Dr Priyadarshini R, Dr. Jiji S Kappil
ABSTRACT:
Introduction:
Tinea pedis, commonly known as athlete’s foot, is a superficial dermatophyte infection of the feet characterized by scaling, dryness, peeling, itching, and sometimes fissuring of the skin. It commonly affects the interdigital spaces and plantar surfaces and is favored by warm, moist environments, occlusive footwear, and excessive sweating. Although often considered a mild superficial infection, chronic or recurrent tinea pedis can cause significant discomfort and may predispose to secondary bacterial infection. Its clinical presentation can vary from interdigital maceration to diffuse scaling and hyperkeratosis, sometimes mimicking conditions such as eczema, psoriasis, or contact dermatitis. This case report describes the clinical presentation, diagnostic considerations, and individualized homoeopathic management of a patient presenting with chronic tinea pedis (athlete’s foot).
Case Presentation:
A 24-year-old female presented with recurrent complaint of intense itching, dryness, scaling, cracks, and along with the occasional appearance of small fluid-filled lesions. During exacerbations, the fissures became deeper and were associated with bleeding. There was no history of excessive sweating or lesions over other body sites.
The patient had previously used a topical corticosteroid cream (Tenovate), following which the lesions temporarily improved but subsequently recurred. There was no history of microbiological examination or culture had been performed. Based on the clinical history and characteristic involvement of the toes and interdigital spaces, a clinical diagnosis of tinea pedis (athlete’s foot) was considered.
Individualized homoeopathic case analysis and repertorization using the Synthesis Repertory identified Natrum muriaticum as the indicated remedy, among the characteristic individualizing symptoms.
CONCLUSION:
This case report highlights the potential role of individualized homoeopathic treatment in the management of chronic and recurrent tinea pedis. The patient showed marked improvement in the local manifestations, including itching, dryness, cracking, fissuring and fluid-filled lesions, along with improvement in associated sleep disturbance. The selection of Sulphur1M was based on the totality of the patient’s physical, mental and general symptoms. The favourable clinical response and MONARCH score of +7 suggest a positive outcome following individualized treatment, without reported aggravation or adverse effects. However, this single case cannot establish the efficacy of homoeopathy as an antifungal treatment. Further systematic and well-designed controlled clinical studies are required to determine its therapeutic role in chronic and recurrent tinea pedis.
CONFLICT OF INTEREST: None to declare.
FINANCIAL SUPPORT: Self-funded.
DECLARATION OF THE PATIENT CONSENT: Patient Consent has been taken for the images to be displayed in the article.
REFERENCES:
- Davidson’s Principles and Practice of Medicine. 24th ed. Edinburgh: Elsevier; 2022.
- Murgod SM, Shah K. A systemic review on efficacy of homoeopathic medicines in tinea infections (Ringworm). Int J Health Sci. 2022.
- Rook’s Textbook of Dermatology. 9th ed. Oxford: Wiley-Blackwell; 2016.
- Organon of Medicine. 6th ed. New Delhi: B. Jain Publishers; 1921.
- Dermatophytes: Update on Clinical Epidemiology and Treatment. 2024.
Dr Priyadarshini R BHMS Intern
Dr. Jiji S Kappil
HOD of organon of medicine
Email : : pd9350549@gmail.com
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