A Case of “Acne Vulgaris” Cured by Individualized Homeopathic Medicine

Acne is a chronic inflammatory disease of the pilosebaceous units. It is characterized by seborrhea, the formation of comedones, erythematous papules, and pustules; less frequently it may involve by nodules, deep pustules, or pseudocysts and, in some cases, is accompanied by scarring.[1]

Four major factors are involved in the pathogenesis, that is, increased sebum production, hypercornification of the pilosebaceous duct, an abnormality of the microbial flora, especially colonization of the duct with Propionibacterium acnes, and inflammation.[1]

Overactivity of the sebaceous glands and blockage in the ducts result in acne vulgaris. The obstruction leads to the formation of comedones, which can become inflamed because of overgrowth of Propionibacterium acnes.[2]

Acne is rarely misdiagnosed. The commonest mistaken diagnosis is rosacea, which occurs in older patients and lacks comedones, nodules, cysts, or scarring. Acne vulgaris may be distinguished by the presence of comedones, cysts, and scars, which do not occur in Malassezia folliculitis.[3] Following a thorough case history recording on a structured proforma, analysis and evaluation of the symptoms was done, the totality of the symptoms was constructed and after repertorization, the appropriate homoeopathic medicine was chosen. Synthesis repertory was used for repertorization.[4]

A 28-year-old female patient presented with reddish brown papular eruptions on the cheeks ([Fig. 1]). Careful history taking revealed that she had gone for facial massage two to three times a month before, after which she developed these painless but tender eruptions. Thorough history taking revealed that she also had a desire for company, and a reserved personality. She had a desire for spicy food. She preferred cold meals and she was a thermally chilly patient.

Fig. 1 Before treatment.

First prescription: Sepia officinalis 200/1 dose/stat, followed by placebo for 15 days.

The placebo was continued for 3 months. The number of papules decreased on the right cheek, and the erythematous brown spots reduced too. The placebo was continued and after 1 month, the erythematous brown spots further diminished ([Fig. 2]).

Fig. 2 During treatment: erythematous brown spots reduced on the cheek.

After 3 months, there was complete disappearance of the erythematous brown spots on the cheeks ([Fig. 3]).

Fig. 3 After treatment: complete disappearance of the erythematous brown spots on the cheeks.

Patients' Consent

The author certifies that they have obtained all appropriate patient consent for the use of images and other clinical information to be reported in the journal. The patient understands that her name and initials will not be published and due efforts will be made to conceal her identity, but anonymity cannot be guaranteed.

Publikationsverlauf

Artikel online veröffentlicht:
21. März 2025

• References

• 1 Burns T, Breathnach SM, Cox NH, Griffiths C. Rook's Textbook of Dermatology. 4 Vol. 7th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Blackwell Science; 2004. :43.15, 43.33–43.34
• 2 Ferri FF. Ferri's Fast Facts in Dermatology: A Practical Guide to Skin Diseases and Disorders. 1st ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier Health Sciences Division; 2011: 44-46
• 3 Sutaria AH, Masood S, Saleh HM, Schlessinger J. Acne Vulgaris. Treasure Island, FL: StatPearls Publishing; 2024
• 4 Schroyens F. Synthesis 9.1: English. 1st ed. Cambridge, UK: RSC Publishing; 2023