Remarkable Recovery From 4 Years Persistent Extensive Lichen Planus Pigmentosa With Homeopathy
In 2015, a 61-year-old lady, Mrs. M.I. (LFMPL-PIN: 25106) noticed scattered hyperpigmented irregularly-shaped brown to black macules around her neck and on her cheeks, and a dermatologist diagnosed it as Melasma. She was put on Triluma for approximately 2 years but, unfortunately, she didn't notice any change in 2 years. Finally, the biopsy was done which revealed Lichen planus pigmentosa. The probable cause, on inquiry, found were various treatments done to maintain her skin in the past i.e. laser treatment, photo facial, skin peels, microdermabrasion, etc. She didn't experience any itching or burning. She was put on Hydro-cortisone and Mycophenolate tablet for 2 months with no change in her lesions. Mrs. M.I. was staying in the USA, and she communicated with a team of online doctors of Dr. Shah and opted for online treatment.
She was a known case of an underactive Thyroid which was under control with the Thyroid supplements.
She was native to Pakistan; however, she was living in the USA for the past 34 years with her husband and two sons and had a great relationship with all. There was no major stress in her life. Most of the time, she was happy, contented, and had a good social life.
Dr. Shah, after a detailed analysis of her case history and details, prescribed ‘SEPIA-30’ along with his research-based molecule for 4 months to the patient.
Follow-Ups:
During her first follow-up on 29th January 2018, she informed in her online progress report that she had noticed no improvement so far and the patches were spreading on her forehead and neck. It was explained to the patient that the increase in spots was due to stopping the steroids and, in such a steroid withdrawal phase, fluctuations might happen.
She continued taking the medicines, and, after the next 4 months of following homeopathic medicines, there was no noticeable change in her patches. Neither any increase nor any decrease in her condition was observed and it was stable.
On 10th July 2018, the patient informed that she had slowly started to notice the fading of the pigmentation. She had experienced about 20% improvement in her recovery from the patches on the neck and forehead. Thereafter, she was responding positively to the treatment with a gradual fading of the hyperpigmented patches.
In September 2018, there was a 50% improvement in her recovery from the lesions.
In February 2019, the patient informed that the pace of recovery is very slow and further improvement by 10%, with the last set of medicines, has been observed. Dr. Shah revised the medicines and prescribed new stronger medicines to the patient.
In her feedback dated 22nd October 2019, around 80%-85% overall improvement in the recovery was observed.
Mrs. M.I. had tried all sorts of conventional treatment for her LPP; unfortunately, nothing helped her. She is happy now that her skin is been returning to normal texture and she is continuing with the homeopathic treatment for further improvement.
Conclusion:
This case highlights that homeopathy is highly effective in treating Lichen Planus Pigmentosa. Although initially, the response was very slow, the consistent long-term use of Homeopathic medicines helped her to recover from such a deep-seated difficult chronic auto-immune condition.
(Written by Dr. Mithila K, Associate doctor to Dr. Rajesh Shah)