TINEA OR RING WORM INFECTION AND HOMEOPATHIC MANAGEMENT

                                                        TINEA (RING WORM INFECTION)

                Tinea, commonly known as ring worm infection is a common skin disease. It is caused by various types of tinea, belonging to the class dermatophytes. Besides skin, the hair and nails may be affected. Clinically, tinea occurs in a number of different forms which are named as per the site of their primary involvement. The lesions are inflammatory in nature.

TYPES:-

1.       TINEA CIRCINATA OR TINEA CORPORIS:-

-          It is ring worm infection of the body.

-          The lesions are in the form of circular or oval rings (hence the name tinea circinata) with raised margins.

-          The rings spreads at the periphery while the lesion remains inactivate at the centre.

-          The patch is dusky red in colour and its surface is rough. The margins are scaly containing minute papules or vesicles.

-          The lesions are multiple, asymmetrically distributed mostly over the exposed part of the body. The commonest sites are the face, neck, hands and the back.

-          There is intense itching is present.

-          On microscopic examination, of the scrapings obtained from the margins, the causative fungus can be identified.

2.       TINEA CRURIS:-

-          Its ring worm infection of the groin.

-          Tinea cruris affects the groins and the upper and inner parts of the thighs. Later, it may spread to involve the buttocks or the lower parts of the abdomen.

-          During the acute stage, there are red, raised, maculopapular patches that spread peripherally and fuse to form bigger patches.

-          The disease flares up during hot and humid months and cause intense itching on the affected sites, particularly the groins.

-          The disease is more common in males.

-          Hot and humid climate, obesity, local frictions and moisture are the predisposing factors.

-          In the long run, tinea cruris turns into a chronic, lingering condition with eczematous thickening and increased pigmentation.

-          The surface over the affected part of the skin is rough and scaly.

-          Secondary bacterial infection may occur producing superadded impetigo or pyoderma.

3.       TINEA CAPITIS:-

-          Its ring worm infection of the scalp.

-          It occurs in 2 forms.

A. non- inflammatory or grey patch tinea capitis (black dot tinea).

B. inflammatory or granulomatous tinea capitis (verious).-

-     Children’s or adolescents are mostly affected.

-     The non- inflammatory type occurs in the form of round or oval grayish patches over the scalp, covered with fine grayish white scales. The overlying skin is rough and scaly.

 -   The causative fungus penetrates and gets inside the hair shaft. Consequently, hairs over the affected part turn brittle, lustureless and break off easily leaving behind tiny, little stumps (so called fracture hairs).

-   Patches of alopecia are present over the affected areas. The infected hair may be show bright green colour fluorescence.

4.       TENIA PEDIS:-

-          It’s called as athlete’s foot.

-          Ring worm infection of the feet is a common condition in this country especially during hot and humid months.

-          Housewives, maids, washer men and agricultural labourers are mostly affected.

-          The causative organism in most cases is e. floccosum.

-          The infection is usually acquired while walking bare footed over wet floors, working bare footed in water logged fields or wearing wet shoes.

-          The skin between the toes (most commonly the cleft between the fourth and the fifth toes) is thick, white, sodden and macerated.

-          Cracks and fissures are likely to develop later.

-          Occasionally, tinea pedis may present as an unusual thickening of the soles and the palms.

5.       TINEA UNGUIUM (ONYCHOMYCOSIS):-

-          Tinea unguium is a chronic fungal infection of the nails.

-          The toe nails are usually affected, particularly the big toes.

-          The causative organism is usually Tinea rubrum.

-          The affected nails are thickened and rendered brittle, rough and opaque.

-          The skin folds around the nail plate are somewhat thickened and horny.

-          In a long standing case, the nails are deformed and worn out presenting a typical moth-eaten appearance.

-          Onychomycosis needs to be diffentiated from candida infection of the nails and psoriasis.

TREATMENT:-

-          During the acute stage, potassium permanganate solution (1; 8000) or diluted burrow’s solution should be applied locally.

-          In chronic case, ointment anti fungal can be useful.

-          Avoid fish, bare foot walking, brinjal and oily foods.

-          Maintain neatness and neat and clean.

HOMEOPATHIC TREATMENT:-

1.       CALCAREA CARB.

2.       BROMIUM.

3.       DUL CAMARA.

4.       HEPAR SULPH.

5.       KALI CARB.

6.       LYCOPODIUM.

7.       MEZERIUM.

8.       SEPIA.

9.       SILICEA.

10.   VIOLA TRICOLOR.

11.   ARSENIC ALBUM.

12.   AILANTHUS.

13.   CARBO VEG.

14.   GRANATUM.

15.   GRAPHITIS.

16.   NATRUM CARB.

17.   PLATINA.

18.   PULSATILLA.

19.   SABADILLA.

20.   STANNUM MET.

HERPES ZOSTER AND HOMEOPATHIC MANAGEMENT

                                                        HERPES ZOSTER (SHINGLES)

                Herpes zoster is caused by VZV virus which is the same as the chicken pox virus (varicella zoster virus).it appears shiny, pearl like vesicular eruptions typically situated along the course of one or more peripheral nerves (more commonly those in the dermatomes T3 to L3).

                Herpes zoster occurs due to reactivation of virus lying dormant in the dorsal root ganglia over since an attack of chicken pox a few years back.

SYMPTOMS;-

-          Clinically, herpes zoster is characterized by appearance of one or more groups of shiny, pearl like vesicular eruptions typically situated along the course of one or more peripheral nerves (more commonly those in dermatomes T3 to L3).

-          A zone of inflammation or redness surrounds a group of vesicles or an individual vesicle. The vesicles look like shiny pearls spread over a red velvety surface.

-          Prior to eruption of vesicles, there is burning pain followed by hyperalgesia in the area of distribution of the affected peripheral nerves.

-          The vesicles usually appear 3 – 4 days after the start of these symptoms and are likely to get confluent and subsequently dry up during the following two weeks leaving behind small scars.

-          However, the concerning cutaneous nerves remain badly injured causing severe burning pain in the affected area (as if powdered chillies have been spread over a raw area).

-          The commonest site of involvement is the thoracic region in the area of distribution of one or more spinal nerves. Involvement is usually unilateral or bilateral.

-          The ophthalmic division of the trigeminal nerve may be involved (herpes opthalmicus). In this condition, vesicles first appear over the upper part of the nose and then spread over to the conjunctiva and the cornea.

-          The geniculate ganglion of the facial nerve may be involved by eruptions situated inside the auditory meatus resulting in facial palsy (Ramsay hunt syndrome).

-          Vesicles may appear over the palate and the tonsil in case the glossopharyngeal nerve is involved.

The diagnosis can be confirmed by isolation of the virus by tissue call culture or demonstration of specific antibody by immunofluorescent technique or by ELISA test.

TREATMENT;-

-          5% solution of idoxuridine may be applied locally but the effect is not as specific as in case of herpes simplex.

-          Application of alamine lotion may be soothing; an antibiotic ointment is advisable for preventing or combating a possible secondary infection.

-          Prednisolone given orally may help to decrease inflammatory reaction and may possibly lessen the severity of the oncoming post herpetic neuralgia.

-          An analgesic drugs such as aspirin, phenacetin should be used in case of post herpetic neuralgia.

-          Acyclovir, an antiviral drug may be useful in herpes opthalmicus (500 mg daily, orally for 5-7 days.)

HOMEOPATHIC TREATMENT:-

              Some of the homeopathic medicines for herpes zoster are given below.

1.       ARSENICUM ALBUM.

2.       IRIS.

3.       MERC SOUL.

4.       MEZERIUM.

5.       NATRUM MURATICUM.

6.       RANANCULUS.

7.       RHUS TOXI.

8.       CANTHARIS.

9.       CAUSTICUM.

10.   GRAPHITIS.

11.   KALI BICH.

12.   SEPIA.

13.   THUJA.

14.   PETROLINUM.

15.   VARIOLINUM.

WARTS AND HOMEOPATHIC MANAGEMENT

                                                                      WARTS

                A warts or verrucae are a localized, benign epidermal growth caused by a DNA virus (human wart virus of the group of papova viruses). It is a contagious condition and occurs mostly in children and adulthood.

TYPES:-

                Clinically, warts are of the following types.

1.       PLAIN WARTS (VERRUCA PLANA):-

-          They are round or polygonal, small in size (1-5 mm).

-          These type are occur mostly over the hands or the face.

-          These are usually multiple, smooth, slightly elevated and usually of the colour of skin or slightly pigmented.

2.       COMMON WARTS (VERRUCA VULGARIS):-

-          They are larger in size (even up to 1 cm in diameter).

-          Its darker in colour and occur mostly over the back of the hands or the knees.

-          Their surface is rough and horny.

3.       PLANTER WARTS (VERRUCA PLANTARIS):-

-          They occur over the ball of the foot or the heel.

-          They appear as a small, shiny, horny papule but soon change into a round, flat lesion.

-          In many ways, they resemble common warts in size and shape but these are painful.

-          They differ from corn in that a wart bleeds on scratching whereas a corn does not bleed.

4.       CONDYLOMATA ACUMINATA:-

-          They also resemble common warts in size but differ in shape (filiform or digitate) and the site.

-          They occur either over the mucocutaneous junction of the external genitalia or around the anus region.

-          These are usually multiple and often called veneral warts.

TREATMENT:-

-          A wart should be either destroyed by chemical or electrical cautery or removed surgically.

-          Chemicals that may be used for cautery are phenol (95 percent), trichloracetic acid(50 percent), carbon dioxide snow, salicylic acid, phodophyline (25 percent in spirit) and glacial acetic acid,

-          Recurrences are common.

HOMEOPATHIC TREATMENT:-

                 In homeopathy we have some wonderful medicines for any types of warts. The medicines names are given below.

1.       BARYTA CARB.

2.       BELLADONNA.

3.       CALCAREA CARB.

4.       CALCAREA SULPH.

5.       CAUSTICUM.

6.       DUL CAMARA.

7.       MERC SOUL.

8.       NATRUM SULPH.

9.       NITRIC ACID.

10.   SULPHUR.

11.   THUJA.

12.   BENZOIC ACID.

13.   BOVISTA.

14.   FLOURIC ACID.

15.   MAGNESIUM SULPH.

16.   MEDORRIHINUM.

17.   NATRUM CARB.

18.   LACHESIS.

19.   PHOSPHORIC ACID.

20.   PSORINUM.

21.   RHUS TOXI.

22.   SEPIA.

23.   SILICEA.

SCABIES AND HOMEOPATHIC MANAGEMENT

                                                                       SCABIES

                Scabies is an itching dermatosis caused by a mite called “sarcoptes scabiei”. The common sites of infection are the webs of fingers, ulnar border of the wrists, axillae, lower abdomen and the buttocks.

AETIOLOGY OR CAUSES:-

-          It is one of the commonest skin diseases in India and accounts for 10 to 30 percent of the case in any skin out patient’s clinic.

-          The disease is highly contagious and spreads from person to person by close contact.

-          Unhygienic way of living is the predisposing factor.

-          The disease is, therefore, more common in poorer class of people especially those living in city slums or other dirty places.

-          The disease is more common during the winter months. Often all members of a family are affected.

SYMPTOMS:-

-          The common sites of infection are the webs of fingers, ulnar border of the wrists, axillae, lower abdomen and the buttocks.

-          When infection is first contracted, a female mite digs up a wavy tunnel (‘burrow’) inside it. The eggs hatch out and produce tiny mites that crawl up to the surface and burrow through fresh areas over the adjoining skin surface.

-          The basic lesion in scabies is a burrow, a zigzag tunnel 0.5 to 1 cm long in epidermis.

-          Red papular eruptions form at the top of the burrow and soon change into vesicles.

-          Itching is intense, worst during the night.

-          Scratch marks are seen with surrounding areas of redness.

-          Scratching often leads to secondary infection with pyogenic organisms resulting in impetigo or multiple boils at the affected sites.

-          Less commonly, especially in cases of long standing, eczematous dermatitis may develop or there may be lichenification of the affected part of the skin.

Diagnosis can usually be made by naked eye examination. The typical site of involvement, the burrow with papulovesicular eruptions at the top and intense itching especially during the night resulting in scratch marks around the lesions are features typical of scabies. The mites can be seen by an ahand lens as small white dots at the top of the burrows. Scrapings from the burrows may be examined under the microscope for the presence of sarcoptes scabiei.

TREATMENT:-

-          A local application of 25% benzyl benzoate emulsion is the treatment of choice.

-          The affected parts should be washed with soap and tepid water. The parts should be dried and gently scrapped with a fine brush (to open up the mouths of the burrows).

-          The emulsion should then be applied liberally all over the skin surface below the neck.

-          Sulphur ointment may be used but it is far less effective than benzyl benzoate emulsion.

-          Any secondary infection should be treated with a suitable antibiotic prior to the application of the scabicidal drug.

-          Avoid oily foods, fish, sour things and brinjal.

HOMEOPATHIC TREATMENT;-

1.       ARSENICUM ALBUM:-

Itching, burning, swellings; oedema, eruption, papular, dry, rough, scaly; worse cold and scratching. Malignant pustules. Ulcers with offensive discharge. Urticaria, with burning and restlessness. Icy coldness of body.

2.       PSORINUM:-

  Dirty, dingy look of the skin. Dry, lustreless, rough hair. Intolerable itching. Herpetic eruptions,    especially on scalp and bends of joints with itching; worse, from warmth of bed. Sebaceous glands secrete excessively; oily skin. Indolent ulcers slow to heal. Eczema behind ears. Crusty eruptions all over. Pustules near finger-nails.

3.       SELENIUM:-

Dry, scaly eruption in palms, with itching, Itching about the ankles and folds of skin, between fingers. Hair falls out from brows, beard, and genitals. Itching about finger-joints and between fingers; in palms. Vesicular eruption between fingers. [Rhus; Anac.]. Seborrhoea oleosa; comedones with an oily surface of the skin; alopecia.

4.       SEPIA:-

Herpes circinatus in isolated spots. Itching; not relieved by scratching; worse in bends of elbows and knees. Chloasma; herpetic eruption on lips, about mouth and nose. Ringworm-like eruption every spring. Urticaria on going in open air; better in warm room. Sweat on feet, worse on toes; intolerable odor. Ichthyosis with offensive odor of skin.

5.       SULPHUR:-

Dry, scaly, unhealthy; every little injury suppurates. Itching, burning; worse scratching and washing. Pimply eruption, pustules, rhagades, hang-nails. Excoriation, especially in folds. [Lyc.]. Skin affections after local medication. Pruritus, especially from warmth, is evening, often recurs in spring-time, in damp weather.

6.       DUL CAMARA:-

Pruritus, always worse in cold, wet weather. Herpes zoster, pemphigus. Swelling and indurated glands from cold. Vesicular eruptions. Red spots, Urticaria, brought on by exposure, or sour stomach. Humid eruptions on face, genitals, hands, etc. Warts, large, smooth, on face and palmar surface of hands. Thick, brown-yellow crusts, bleeding when scratched.

7.       GRAPHITIS:-

Rough, hard, persistent dryness of portions of skin unaffected by eczema. Eruptions, oozing out a sticky exudation. Rawness in bends of limbs, groins, neck, behind ears. Unhealthy skin; every little injury suppurates. Ulcers discharging a glutinous fluid, thin and sticky. Cracks in nipples, mouth, between toes, anus. Phlegmonous erysipelas of face; burning and stinging pain.

Some of other drugs for scabies are clematis, hepar sulph, kreosotum, Lachesis, lycopodium, merc soul, natrum carb, acid phos, silicea, veratraum album and zinc met.

ECZEMA AND HOMEOPATHIC MANAGEMENT

                                                                       ECZEMA

                The term eczema literally means to “boil over”. When simple dermatitis “boils over” with added oedema exudation and crusting, the condition is acute eczema and when dermatitis gets associated with hyperstasia and hyperkeratosis, the condition is chronic eczema.

                In fact, clear cut demarcation between dermatitis and eczema is hardly possible. Chronic dermatitis of long standing often turns eczematous however, in case of eczema, an element of hypersensitivity to one or more allergens (exogenous or endogenous) is superimposed over and above the inflammatory reaction of simple dermatitis.

AETIOLOGY OR CAUSES:-

                Hypersensitivity reaction to a foreign protein is the root cause of eczema. The offending protein may be derived from chemicals, drugs, plants, synthetic garments or infecting microorganisms.

1.       DRUGS AND CHEMICALS:-  

       In fact, any drug can cause hypersensitivity reaction in a sensitive individual. Certain drugs more prone to produce such a reaction (e.g. penicillin, streptomycin, sulpho group of drugs, chloramphenicol chlorpromazine, B complex vitamins, liver extract, iodine, procaine and other local anaesthetic agents etc).

Certain chemicals (e.g. alkalies, solvents, soaps, bleaching agents, detergents, formalin, etc) can also cause eczema. Silimilarly, certain cosmetics (e.g. talcum powder, lip stick, nail paints, hair dyes and perfumes) can cause eczema.

2.       PLANTS:- 

      several flowers (even rose), fruits (e.g. banana, pel of orange or lemon) and vegetables (e.g. onion, garlic, carrots, etc) can cause eczema.

3.       GARMENTS:-

      synthetic clothes (e.g. nylon, terylene, terycotton), dyes used for colouring and certain accessories used in garments (e.g. nickel clips, zips or hooks, rubber or plastic acessories) can cause eczema. Rubber shoes or shoes made of other synthetic materials can cause a special type of eczema known as shoe dermatitis.

4.       SKIN INFECTIONS:- 

      chronic infective conditions of the skin such as impetigo or a patch of ringworm may undergo eczematous changes after some time.

TYPES OF ECZEMA:-

a.       EXOGENOUS ECZEMA:-

-          Eczema caused by exogenous allergens.

-          The offending allergens are derived from substances that come in close contact in day to day life.

-          Common examples of exogenous eczema are contact eczema, infective eczema and eczema caused by drugs (eczema medicamentosa).

b.      ENDOGENOUS ECZEMA:-

-          Eczema caused by constitutional factors operating from within.

-          Certain factors render a person hypersensitive to a known or unknown allergen, present even in a minute amount. Often the nature of the offending allergen in any particular case remains unknown. The factors causing this type of sensitization may either be familial or acquired. Consequently, there are two types of endogenous eczema, atopic and acquired.

1.       CONTACT ECZEMA:-   

      contact eczema is caused by hypersensitivity reaction to a known allergic substance placed in close contact with the skin for some time. The offending substance may be a drug, a chemical or a micro organism. Certain very common articles in day to day use (e.g. synthetic clothes, washing materials, cosmetics, dyes, plastic or rubber shoes, condoms, nickel straps and clips, artificial jewellery, drugs and chemicals) can cause this type of eczema.

2.       ATOPIC ECZEMA:-  

      this eczema is due to inherited hypersensitivity to a known or unknown allergen. This type only when triggered off by certain precipitating factors such as changes in humidity or temperature, trauma (cuts, abrasions or cracks in the skin), skin infections or psychological stress. Atopic eczema is frequently associated with other atopic disorders such as bronchial asthma or hay fever. Reagenic antibodies to certain common antigens (e.g. pollens, house dust, items of food, etc.) are found to be increased.

a.       INFANTILE ECZEMA:-

Infantile eczema occurs in newborn infants and young children. Face is the commonest site. The eczematous patch usually appears over one or both the cheeks and spreads to involve the forehead, scalp and the chin. Initially the affected part of the skin is red which is soon followed by papulovesicular eruptions and still later by minute cracks at the surface. Exudation of serum may occur from those cracks (weeping eczema). Still later, there is formation of crusts over the lesions, itching is severe. In most cases, infantile eczema clears out within a short time.

b.      FLEXURAL ECZEMA:-

Flexural eczema occurs in a adults and affects the flexor surfaces of the elbow and the knee joints. Occasionally the face, neck and the upper part that occurs during adulthood. The affected part of the skin assumes a leathery texture (lichenification). It is thick and dry, pale and pigmented. There is no sweating over the affected part.

c.       ECZEMA OF THE HANDS AND FEET(POMPHOLYX):-

This type mainly affects the palms and soles. Vesicular eruptions are present but the vesicles are not raised above the surface and are not likely to rupture because of the thick horny layer of the skin at the soles or the palms. They appear just as flat elevations scattered all over the palms and soles and do not exude any fluid except in an occasional severe case. This type of eczema is usually caused either by the irritating effect of soap, detergents or chemicals or as a complication of chronic ringworm infection.

d.      NUMMULAR ECZEMA:-

The lesions are typically coin-shaped. Raised patches appear over the extensor surfaces of the limbs, claves and the shins. Smaller lesions coalesce to form bigger ones. Numerous vesicles are seen erupting out of the lesions. It is a recurrent type of eczema occurring only in adults. Itching is present but is not severe.

SOME SPECIAL TYPES OF ECZEMA:-

1.       VARICOSE ECZEMA;-

Varicose eczema occurs in association with either varicose veins or varicose ulcers. Elderly and obese persons are usually affected. The lower half of the legs, particularly the inner sides are mostly affected. The eczema is due to irritation caused by chronic venous stasis. An element of contact dermatitis due to drugs used as local applications may also be superimposed.

2.       INFECTIVE ECZEMA;-

Infective eczema occurs at the site of an infective skin condition such as a wound or a patch of ringworm. Eczema occurs due to hypersensitivity reaction to the offending microorganism or their toxins. Eczematous patch that develops around the ear lobule in case of Otitis interna is a common example.

SYMPTOMS;-

-          A lesion starts either as a diffuse erythematosus patch or as a papule due to some irritation.

-          Next, an exaggerated reaction occurs with formation of vesicles or a papule over and above the existing patch of erythema with intense itching. This signifies early eczematous change.

-          Following this, there is oedema of the epidermis, exudation of serum from the vesicles (weeping eczema) and formation of crusts. These changes signify the acute stage of eczema.

-          Ultimately, the whole process becomes chronic with thickening of the skin (leathery skin), or acanthesis, increased pigmentation and scaly excoriation (lichenification). The oedema of acute stage decreases, instead, vasodilatation occurs. These changes signify the chronic stage of eczema.

INVESTIGATIONS:-

-          The skin patch test should be done in case of a suspected allergen particularly in case of contact eczema.

-          The prick test is useful in atopic eczema. The test is done by placing a drop of commercially prepared dilute antigen (a variety of such antigens are now available) and giving a prick with a needle. If the reaction is positive, a flare reaction occurs within 10 minutes. The radioallergosorbent technique (RAST) may be employed instead of naked eye observation.

-          Culture of the skin scrapings may be done to know the nature of the superadded infecting agent, bacterial, fungal or yeast.

TREATMENT:-

-           In case of contact eczema use of soap and synthetic garments should generally be avoided.

-          During the acute stage, wet dressings with either potassium permanganate solution (1:8000) or calamine lotion are more useful.

-          If secondary infection starts, a corticosteroid cream and neomycin should be advised.

-          Prednisolone should be given orally in short courses.

-          Avoid oily foods, fish, brinjal, citrus fruits.

HOMEOPATHIC TREATMENT:-

1.       ARSENIC ALBUM:-

        Itching, burning, swellings; oedema, eruption, papular, dry, rough, scaly; worse cold and scratching. Urticaria, with burning and restlessness. Epithelioma of the skin. Gangrenous inflammations. Ulcers with offensive discharge. Psoriasis.

2.       ARSENICUM IODUM:-

Dry, scaly, itching. Marked exfoliation of skin in large scales, leaving a raw exuding

Surface beneath. Debilitating night-sweats. Eczema of the beard; watery, oozing, itching; worse, washing. Acne hard, shotty, indurated base with pustule at apex. Debilitating night-sweats.

3.       CALCAREA CARB.

4.       CALCAREA SULPH.

5.       CICUTTA.

6.       DUL CAMARA.

7.       GRAPHITIS.

8.       HEPAR SULPH.

9.       MEZERIUM.

10.   PETROLINUM.

11.   PSORINUM.

12.   RHUS TOXI.

13.   SULPHUR.

14.   BOVISTA.

15.   CALADIUM.

16.   CARBO VEG.

17.   CAUSTICUM.

18.   KALI SULPH.

19.   LYCOPODIUM.

20.   MERC SOUL.

21.   SEPIA.

22.   STAPHYSAGRIA.

23.   THUJA.

SEBORRHOEIC DERMATITIS AND HOMEOPATHIC MANAGEMENT

                                                   SEBORRHOEIC DERMATITIS.

               

                This type of dermatitis that occurs consequent upon excessive secretion of sebum (seborrohoea). Obviously, it occurs at places where sebaceous glands are numerous (e.g. scalp, axillae and the glands). The dry form is characterized by the presence of patches covered with fine, browny and creasy white scales. When this type of seborrhea is associated with erythema and follicular papules, the condition is called seborrhoeic dermatitis.

AETIOLOGY OR CAUSES:-

                 Excessive secretion of sebum may be due to several factors. Such a person has large sebaceous glands especially around the nose, face and the axillary folds.

Some of predisposing factors for these conditions are below.

-          Hormonal imbalance.

-          Continued anxiety.

-          Excessive consumption of fat and carbo hydrates.

-          Infections with micro organisms over the skin surface.

TYPES:-

1.       GREASY FORM:-

The greasy form (seborrohoea oleosa) affects the face and the scalp. The affected person has large sebaceous glands at these sites. Patchy erythematosus areas covered with greasy scales or crusts are present over the affected site. Hair roots, especially those over the vertex and the eyebrows are affected resulting in patches of alopecia. Acne vulgaris may be associated.

2.       DRY FORM:-

The dry form (seborrohoea sicca) is characterized by the presence of patches covered with fine, browny and greasy white scales. When this type of seborrohoea is associated with erythema and follicular papules, the condition is known as seborrhoeic dermatitis.

 Seborrhoeic dermatitis usually occurs at 3 different sites – the scalp (seborrhoeic capitis), face and the flexures.

-          Seborrhoeic dermatitis of the scalp is full of white scales (commonly known as dandruff or scurf).

-          The scales are in fact, exfoliations derived from the horny layers of the epidermis. When scaling is associated only with erythema, the condition signifies a milder form of seborrhoeic dermatitis.

-          In more severe type of seborrhoeic dermatitis, the erythematosus patches are greasy due to oozing of sebum.

-          In the severest type, greasy erythematosus patches covered with crusts are spread all over the scalp.

-          Seborrhoeic dermatitis of the face affects the eyebrows, nose and the ears.

-          Seborrhoeic dermatitis of the flexures affects the axillary folds, groin and the under surface of the breasts. Greasy erythematosus papules are present at these sites.

-          In chronic seborrhoeic dermatitis the lesions are more erythematosus and more oozing than simple seborrhoeic dermatitis.

-          The lesions are covered with greasy crusts that separate out as flakes. Oozing from the scalp lesions may be so profuse that the pillow is soaked with greasy discharge that occurs during the night.

TREATMENT:-

-          The affected part should be kept dry and non- greasy. In case of seborrhoeic capitis, the scalp should be washed with a shampoo twice a week.

-          In acute stage, soothing and astringent are advisable along with a systemic antibiotics and ant histaminic drugs.

-          In chronic cases, local application of an ointment containing salicylic acid, sulphur precipitate, liquid carbonis detergens in a non- greasy base are advisable.

-          Certain dietary items particularly sweets, chocolates, ghee and dried fruits should be avoided.

HOMEOPATHIC TREATMNET;-

Some of the medicines which acts well on seborrhoeic dermatitis are below.

1.       CHAMOMILLA.

2.       HEPAR SULPH.

3.       MERC SOUL.

4.       PULSATILLA.

5.       RHUS TOXI.

6.       SILICEA.

7.       ACONITE.

8.       APIS.

9.       ARSENIC ALBUM.

10.   AURUM MET.

11.   BARYTA MUR.

12.   KALI SULPH.

13.   NITRIC ACID.

14.   PLUMBUM MET.

15.   STAPHYSAGRIA.

16.   SULPHUR.