Dr Kaveri Vithalani
Abstract
Tinea axillaris is a form of superficial dermatophytosis affecting the axillary region, caused predominantly by dermatophytes of the genera Trichophyton, Microsporum, and Epidermophyton. The condition is favored by warm and humid environments, excessive sweating, friction, obesity, and poor hygiene. Clinically, it presents as well-demarcated erythematous, scaly patches or plaques with associated pruritus, often showing central clearing and active margins. Recurrence is common, particularly when predisposing factors persist or treatment is inadequate. Diagnosis is primarily clinical and may be supported by potassium hydroxide (KOH) examination of skin scrapings. Despite appropriate therapy, relapses are frequently observed, highlighting the chronic and recurrent nature of the disease.
Keywords: Tinea axillaris, similimum, pulsatilla, homoeopathy, cure
Introduction:
A 15-year-old female patient, studying 11th Commerce, presented on 16th September 2025 with recurrent eruptions in both armpits for 6 months (3rd recurrence), intense itching worsening at night, and recent acne on dorsal arms with redness. She also reported irregular delayed menses with dark, blackish flow since puberty. She diagnosed with Tinea axillaris and treated with homeopathic management, showing significant improvement in follow-ups.
Past history:
- Constipation in 9th class (went to hostel)
- Recurrent tinea infection (this is 3rd time recurrence)
Personal history:
- Appetite : half chapati per meal (decreased)
- Aversion : maida
- Thirst : thirstless
- Stool : 1/0 d/n
- Urine : 3-4/0 d/n
- Perspiration : absent
- Thermal : hot
- Sleep : sound
- Dream : not rememberd
- Menses : irregular delayed, dark blackish blood, LMP was 26th August 2025
Mental symptoms:
- I get angry often, but I can’t express it.
- I keep crying almost every night when I am alone.
- I feel like crying when someone taunts me.
- I feel sad, but I don’t tell anyone when I am sad.
- When I go home I feel lonely because everyone else is busy with their own work.
- When I am in the hostel, I cry when I miss my father
- When I am in the examination hall I forget everything I learnt, as soon as I see the question paper.
- I keep worrying about how my exams will go, what will be the results, and whether my parents will get angry if the results are not good.
- Her nature is mild.
Diagnosis: Tinea axillaris
Analysis & Evaluation
Mental generals:
- Weeping
- Lonely feeling
- Anticipatory anxiety for exams
Physical generals:
- Thirstlessness
- Appetite decreased
- Hot patient
- Irregular late dark blackish menses since puberty
Physical particulars:
- Eruptions in both armpits
- Itching < night
- Better from itching and powder
- Acne in both dorsal arms – reddish
Totality of symptoms:
- Weeping
- Lonely feeling
- Thirstless
- Anticipatory anxiety for exam
- Eruption in both armpits
- Itching < night
- Acne in both dorsal arms – reddish
- Irregular menses delayed, dark blackish since puberty
Follow-Up:
1st October 2025:
- 90% relief in eruptions
- Itching only occasional, still < night
- Menses delayed by just 1 day
- Acne also reduced by 90%
14th October 2025:
- Itching completely absent
- Acne continuing to improve
Prescription:
Initial: Pulsatilla nigricans 1M (1 dose) + Sac lac for 15 days
Follow-ups: Continued Sac lac, no repetition of remedy required due to marked relief.
Conclusion:
Within 1 month, the patient transformed from distress to comfort — skin complaints almost resolved, acne drastically reduced, and menstrual cycle nearly regularized.
Discussion:
It is often said that homoeopathic treatment takes a long time in cases of tinea. However, this case clearly demonstrates that when the simillimum is accurately selected, the results can be rapid, gentle, and long-lasting. The patient showed marked improvement within a short period, with significant relief in both physical and mental symptoms. Most importantly, there has been no recurrence of the complaint till date, proving that homoeopathy, when applied on the basis of totality of symptoms, is capable of providing a rapid, gentle, and permanent cure.
Reference:
- Ralston SH, Penman ID, Strachan MWJ, Hobson RP, eds. Davidson’s Principles and Practice of Medicine. 23rd ed. Elsevier; Chapter: Fungal Infections of the Skin (Dermatophytosis).
- Jameson JL, Fauci AS, Kasper DL, Hauser SL, Loscalzo J. Harrison’s Principles of Internal Medicine. 20th ed. McGraw-Hill Education; Chapter: Superficial Fungal Infections.
Dr Kaveri Vithalani
Email : vithalanikaveri@gmail.com
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