A case study of irritant contact dermatitis with secondary infection treated with homoeopathic medicine

Abstract

The largest organ in our body is skin, It is mostly exposed to environment and has its own unique defence strategies. Contact dermatitis (CD) is a common skin condition which cause inflammatory and eczematous changes in skin. It is of two forms – Allergic and Irritant. Among these Irritant Contact Dermatitis (ICD) is the commonest as it is caused by physical chemical, plants, phototoxic agents etc. It is seen primarily in those who are exposed to rubber, metals, plastic, industrial workers and automotive. Almost 80% of the CD are mainly due to ICD. Acutely it is presented as Itchy, painful, red, swollen and ulcerated. In chronic condition it is presented as fissuring of the skin, cracks, oozing and erythematic. Secondary infection may supervene if the skin is broken either by an injury or by persisted scratches on the skin due to itching. In this case report, 28 year old man after exposure to Irritant chemicals (Dishwasher soap) developed the ICD with secondary infections was treated successfully treated with Homoeopathic Medicine Arsenicum album 1M by Individualizing the patient, without any use of topical.