complaints were intense itching and marked dryness, often resulting in cut marks that were painful and occasionally bled when not properly moisturized. She also experienced a burning sensation whenever the lesions came into contact with salty substances. The eruptions occurred intermittently, with periods of remission lasting only two to three weeks, mostly when the patient was relaxed, followed by relapses every two to three weeks. Her complaints were consistently aggravated by stress and during the winter. The extent of her eczema was mild. She had been using aloe vera and a base cream with chamomile, lavender, and vitamin E for the past few months, which gave partial relief. Before this, she had tried moisturizers, essential oils, vitamin E lotion, and petroleum jelly over the last two to three years.

Associated complaints:

1) Irregular menses for the past two years, with cycles every three to four months lasting four to five days. Her thyroid profile and abdominal ultrasonography, both done eight months ago, were normal, and she was not on any medication.

2) Cervical spondylosis for the past seven years, with pain radiating to the left arm and tingling sensations in the fingers.

3) Left-sided tennis elbow, which gets aggravated by lifting weights and ameliorated by supporting the hand, for which she took muscle relaxants as needed.

4) She also complained of acidity for the past seven months, with regurgitation and heartburn, which were aggravated by green chilies, spicy food, and stress.

Physical generals:

Patient takes a mixed, average diet with marked craving for salt, chocolate, and dairy products. She disliked fast food. Thirst and perspiration were average, more prominent on palms and soles. She was thermally hot. Her bowel movements were satisfactory, and micturition was normal. Menarche occurred at 15 years of age, and her cycles had been irregular with dysmenorrhea and occasional premenstrual complaints. Obstetric history revealed gravida six, para three, live three, and aborted three, with three D&C procedures due to complications such as low placenta, retarded fetal growth, and conception with an IUCD in place. Her sexual function was normal. She was flabby in constitution, with disturbed and interrupted sleep, usually lying on her back.

Personal history: She practiced aromatherapy and belonged to a well-settled family. Her husband owned a tiles and sanitary ware business, her elder son studied at BMS MMK College, her daughter was pursuing an MA in Counselling Psychology, and her younger son was in the 9th standard. She lived with her children and mother. Childhood was marked by insecurity and loneliness due to strained parental relationships, as her father remarried. This event caused a shock and significantly affected her mother’s health, increasing the patient’s responsibilities.

Mental generals:

She was mild, gentle, and expressive, but sensitive in nature and was deeply attached to her mother. She had significant stress due to her mother’s ailments, which resulted in poor sleep. She was short-tempered but with strong self-control, suppressing her emotions. She had a strong sense of guilt for not being able to devote enough time to her children and was reluctant to share her feelings with others.

Past Medical history: Surgery for the left submandibular gland ten years back. 

Family history - Father – Tuberculosis, Cervical spondylitis, Mother – Uterine fibroids, Hypertension, Depression, Brother – Eczema, Gallstones, Sister – Tuberculosis, Paternal Grandfather – Tuberculosis, Paternal Grandmother – Tuberculosis, Maternal Grandfather – Depression.

Based on the totality of symptoms, Dr. Shah prescribed constitutional homeopathic treatment.

Follow-ups:

22/10/2020 - Patient reported around 80% improvement, with a significant reduction in itching and dryness. Skin lesions were healing well, and no new eruptions were noted.

02/07/2023 - After a 2.5-year gap in treatment, relapse occurred with mild itching and dryness on both hands. No visible lesions; aggravation was due to climatic change and food allergy.

25/08/2023 - Complaints were 70% better with continued treatment. Dryness and itching were reduced considerably, and the patient was more comfortable in their daily routine.

27/10/2023 - Patient experienced increased dryness and pain in palms, aggravated by stress related to mother’s illness. A feeling while opening the fist, more on the right side.

11/06/2024 - She was 40% better overall; dryness much improved, but mild itching persisted. Patient felt improvement was stable.

19/03/2025 - Relapse of moderate intensity with severe dryness, cracks, and bleeding. Aggravation noted from dust, detergents, and contact with certain foods.

A recent follow-up was done on 26/08/2025 - Patient reported almost 80% recovery. No new eruptions, old lesions were healing well, itching and dryness were significantly reduced with only occasional cracks.

Conclusion:

This case illustrates the chronic, relapsing nature of eczema with strong genetic and stress-related influences. With homeopathic treatment, the patient got significant, sustained improvement in skin and overall well-being.

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