Homeopathic Dermatology - An Overview

Homeopathic Dermatology An Overview Sharum Sharif, ND www.HomeopathicDermatology.com www.VisualHomeopathy.com www.DrSharif.com

Biography Graduated from Bastyr University in 2003. Affiliate Clinical Faculty with Bastyr University. Private practice in two cities- Bellevue & Kent, Washington. Graduated from NESH 10 years ago. Some training w/ Henny Mast. Primary care naturopathic medical practice with focus on SKIN and GI disorders. I have had the honor of presenting at AANP twice in the past. My first presentation was in 2010 when I spoke about Visual Homeopathy, a technique I have developed for practicing and teaching basic constitutional homeopathy. I spoke again at AANP in 2013 on the subject of Homeopathic P sychiatry . (The video recording of this presentation can be found on the homepage of my teaching website, www.VisualHomeopathy.com .)

Why did I choose to present on this subject? And, the goal of this presentation In my general primary care practice, one out of every four patients have a skin disorder/condition . As many of you know, treating skin conditions/disorders can be challenging, to say the least. I believe they are significantly more difficult to treat without the aid of homeopathic remedies . For many years now in my practice, I have focused on and researched the homeopathic treatment of skin conditions, and have gathered numerous before & after pictures & videos of various skin disorders among my own patient population. Since I have now gathered several hundred before and after pictures & videos, I recently felt compelled to want to share my findings with my colleagues in hopes that they will benefit from this information. My goal in this presentation is to greatly simplify homeopathic prescribing for NDs who would like to have yet another tool in their toolbox but are intimidated by the complexity of homeopathy.

Cortisone, a trigger-happy approach to skin disorders “Even though classical homeopathy, for nearly 250 years, and Traditional Chinese Medicine, for 5000 years, have been rendering consistent observations, tying skin conditions to the health of internal organs, the conventional dermatologists still remain in a dangerous, trigger-happy ‘cortisone mode,’ concerning the majority of skin problems.” Dr. Savely Yurkovsky , MD What is the problem with steroids? Aside from all the side effects, steroids are clearly not healing the skin, just at the very best palliating the symptoms . You STOP THE THERAPY, & typically S/S RETURN!

A quote from Dr. J. Compton Burnett, MD on skin diseases: “If disease of the body bubbles up, so to speak, into the skin like water from a spring, to treat this disease in (of) the skin by washes and ointments, or other outward applications, is really not treating the diseased state at all, but only preventing its peripheral expression. The skin does not live an independent life of itself- hung on, as it were, outside of us, but is of all our organs the most systemic. When a person’s skin becomes diseased, the roots have got down on the clay. "

Skin, where internal diseases manifest Skin is our largest eliminative organ. It helps us eliminate. It takes the override from kidneys, liver, intestines, and the lungs. Therefore, when something appears on the skin, that’s usually a sign of a toxic state inside the person . Skin s/s (signs and symptoms) can be an early sign of many other potentially more serious conditions such as various types of cancer (note: NOT just skin cancer). And, sometimes they are the end result of chronic systemic weaknesses and/or illnesses.

Skin s/s can often help us solve the patient’s medical puzzle! Skin diseases (s/s) can provide us with extremely valuable and helpful information about what may be going on inside a person’s body and mind. Skin s/s can provide a way to solve a patient’s medical puzzle, leading to the correct homeopathic remedy that will eventually cure NOT just the skin condition but also improve the patient’s overall health.

Topics-discussed today-will: Homeopathic philosophy in regards to the treatment of skin diseases Discuss suppression and healing reaction, and how to control the healing reaction Diet, food allergy testing, and the main supplements for skin disorders Significance of diagnosis/assessment Basics of homeopathic case taking/case analysis for skin conditions Acute versus constitutional prescribing for skin disorders How to prescribe … based on appearance, constitution or miasmatic background? Dosing (potency & frequency), and what to expect from homeopathic remedies Homeopathic Repertories and skin Common “skin-specific” remedies including Antimonium crudum , Graphites , Mezereum , Sulphur, Psorinum and Petroleum. Common skin diseases and the homeopathic differential diagnosis (the main remedies) for each one.

Homeopathic philosophy for treating skin conditions in a nutshell- Suppression is NOT OK!!! Symptoms (in general, but in particular in the skin) are an expression that the body is trying to heal itself, and as such should not be suppressed. Suppression can push the illness deeper into our body. Homeopathic remedies stimulate the body to heal itself on an energy level. The remedies by themselves are not “anti” anything, such as anti-microbial or anti-inflammatory, etc. H omeopathic remedies are not designed to and hopefully are not used to suppress symptoms. Note, however that, if used inappropriately, even homeopathic remedies may be suppressive.

Suppression of skin disorders  Disease can move deeper into the body Every time you put some topical cream on the skin, the disease can go deeper. Example 1) Asthma from suppressed eczema. ( The well-known asthma-allergies-eczema triad) Example 2) Angina pectoris from suppressed skin disease (A case Dr. Burnett talks about in his “Diseases of the Skin” book .). Example 3) According to Dr. Robin Murphy, ND, various homeopathic journals cover cases of suppressed skin eruptions on the scalp leading to insanity . He also mentioned other conditions, including sciatica , facial neuralgias, and headaches , having been sited in homeopathic journals as being the result of suppressive allopathic medications.

Then, how DO WE treat skin disorders in homeopathy? Internal treatment of skin conditions “Most of the diseases in Homeopathy are treated with internal medicines alone. However, non-medicated emollients, powders, etc., are sometimes used for giving symptomatic relief to the patients.”* *: “ Textbook of Dermatology for Homeopaths ” by Ramji Gupta, MD, and R.K. Manchanda , MD

Diagnosis/assessment, critical in successful treatment FIRST, rule out internal/systemic diseases . In most cases, you can diagnose a skin condition simply by visual detection , and no further investigation (including history or laboratory testing) is required. O bjective skin characteristics are often sufficient for proper dx, including appearance, location or distribution of the lesions. A thorough and comprehensive and detailed history (especially important in the absence of signs) and physical exam including a biopsy of the lesion is sometimes required to arrive at the correct diagnosis or assessment. Of course, referral to a dermatologist is necessary if biopsy is required or if you need confirmation of your dx. ( Note: Most of our patients, as you know, have already been to dermatologists but not been helped.) Don ’ t forget to rule out mental/emotional etiology . Example: Excoriation disorder which involves "repetitive and compulsive picking of skin which results in tissue damage"

Example to demonstrate significance of hx Example: John, a 60 year old patient of mine, with CC of debilitating pruritis for a few years: After unsuccessful homeopathic treatment for many months, he revealed to me that he had a long history of dehydration and abnormal kidney function. He had been drinking K ool-Aid and coffee (and hardly any water) for years. Upon finding out this information, I started him on a naturopathic kidney and liver detoxification program which resulted in his rapid recovery from systemic itching. Within a few weeks, his itching was nearly completely alleviated . His general/constitutional homeopathic remedy which was Sulphur had not helped him much at all prior to this detoxification program. However, assuming he never abuses his body again with improper hydration, the remedy Sulphur should help prevent future skin conditions. Furthermore, Sulphur would have likely effectively treated his itching if his kidneys had not been damaged so much.

Diagnosis when s/s are possibly modified by drugs The diagnosis can be particularly difficult if pharmaceutical interventions have been utilized. For example, steroid use in any form can suppress the lesions which can make the dx challenging. In such cases, you would need to know the diagnosis prior to pharmaceutical tx , or do your best to come up with the dx based on past signs and symptoms .

A few dietary c onsiderations in treating s kin disorders plus important supplements for skin Can poor diet and/or food allergies impact the skin? Absolutely yes ! Poor quality food and drinks, lack of proper hydration, and food allergies &/or sensitivities can most definitely negatively impact the skin. However, even avoiding your food allergies/sensitivities and improving your overall diet may not help your skin sufficiently or not at all. Often changing the diet can help in a palliative way, but fixing the internal imbalance using homeopathic remedies can cure ! And, more often than not, you will need to use both approaches- diet and homeopathy. Sometimes you have to avoid food allergies and junk food to allow the body to heal before the remedy can finish off the job of healing the body. My favorite two supplements for skin conditions: 1) Probiotics can be extremely helpful in some skin conditions such as psoriasis, eczema and hives . 2) EFA’s can be very helpful for dry skin conditions, in particular.

Skin Prick Allergy Testing vs. IgG (food sensitivity) & IgE (food allergy) T esting Interestingly, I have rarely ever seen a patient for whom the conventional skin prick test has proven to be helpful for his/her skin disorder !!! On the other hand, I have found the IgG/E blood testing far more helpful (IgG more so than IgE ) than the skin prick test. I find these tests helpful as follows: IgG testing for chronic skin disorders such as eczema. IgE testing for acute skin conditions such as impetigo. Note: Both types of testing can ultimately help with both acute & chronic skin conditions .

Homeopathic Case-Taking of Skin Disorders A thorough history and physical exam is necessary. Characteristics of the APPEARANCE of the skin condition: Color, discharge, & consistency . Ex: purpura , nodule, macule, papules, red rash, raised? DISCHARGE is under appearance. What color is the discharge? Very important ! Ex: Yellow thick vaginitis… Think of Hydrastis . Honey like d/c? Think of Graphites . SENSATION : What does it feel like ? Numbness , tingling, itching, biting, pricking, or pain…. What kind of pain, sticking pain, burning pain, etc.? The sensations are then qualified by a modality: MODALITY: What makes it better or worse ? How do the following affect the skin: Washing , bathing, heat of the bed, walking, time of day, season, weather, itching ? Ex: Rhus tox is >heat, opposite of Sulphur .

Homeopathic Case-Taking of Skin Disorders, part 2 LOCATION or SPHERE OF ACTION : Hands, feet, scalp, creases of joints, etc. Whether the skin eruption is on right or left does not matter as much unless the joints are involved. CONCOMMITANT symptoms : Things that are associated with the skin problem. Ex: Mental sx like anxiety or upset; or a general sx like worse exercise, etc. Example: If itching causes despair… Despair is concomitant to itching Note 1: Allopathic interference is common. Conventional allopathic drugs ( topicals as well as oral medications) are extremely suppressive and can make the skin look better than it truly is . You need to take this into consideration during case-taking. Note 2: Etiology prevails pathology. Ex: If trauma, think Arnica regardless of s/s.

Discharges: Very important in Finding the Remedy! The various characteristics of the discharge can definitely help lead to the correct remedy. Ex: Bloody ? Clear? Honey-like? Corrosive? Some helpful rubrics for discharges: Skin-Eruptions-Discharging (=moist) with sub-rubrics : Bloody (see below), corrosive, honey like, pus, scratching after, white Skin-Eruptions-Discharging- Honey like: Graph. Skin-Eruptions-Discharging-Scratching after: Graph. Lach . Lyc. Rhus -t. Skin-Eruptions-Discharging (=moist)- bloody : ant-c, calc , carc , crot -h, lach , merc , nux -v (Note: Two snake remedies here crot -h and lach .) Skin-Eruptions-Dry- Bleeding -Scratching after: alum, Ars , Calc , Lyc, Petr, Sulph (Notice: Both alum and Petr are extremely dry remedies .)

Remedy Selection Come up with a list of several good possible remedies: 1) You can go with what you know yourself off the top of your head . 2) Use therapeutic books for a DDX, and come up with the few top remedies that match your case. If still not successful, then: 3) Repertorize . (This takes time, but is the best way to do it!) F ind the “primary” rubric to narrow down your choices. To help you figure out which remedy is the best, always ask “what should I focus on first” ? Decide on what is ailing the patient? Does the nervousness or fear outweigh the skin condition itself? Think of fearful remedies such as Arsenicum . Or Is the smell of the skin unique and outstanding (as in Kreosotum or Thuja )? Or Is the sensation of the skin severely disturbing to the patient (as in the severe itching of Mezereum )? Or Is the etiology unique and noteworthy (as in trauma-induced bruises seen in Arnica or hormonal acne seen in Sepia)?

Acute vs. Constitutional Prescribing? A VERY CRITICAL QUESTION TO ANSWER A quick review: A constitutional remedy is based on a person’s mental, emotional as well as physical signs and symptoms. An acute remedy addresses a few of the patient’s symptoms. To treat skin conditions, in some cases you might need an acute remedy, and in other cases, you might need a constitutional remedy. ***You need to figure out if the skin condition is a local disease or is it due to a constitutional matter .

Remedy Selection – center of gravity for the case  Acute or Constitutional? To help you find decide whether you should prescribe an acute rx versus constitutional, you need to prioritize- find out where is the center of gravity for your case. For example, 1) Center of gravity is the skin: If the person is healthy in general, but has severe acne , then acne is the central gravity of the case . And, you can prescribe an “acne” remedy (a remedy that has all the KEYNOTES of acne as found in the materia medica ). 2) Center of gravity is the whole person himself/herself: If, on the other hand, the person with acne is not healthy , and has a long hx of suppression using drugs (oral and/or topical), the center of gravity is not the acne, it is the entire person. And, you need to give a constitutional remedy in this case. If you give an acute ”acne” remedy in this case, you are potentially going to further suppress the patient.

Constitutional Rx : When to prescribe? 1) If the constitutional remedy’s keynotes cover the key features of the skin disorder , the remedy can be curative . For example, if the patient has herpes, and the key signs/symptoms of the herpes outbreak match the keynotes of Nat mur , then Nat mur can be curative. In this case, the acute and constitutional remedies for the patient are one and the same. 2) If the acute remedy helps, but the skin problem keeps returning (in other words, the acute remedy is only palliating), then you need to consider either constitutional prescribing or miasmatic prescribing (beyond the scope of this talk) in order to cure the disorder.

Acute R x : When to prescribe? … a local disease, not a constitutional matter 1) If the constitutional remedy’s keynotes do NOT cover the key features of the skin disorder, then you might need to consider acute prescribing to address a local disease since the constitutional remedy may not boost the person sufficiently to address the acute condition at hand. 2) If the skin s/s CLEARLY point to a particular remedy, then you should consider prescribing that remedy acutely regardless of the constitution. For example, if the patient has a skin condition that comes with a sore, achy and bruised feeling  THINK OF ARNICA even if the general/constitutional remedy is another remedy such as Calc carb because the chances are the constitutional remedy will not help. 3) If you give the constitutional, and the problem does not go away, then you will need to consider acute prescribing . Ex: Give the constitutional, acne does not go away, so you pick a remedy that has all the specific features of the acne in your patient.

Acute prescribing, a great scenario for If the constitutional remedy’s keynotes do NOT cover the key features of the skin disorder, and the patient is healthy, and he/she only has a mild skin disorder, and no hx of suppression, and the key features of the disorder nicely match the keynotes of a particular (acute) “skin” remedy such as Graphites or Petroleum, then acute prescribing is definitely indicated and can be curative, and there will not be any aggravations (or you won ’ t have to concern yourself with adjusting your dosing to prevent any major aggravations.) Example on my website: Again, Julien’s eczema case.

***Acute prescribing, cases on my www.HomeopathicDermatology.com site 1) Julien’s eczema on elbows: Overall a healthy 13 yr old boy with no hx of suppressive drugs: Nat mur constitutional type with CC of deeply cracked skin on elbows. PETROLEUM 12c daily improved the eczema by nearly 100% in a week. Later on, Nat mur would help prevent future outbreaks of eczema . 2) Linda’s facial rash: Pulsatilla constitutional but needed Graphites acutely for her facial rash with golden-colored discharge 3) Rick’s erysipelas on left cheek, with bluish/purplish mottled skin: Nat mur constitutional but needed Lachesis for erysipelas on left cheek. 90% improvement in one day. 4) M’s disfiguring rash: Phosphorus constitutional type but needed Psorinum for the horrible disfiguring rash on her face, chest and arms. She had tried all modalities … 5) Ann’s Graphites rash: Lycopodium constitutional type but needed Graphites for rash all over body. Seen 4 dermatologists … desperate … . Main sx : Honey colored secretions oozing out of skin, hardening into crystal … A perfect Graphites keynote!

Acute prescribing can cause aggravation if not careful … DESKTOP COMPANION by Dr . Roger Morrison, MD: “ Especially in eczema cases we must be very cautious in prescribing on the basis of the symptoms of the skin itself. This is because we will be temped to prescribe remedies such as Sulphur, G raphites , P sorinum or Mezereum . We run a risk of causing tremendous aggravation of the skin without a subsequent amelioration when we give a skin-specific remedy when it is not the true simillimum .” Of course, in my experience, we can control the reactions by adjusting the dose. More on this on the dosing page.

How to prescribe? More info … An excerpt from “ Textbook of Dermatology for Homeopaths ” by Ramji Gupta, MD, and R.K. Manchanda , MD You can prescribe based on the following criteria: 1) Morphological APPEARANCE of the skin lesions irrespective of dx 2) Symptoms pertaining to disease as well as general CONSTITUTIONAL symptoms of the patients. 3) MIASMATIC background of the patient irrespective of their presenting symptoms – These include the nosodes (Med., Syph ., Tub., Psor ., Anthraci .) and some other remedies such as Thuj and Sulph .

I) Prescribing based on the morphological appearance of the skin lesions irrespective of dx 1) Inflammatory lesions with pain, discharge, and crusting: T he common drugs used are: Agar. Apis . Arn . Ars . Bell. Canth . Calc . Cic . Echin . Graph . Hep . Kali-s. Lach . Mez . Nat-m. Nit-ac. Rhus -t. Rhus -v. and Sil . 2) Thick, lichenified , and dry lesions: Thuj . Graph . Hydrc . Alum. Ant-c . & Rhus -t. 3) R ing-shaped lesions: Bac . Ars . Chrysar . Sep . and Tell. 4) Scaly lesions: Ars . Ars-i . Kali-ar . Kali-br . and Mang -act. 5) Hypopigmented and depigmented lesions: Ars -s-f. Nat-m. Nit-ac. Sumb . or Zinc-p. ( Ars -s-f= Arsenicum sulphuratum flavum ; Sumb = Sumbulus moschatus ) 6) Hyperpigmented lesions: Berb -a . and Berb . 7) Cracks: Petr . Sars . Graph. and Hydrc . ( Hydrc = Hydrocotyle asiatica )

II) Prescribing based on disease symptoms & general CONSTITUTIONAL symptoms of the patients Some of the drugs prescribed on this basis include: Ars . Calc . Caust . Lach . Lyc. Merc. Nat-m. Nux -v. Phos . Puls . and Sulph .

III) Prescribing based on patient’s miasmatic background irrespective of presenting symptoms Understanding of miasmatic status of the patient often helps in prescribing the correct medicine. Certain drugs are prescribed on the basis of the miasmatic background of the patient irrespective of their presenting symptoms. These include Med. Syph . Tub. Psor . Thuj . Anthraci . Sulph . and other nosodes .

*Dosing: p otency & frequency, general ideas A simple rule: Take PRN (Take as needed) For acute conditions with severe symptoms, I would recommend a 30C dose 2-3 times a day . If the condition is not ANY better within 24 hours, the remedy is most likely not the correct one. (12c may be too weak for acute, and 200c and higher potencies may be too strong unless completely indicated and necessary and the patient is stable with no hx of suppression.) Monitor progress daily. Have the patient contact you to report response. For non-acute conditions : 1) 12c daily or multiple times a week for weeks-months until well. The 12c potency is particularly important if the patient is on suppressive drugs currently or if you want to prevent a healing reaction/aggravation. Monitor progress 2 times a month initially. (Note: When notice significant progress, decrease frequency from daily to a few times a week.) OR 2) 30c daily for a few days or a week to test the remedy. If positive response, you can continue “as needed”, typically 1-2 times a week for some weeks. If no impact at all after a week, most likely not the correct remedy. “As needed” means take the remedy when any s/s return or get worse.

Higher potencies, when to use? Higher potencies (200c or higher)? If the patient is stable and rather healthy, with no hx of suppression, and you do not anticipate aggravation, and you are confident of your remedy selection , you can prescribe a 200C dose. I always prefer to start out with lower potencies, and once the remedy is found to be effective, higher potencies are sometimes necessary to cure. Example: For a rather healthy Lycopodium individual with mild eczema without any hx , a dose of 200c would be fine at the initial visit . Note: I would not prescribe 200c for psoriasis initially. More on this later.

***What to expect from remedies in treating skin disorders? IN WHAT ORDER DO SKIN SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS IMPROVE? In addition to following Hering's law of cure, b ased on my observations, as a rule, skin SYMPTOMS improve much more quickly than SIGNs . First various sensations like itching or heat improve, then potentially the color of the skin, then the secretions (liquid matter), and finally the actual lesions (solid matter), as in flakes and tumors. So, remember the following two: Healing follows Hering's law of cure Sensations improve first then Color then Secretions then Physical lesions HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE BEFORE YOU SEE CHANGES? If the condition is acute such as shingles, cellulitis, impetigo, or ulcers in the mouth, I expect changes within hours or max 1-2 days. If it’s a chronic condition, you might need to take the remedy for at least a week before you can judge its effectiveness.

What if you don ’ t know the exact remedy? When it comes to treating skin conditions, often you will NOT know the exact remedy! ! The reason is multi-fold. First , there are numerous remedies for every skin condition in the repertory. Second , sometimes there are not many skin indications for each remedy, so it can be difficult to decide which remedy to prescribe. Third , you may not get a clear answer to some of your questions, such as the modalities. SOLUTION: Send the patient home with the TOP 2-3 remedies . T ell the patient to use your first choice remedy ; and if it does not help*, then go to your second choice and finally your third choice. Since you have the top 3 remedies for the condition, there is a high likelihood that you will help the patient. Even if it does not work fully, you will at least get some improvements . *: Refer to the previous slides on dosing and what to expect from remedies in order to decide if/how the remedy is helping .

Aggravations … Prevention, what they mean, and what to do if … ? The only way to cure skin problems is to bring out or discharge the toxins that are inside the body! As a rule, the sicker a person’s overall health is, and/or the longer they have suppressed their skin problem using pharmaceutical medications, the higher the chances of an aggravation. Prevention of aggravations is the key! You can prevent aggravations by prescribing a low potency at a low frequency . Prescribing in this manner, I have never had a patient experiencing severe aggravations, if any. Ex: 12c daily or every other day versus 30c 2-3 times a day. Or, 6c once a week. Aggravations do NOT necessarily mean that your remedy selection was wrong . Even the correct remedy can cause aggravations if taken at too high of a potency or at too frequent of a rate. If you see aggravations, stop the remedy, and usually time will take care of the aggravations . Then, re-evaluate the case and see if you can come up with a better rx . If the person is initially responding well, but he/she starts developing aggravations to the remedy, you can lower the potency and/or frequency. Ex: Prescribe the remedy once daily vs. three.

Stopping/starting drugs & starting homeopathic remedies AT THE SAME TIME? If you start homeopathic treatment and simultaneously stop or start allopathic treatment, and if the condition gets worse or better, we will have no way of knowing if the change is due to the remedy or in spite of the remedy. You should watch out for this scenario, and make the appropriate call on a case by case basis.

REPERTORY AND SKIN There is an entire chapter in the repertory on the skin. Skin rubrics can also be found under the Generalities and the Extremities chapters as well as other body parts such as Head, Face, Genitalia, etc. In my opinion, many of the skin sub-rubrics are way too small to be useful . If you get sub-rubrics with only a few remedies that don ’ t seem indicated, you can just go to the main rubric above the sub-rubric . A helpful hint: The rubric “ Skin-Unhealthy skin ” is a good rubric to know because all the main “skin” remedies are in this rubric.

Finding a good polycrest rubric narrows down your remedies from 2000 to say 50! Find a good-size polycrest RUBRIC (ideally with around 40-60 remedies) to simplify the case. This process takes the number of remedies from 2000 to say 50. Then, you take the rest of the case to see which of the remedies in the polycrest rubric best match the case. Finding a “good” rubric is usually simple, but it requires familiarity with the repertory. For example: Example: The rubric Skin-Eruptions-Eczema is too large of a rubric with over 100 remedies. A more helpful rubric may be the Skin-Unhealthy rubric. This is a good size rubric (about 50-60 remedies) with some of the main skin remedies that are known to be effective for eczema.

What if the condition is NOT in the repertory? If the condition is not in the repertory, the KEY is to translate the modern skin terminology to repertory language. In other words, y ou will have to find the rubrics that best characterize the skin condition based on its appearance, discharge, sensation, modalities , and location . (Remember there are other factors such as etiology that can sometimes outweigh the other aspects of the case that are listed above.) Examples: Pruritis nodularis is not in the repertory. You have to find the rubrics that best characterize this condition in order to find possible remedies for its treatment: Skin-itching, skin-indurations, skin-bleeding-scratching after, etc.

Repertory, type 1-3 remedies? The remedies listed under the various rubrics in this presentation follow the same prioritization scheme that the SYNTHESIS Repertory follows: Type 1 (regular font), type 2 ( italics ), and type 3 ( bold ) Type 3 remedies are the most often prescribed remedies and have been clinically verified . Therefore, I would definitely pay particular attention to these remedies. I have attempted to list all type 3’s and most of the type 2’s for the conditions I am covering in this presentation. Note that if a remedy is not a type 2 or 3, that does not mean that it is not an effective rx for the condition at hand. Even a type 1 could happen to be the perfect rx for a case . Due to space limitations, I have not listed any type 1’s in my slides here, with only a few exceptions.

Repertory Vocabulary, 1 Some r epertory w ords that might be helpful to describe/define here: Cicatrices= Scars Desquamating - skin peels and falls off. Leaving a pile of skin on the ground as seen in some psoriasis cases . Ecchymosis = Bruising Ecthyma : A deeper form of impetigo- Impetigo that involves necrosis and ulcers, with dirty brown crusts and pus underneath. Excoriation: Lesions associated with severe itching are likely to get excoriated. Thus excoriation is a sign of itching. SYNTHESIS: Skin-Excoriation ( Intertrigo ) Note: Excoriation disorder is defined as "repetitive and compulsive picking of skin which results in tissue damage”. This condition is under the OCD category. Excrescences = Warts Formication : Sensation of something crawling under the skin

Repertory Vocabulary, 2 Ichthyosis : Fish Skin Disease; scaly eruptions Induration = Nodule Intertrigo : A superficial skin disorder involving any area of the body where opposing skin surfaces may touch and rub, such as the creases of the neck, the skin folds of the groin, axilla (armpit) and breasts (especially if large and pendulous) and between the toes. It “ manifests as a painful crusting and fissuring in the depth of the skin fold with edema and inflammation in the surrounding skin. The common sites of involvement are retro-auricular folds and interdigital areas.” (Textbook of Dermatology for Homeopaths; Gupta & Manchanda ) SYNTHESIS: Skin- Intertrigo (Excoriation) Nevi = Birthmarks Nodosities = Indurations = Nodules Phagadenic = A cutaneous ulcer that rapidly spreads peripherally, destroying tissues as it increases in size. Also called phagedenic ulcer. This word is used like the word “indolent” which means non-healing. An indolent ulcer is a chronic ulcer that shows no tendency to heal. Wens = Sebaceous cysts

Common “ S kin-Specific” Remedies W ith T op K eynotes for Each Note that every homeopathic remedy can affect the skin. Therefore, T he INDICATED REMEDY COULD BE ANY REMEDY. In the following two slides, I have listed the top 14 acute “skin remedies” I use commonly in my practice . I have pointed out their most important keynotes in a highly concise fashion . There are numerous other remedies that are critical in treating skin disorders acutely (as well as constitutionally) such as Arnica, Belladonna, Iris, etc., but it is beyond the scope of this presentation to cover them all.

Top 14 Skin-Specific Remedies, part 1 Alumina : The most dry and constipated remedy . Dryness causes itchiness. Itchiness without eruption. Antimonium-crudum : For HARD & THICK skin (Ex: corn and calluses), mainly on hands and feet, but could be anywhere. Apis : Itching, BURNING, EDEMA of various parts especially face and lower eyelid (resulting in sensation of tightness) , stinging pain, << heat or even slight touch, thirstless Arsenicum album: BURNING pain and offensive discharges, > Heat!!!! (opposite of Apis ), Ulceration of skin. Intense itching of skin without eruption (~ Alum.) Calendula : Use in potency (actually in any form) for trauma and wound healing . Graphites : Eruptions ooze a thick, yellow, or “ honey-like fluid which dries into golden crystals on the skin.” (Desktop Companion) Lachesis : Left-sided s/s , skin is of dark, bluish/purplish appearance with dark hemorrhagic discharge . Mottled skin . Lycopodium : Right-sided s/s , very poor GI ; In my experience, of the top most common constitutions, it is the most likely one to have skin issues.

Top 14 Skin-Specific Remedies, part 2 Mercurius : Ulceration, suppuration, offensive smelling & acrid d/c, < night time (a syphilitic rx ) Mezereum : I ntolerable ITCHING , thick leather like crusts under which thick YELLOW PUS collects. Burning with fiery redness … Skin is mad! Petroleum: CRACKED, FISSURED, painful lesions especially on hands, finger tips, and soles . Palmo -plantar keratoderma. #1 REMEDY FOR DEEP CRACKS. Cracks are often deep, painful and bloody . < in winter months. Psorinum : Great despair emotionally, chilly, modalities are similar to Sulphur except they themselves are chilly. Rhus-tox : Not just for joint pain … Main rx for SHINGLES. Keyword: Vesicular eruptions. Modalities: >heat & dry weather, > by motion, & < Wet Sulphur : It is used in every type of skin lesion , marked itching, want to scratch, burning after scratching, excessive burning everywhere. < Heat, bathing, heat of the bed

CONDITIONS The conditions are listed in alphabetical order, mostly by common name (boils vs. furuncles) but sometimes by scientific name (such as herpes zoster vs. shingles). Will cover one or more conditions from each of the following categories: Infections: Bacterial (such as impetigo), viral (such as warts), & fungal infections (such as ringworm) of the skin Disorders of the sebaceous glands such as acne Allergic skin disorders such as atopic dermatitis (or eczema) Diseases of pigmentation such as vitiligo M iscellaneous other skin problems and diseases such as bruising, burns, cellulitis, gangrene, hives, pruritis , psoriasis, scars, ulcers, and wounds. Will not cover: STDs S kin cancers such as melanoma Autoimmune disorders of the skin such as lupus and scleroderma D iseases of the hair, nails, and sweat glands Diseases due to arthropods (insect bites, scabies, pediculosis or lice) TB

Sources for the remedies in this presentation The SYNTHESIS Repertory Homeopathic Clinical Repertory by Dr. Robin Murphy, ND Textbook of Dermatology for Homeopaths by Dr. Ramji Gupta & Dr. R.K. Manchanda . Desktop Guide & Companion by Dr. Roger Morrison, MD (the blue & red books) Dr. Robin Murphy’s lectures on skin disorders Note: For each condition, each author has his/her own favorite list of remedies, but many of the same remedies that are recommended by the various authors are also the top remedies in the SYNTHESIS repertory. When discussing remedies, I have outlined ONLY the main keynotes AS RELATED TO the particular skin condition .

Acne vulgaris (commonly referred to as acne): W hiteheads, blackheads, & other types of pimples One of the most common skin conditions in both children and adults. Acne is believed to be caused by many factors including excessive secretion of the sebaceous glands (produce sebum=oil), blockage of pilo -sebaceous duct (clogged pores), hormones, ingrown hairs, and bacterial infection. Acne is usually associated with hormonal fluctuations experienced during teenage years, but adults can experience acne too. Subtypes : (INFLAMMATORY VS. NON-INFLAMMATORY TYPES) NON-INFLAMMAOTRY: Blackheads (open comedones ) Whiteheads (closed comedones ) INFLAMMATORY: (pimples that are red and swollen... Bacteria may be involved … . Painful acne spots) Acne Papules (skin around the clogged pores is usu pink) Acne Pustules (filled with pus; usually red; usually have yellow or white heads on top) Acne Nodules (deeper under the skin than papules and pustules) Acne Cysts (largest form of acne; deeper than nodules)

Acne … Do conventional treatments work? Some conventional medical treatments for acne include the following: Antibiotics , spironolactone, & birth control pills . It’s not too uncommon in my practice to see an acne patient who has been on the above medications for years ! A s soon as the patient stops these medications, the acne can in some cases get worse. Are we truly addressing the underlying CAUSE of acne with such medications? Clearly not! Talk to the patient about how we are aiming for healing of the skin on a long-term basis not a quick fix. Homeopathy (especially when combined with other naturopathic therapeutics) offers a much more fundamentally curative solution for acne.

Acne – Tx acutely or constitutionally? According to Dr. Roger Morrison, MD, the treatment is usually constitutional. I treat acne constitutionally most of the time, but sometimes acutely, and at other times combine the constitutional remedy & the skin specific remedy at same time . (Refer to the earlier slides to decide when to consider acute prescribing for a skin condition.)

Acne in Repertory: NOT in the Skin Section!! Repertory: The most common spots for breakouts are the FACE , chest, shoulders, and back. Note: Wens (under Skin-wens) is an old term for sebaceous cysts which may be as large as a walnut or even larger. They are under the skin vs acne zits that sit atop your skin. SYNTHESIS: Face-Eruptions-Acne : A nt-c. Aur . Bell . Calc-sil . Calc -s . Carb-an. Carb-v. Carbn -s. Caust . Fl -ac. Graph. Hep . Kali-ar . Kali-bi, Kali-br . Lyc. Nat-m. Nux -v. Phos . Puls . Rhod . Rhus -t. Sars . SEP . Sil . Sulph . Syph . Teucr . Thuj . Zinc . There are numerous sub-rubrics such as menses, papules , pustular, scars with, etc . HORMONAL ACNE in females? Face-Eruptions-Acne-Menses, before: Sep Face-Eruptions-Acne-Menstrual irregularities with: nat -m , Puls , Sang , Sep Note: Sanguinaria and N at mur : Used for acne that is worse before the period. And, if the center of gravity of the case is hormonal irregularities, Sepia is the remedy. (Based on Dr. Robin Murphy’s Skin Disorders Lecture)

Acne, remedies for Dr. Roger Morrison’s Desktop Companion: Calc Silicata , Calc Sulph , Hep Sulph , Kali Brom , Lachesis, Mercurius , Silica, Sulphur, Thuja ; Arnica, Arsenicum , Aurum, Baryta carb, Bell, Carb Animalis , Causticum , Eugenia, Graphites , Kreosotum , Nux vomica, Psorinum , Pulsatilla , and Sepia. Textbook of Dermatology for Homeopaths : Sulphur is the most often used medicine for treatment of acne. Ant-c, Calc , Graph, Lyc, Nat-m, and Sep are used as constitutional drugs to stop recurrences. Bell, Hep , Merc and Sil are used in the pustular form of acne.

Acne, other r emedies for Based on Dr . Robin Murphy’s lectures on skin disorders: Sulphur : Look for the common Sulphur skin symptoms of burning, itching, worse heat and worse bathing . Thuja : Look for the common Thuja skin symptom of oily skin . Good for blackheads. Can also try homeopathic Selenium . Thuja and Ant. tart . both have an ugly acne presentation, acne scarring with black heads, greasy skin, and the whole face gets scarred after each pimple. Hepar sulph : Larger size pimples. Fat area around and under larger size pimples; when squeezed, thick white cheesy d/c comes out. Very sensitive and painful. Person has the hypersensitivity of H epar sulph . Silica : Unhealthy skin, every pimple suppurates, injuries do not heal well. Acne with much pus .

Acne, o ther natural t reatments: Stop using oily and greasy products on the hair and face. Clean the skin with soap and wash the hair regularly with shampoos. Witch hazel (as an astringent) can be helpful. Topical retinoids give the best results for comedonal acne.

Acne Rosacea (aka Rosacea) Mainly in middle-aged females, also in males and younger individuals . Initially it presents as episodes of erythema and hot flushes on face, and later on get telangiectasia and erythematous papules. Lesions usually confined to blush area of face like nose, cheeks, chin, & forehead. Look out for infection ! I find rosacea more challenging to treat than acne. SYNTHESIS: Face-Eruptions-Acne-Rosacea: bell. calc -p . Calc-sil . c anth . caps . Carb-an . Carb-v . Caust . c ic . Eug . Kreos . Lach . Psor . Rhus -t, Ruta , Sep. Sil . Sulph . Tub. Verat . On nose: Caust Textbook of Dermatology for Homeopaths: Agar . Ars . Ars -br. Ars-i . Aur . Bell. Calc. Cal- sil . Canth . Carb-an. Caust . Kali- br , Kreos . Lach . Nux -v. Petr. Psor . Rad-br. Rhus -r. Rhus -t. Sep. Sulph . and Sulph-i .

Boils (furuncles) Wikipedia: “A boil , also called a furuncle, is a deep folliculitis, infection of the hair follicle. It is most commonly caused by infection by the bacterium Staphylococcus aureus, resulting in a painful swollen area on the skin caused by an accumulation of pus and dead tissue.” SYNTHESIS: Skin-Eruptions-Boils (furuncles) : Anthraci . Arn . Bell. Bell-p . Calc -s . Hep . Lach . Lyc. Merc. Petr. Psor . Rhus -t. Sil . Sulph . Tarent . Many sub-rubrics under Boils …

Boils Dr. Robin Murphy, ND: A lot of trauma remedies (listed also under bruising) produce crops of boils (i.e. they are good for boils)!! Arnica : Dark boils that come on suddenly all over the body. Sore bruised feeling, tender to touch, they guard it. SORE ACHY AND BRUISED FEELING  THINK OF ARNICA! Bellis Perennis : Topically , internally and in potency. Very similar to arnica. Bellis has crops of boils that are sore, bruised and achy. It mimics Arnica. If Arnica does not work, give Bellis. Good for OBGYN conditions: Worse since hysterectomy, hemorrhoids, constipation, varicose veins. Injuries to the deeper tissues. If Arnica has only palliated, Bellis is a great alternative. Venous stasis since surgery, childbirth or trauma to the pelvic organs.

Boils, cluster of (= Carbuncles ) SYNTHESIS: Skin-Eruptions-Carbuncle : Anthraci . Ars . Bell. Calc -s. Sil . and Tarent -c Skin-Eruptions-Boils-Crops of: Calc -s Note: Calc -s ( Calcarea sulphurica ) is one of the best remedies for boils and carbuncles . Note: Two great cell salts for b oils (furuncles), carbuncles , and abscesses : Calc -s and Silica cell salts.

Bruising (or ecchymosis) SYNTHESIS: Skin- Ecchymoses : Arn , bell-p , Led, Ph -ac, Phos , Sec, Sul -ac, tarent Skin-Eruptions- petechiae Skin-Purpura: Arn , Crot -h, Ham, Lach , Phos , Sec, Sul -ac Skin-Purpura- hemorrhagica : Arn , Crot -h , Ham , Lach , Led , Phos , Rhus -t , Sec , Sul -ac , Ter . Murphy’s R epertory : Skin-Bruising-Ecchymosis: A rn , bell-p , Ham , l ach , L ed , Phos , puls , Sec , sep , Sul -ac Emergency-Bruises: Arn , Ham, Led, Phos , puls , Ruta , sep , Sul -ac Note: Bruising is often related to spleen (and sometimes liver) disorders.

Bruising, varicosities & hemorrhoids have similar remedies Bruising, varicosities, and hemorrhoids have many remedies in common since they all have venous stasis : Hemorrhoids: Aesc, Agar, Aloe, Ars , Ham, Lach , Lyc, Phos , Puls , Sep , & Sul -ac . (& many more) Varicose veins: Arn , Calc , crot -h , Ham , lach , lyc , phos , Puls , Sep , & sulph . (& many more) Unless you can see a better remedy choice, I would recommend Arnica first (80% chance you will get positive results), and then consider prescribing another remedy to address remaining symptoms.

Bruising, remedies Based on Dr. Robin Murphy’s lectures on skin disorders, some of the top remedies include: Arnica : This remedy covers most of the cases, mostly on SOFT TISSUE. Sensation: Bruised/achy Alternatives to Arnica: Ledum , Hamamelis , and Sulph acid useful for EXTENSIVE bruising. Hamamelis (witch hazel): Similar to Arnica (bruised and achy) , so if Arnica does not help, try Hamamelis . Main remedy for hemorrhoids and phlebitis. Also for varicose veins. Can use also in tincture form. Ledum : Also for puncture wounds & cellulitis <heat >cold Bellis- perennis : For DEEPER bruises (Also a spleen remedy in drop doses) Note: Arnica, Hamamelis , & Bellis can be used chronically for people with a tendency to bruise easily.

Bruising, more remedies Ceonotus (red root): for ITP. (Also a spleen remedy) Sulph - acid : Extensive bruises, black or dark blue spots (passive bleeding) with swelling, esp. in elderly. Purpura hemorrhagica (=small red spots that enlarge fast ) . Gangrenes after injuries, esp. in elderly people, more in the extremities. This is for areas were there is not much soft tissue , back of hands, on the shin, on forehead. Symphytum and Ruta : Bruises over thin skin covering the periosteum layer of bones. Symphytum is more achy and bruised. Ruta is for more of a knot and lump. Ex: Kicked shin & black eye. (Note: Arnica is for softer tissues .)

Bruising, remedies, continued: Sepia : For people who bruise easily especially with hx of hormonal imbalances since pregnancy, miscarriage, or childbirth. Also have hemorrhoids or varicose veins . Phosphorus: People with blood disorders who have a tendency to bruise and bleed easily . Ex: Purpura hemorrhagica . Also for nose bleeds, uterine hemorrhage, bleeding after trauma, etc. Usually bright red blood. Dental extractions where the blood does not coagulate. The remedy can stop the bleeding instantly. Calcarea carbonica : Bruises easily, varicose veins, overweight, hypothyroid with a calcium imbalance, cold hands and feet, and typically overwork themselves.

Burns Some of the best remedies for burns: Generals-Burns : Ars . Canth , Sol (sunlight), Urt -u Generals-Burns-scalds : Canth . Caust . (Dr. Murphy’s repertory) Generals-Burns-sunburn : Bell. Canth . Puls . Sol, Urt -u

Cellulitis … Expect positive changes in 12-24 hours! Due to the more serious nature of cellulitis, I would recommend acute prescribing (versus constitutional) to target the lesion. Although repeating the constitutional remedy may be helpful as well. Sulphur is one of our best remedies for cellulitis since you can find many of the keynotes of this remedy in cellulitis- burning, red and warm skin with serous discharge, < heat. “ If itchy and worse from heat, consider Sulphur.” (Desktop Companion) SYNTHESIS: (Not in the skin section!) Generals-Inflammation-Cellulitis Apis , Ars . Hep . Lach . Merc- i -r.* Rhus -t. & Sil Dr. Murphy’s Repertory: Skin-Cellulitis: Apis . Arn . Hep . Lach . Merc- i -r. Rhus -t. & S il . Desktop Companion: Apis . Bufo . Calen. Graph. Hep -s. Lach . Led. Phyt . Pyrog . Rhus -t . & Staph. DOSING: a 30c dose 2-3/day. If no changes at all in 12-24 hours, incorrect rx . * merc-i-r = mercurius iodatus ruber

Crusty eruptions Skin-Eruptions-Crusty : This is a large rubric. Use the sub-rubrics to help narrow your options down . Many skin conditions involve crusting . To find the correct remedy, you need to take a thorough case. Note: Skin-Eruptions-Eczema and Skin-Eruptions-Crusty have many similar type 3 (bold) remedies. (Eczema is a crusty condition.)

Dry and/or cracked skin … . An extremely common problem … Tired of u sing lotion? Cracking of skin can occur in many skin conditions, including eczema and psoriasis. If itching also, refer to the eczema section. SYNTHESIS: Skin- chapping (cracks ): Calc. Graph. Hep . k ali-c . lach . p etr . Puls . Rhus -t. Sars . Sep. Sulph . (Note: Petroleum is type 1 !!!!!!) Skin-dry (plus “dryness” under various locations such as face): Numerous remedies in this section including Alum & Petr . (Note: Petroleum is listed in type 3- bold.) Dr. Robin Murphy, ND: Petroleum is the #1 remedy for cracked skin. Dr. Roger Morrison, MD: Main remedies for cracked skin are Petro. & Graphites .

TOP DRY/CHAPPED/CRACKED REMEDIES: ALUMINA PETROLEUM NAT MUR BOTH Alumina and Petroleum have severe dryness and poor cognition . However, t hink of location and other keynotes to decide which remedy: Alumina is dry (hands and skin in general), and can crack but not to the extent that Petroleum does. Alumina’s problem is DRYNESS, but with Petroleum you see more CRACKING. Alumina: The entire hand may be dry. Petroleum: Cracking in specific places. Alumina is worse from heat. Petroleum is worse in cold/ w inter . Alumina has the most severe constipation in the materia medica . Petroleum has diarrhea. How about Nat mur ? Nat mur can be dry too, but not nearly as dry. Nat mur has normal cognition. Nat mur’s constipation can be easily masked by diet and exercise, not severe!

Eczema = ATOPIC DERMATITIS or atopic eczema Eczema is one of the most common skin disorders we see in a primary care setting. “Atopic dermatitis (eczema) is a condition that makes your skin red and itchy. It's common in children but can occur at any age .” (Mayo Clinic) Probiotics are a must. Eliminating gluten out often helps .

Eczema All of the “skin” remedies may be helpful for eczema . Rubric: Skin-Eruptions-Eczema is too large of a rubric with over 100 remedies. A more helpful rubric may be the Skin-Unhealthy rubric. This is a good size rubric (about 60) with some of the main remedies that are known to be good for eczema. SYNTHESIS: Skin-Eruptions-Eczema : alum. Ars . Ars-i . Bar-m. Bov . Calc. Calc -s. Caust . Cic . Crot -t. Dulc . GRAPH . Hep . Jug-c. Jug-r. kali-ar. Kali-c. kali-chl. Kali-s. Lach . Lappa -m. Lyc. Mez . Nat-m. Olnd . Petr. Phos . Psor . RHUS-T . Sep. Sil . Sul-i . SULPH. (Note: Lappa -m is burdock.) Note: Most of the black type remedies above are also listed under: Skin-Eruptions-Crusty. (Crusting often occurs in conjunction with infection.) SYNTHESIS: Skin-Unhealthy : Borx . Calc . Carbn -s. Caust . Cham. Graph. Hep . Lach . Petr . Psor . Rhus -t. and Sep. Sil . Sulph . Dr. Murphy: Add Mezereum to this rubric.

Eczema Textbook of Dermatology for Homeopaths: “The drugs used for the acute form of dermatitis include Acon . Anac . Apis . Bell. Canth . Chin-s. Crot -t. Mez . Rhus -t. and Sep .”

Eczema Sulphur is the most common remedy for eczema. Tremendous itching, scratching until raw and oozing/bleeding. With typical modalities of Sulphur: < night < heat <heated in bed <bathing >cold applications Arsenicum album : Burning pains with itching Graphites : Eczema with hard/ THICK skin with yellow or honey-like d/c . Often in folds of skin, and behind the ears. <night <heat <heated in bed (similar to Sulphur ) Mezereum : Intolerable DEEP itching and ulcers , and crusts/scabs . Eczema with WONDERING patches. Eruptions where circulation is poor : Back of hands, around the ears, etc. <night <heat <hot bathing > cold (similar to Sulphur ) Petroleum : THE MOST DRY TYPE WITH DEEP CRACKS. Hands and finger tips. < cold weather Psorinum : Scratches until bleeds. DESPAIR/ DEPRESSION with eczema. Anterior elbows and posterior knees (soft areas of these joints) Modalities similar to Sulphur except for they are cold.

Eczema, Rhus-tox … not just a musculoskeletal remedy! Rhus tox : Desktop Companion to Physical Pathology: “ Fiercely itching with oozing or discharge. Vesicles that open with intense itching, giving out d/c. The eruption then dries, crusts over and often cracks. Burning or prickling with the itch. < AM in bed , cold damp weather (~ Dulc ), and cold air. Getting wet . >Running scalding hot water over the eruption. (Note: Opposite of a lot of the previous remedies which are worse with heat.) Appearance: Vesicles- small to medium. Location: Arms and hands” Note: Modalities are the typical musculoskeletal modalities for Rhus-tox .

Eczema - Alum and Nat mur , both have dry skin, but type 1 vs type 3 for eczema! Note: Alumina and Nat mur both have dry skin. However, under Eczema in SYNTHESIS, Alumina is a type 1, but Nat mur is a type 3. The reason is that Alum is dry, but there may be no eczema. However, you are more likely to see a Nat mur person with dry skin AND eczema.

Erysipelas SYNTHESIS: Skin-Erysipelas : Apis , Bell. Euph . Graph. Lach . Merc. Rhus -t. Many sub-rubrics including Skin-Erysipelas-Vesicular: Rhus -t Ex: Rick’s case- Erysipelas on left cheek, bluish colored. Treament : Lachesis 200c  90% improvement overnight.

Gangrene : Poor blood supply  tissue death (Severe bruising in an injury can cause gangrene.) 3 Types: Dry, wet (moist), and g as gangrene. 1) Dry : A ffected area becomes cold and numb (color: red  brown  black) Causes of: Vascular problems, severe burns, scalds, frostbite, Raynaud’s dz & diabetes. 2) Wet : Affected area becomes swollen and decays. Extremely painful. Oozing occurs. Odor. Becomes black. Person develops a fever. 3) Gas (A severe form of wet) : Wound is infected. A brown-red or bloody d/c may ooze from the affected tissues. Clostridia produces a crackling sensation. It becomes swollen, and blisters may develop. Severe pain. Fever, increased heart rate, and rapid breathing if the toxins spread through the blood. Causes of wet forms: Injury, dry gangrene, embolism, & immune deficiency . https:// www.medicalnewstoday.com /articles/158770.php

Gangrene, risk factors for Smoking Obesity, diabetes , high blood pressure, and other causes of vascular disease E xcessive alcohol intake, which can lead to nerve damage I mpaired immune function, due to: HIV infection, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, etc. I ntravenous drug use https:// www.medicalnewstoday.com /articles/158770.php

Gangrene in the repertory Murphy’s repertory has a much more extensive section than the Synthesis: “Diseases-Gangrene, burns from” is a good rubric for gangrene in general (not too big or too small): agar . Anthraci . Ars . Canth . Caust . k reos . r hus -t . Sec . stram . Murphy’s: “ Diseases-Gangrene-Wounds” ties gangrene with wounds (a section towards end of this presentation) . SYNTHESIS: Skin-gangrene : Agar . Anthraci . Ars. Canth. Carb -v . Caust . e uph . k reos . lach . and Sec . Skin-gangrene-cold : Ars . Plb . Sec. Sul- ac (Dr. Murphy: Sul- ac should be black type.) ( Patient feels cold .) Skin - g angrene -hot : s abin . s ec. ( Patient feels hot.) Skin-gangrene-Old people in (Senile gangrene): Agar. Ars . carb-v . sars . Sec. ( Can use senile gangrene for diabetic gangrene. Dr. Murphy has added Agar and Ars to this rubric.) Skin-ulcers-gangrenous : Ars . Carb -v. Crot -c. Crot -h. Kreos . Lach . Lyc . Sec . Skin -erysipelas- gangrenous : Ars . Carb -v. Crot -c. Lach . Sec

Gangrene, remedies for, part 1 Gangrene of extremities: Ars . Lach . Sec. Agar. Arsenicum album : S enile gangrene and diabetic gangrene Excruciating BURNING pain, esp at night! Very restless, and highly anxious. Very offensive smell. Very weak. >heat Secale : Is listed in many of the rubrics for gangrene in black type. One of the BEST remedies for Gangrene: Blackness of toes/extremities. Varicose ulcers that go gangrenous. <heat BURNING pains > cold and being uncovered <heat . The gangrenous part feels hot to them (due to pain), but it is COLD TO TOUCH !! ( This is the opposite of Arsenicum unless Ars patient is sensitive to touch/covering due to pain.)

Gangrene, remedies for, part 2 Agaricus : Numbness and tingling sensations as if bugs are crawling under the skin. The whole foot feels numb and frozen, no circulation to the area. Constriction of peripheral blood vessels, then injury  gangrene One of the main remedies for Reynaud’s, frostbite (chilblains: a repertory term for frostbite), neurological twitching and spasms. They touch something cold and the whole hand turns blue, very painful. Cantharis: SEVERE BURNING and cutting pains, more burning and cutting than Arsenicum . Feet feel as if on fire. Great remedy for burns and UTIs. Sulphuric acid: Gangrene after mechanical injury … bruise opens up and ulcerates, then becomes gangrenous. Black blood comes out of injured area. Skin around it is bluish and red .

Gangrene, remedies for, part 3 Anthracinum (Anthrax nosode ): Also for boils . Palliative for the pain of gangrene . More specific for the gangrenous ulcers/sores as opposed to the toes or fingers (previous remedies). Severe burning pains esp in ulcers. Kreosote : Offensive smell . Offensive, cadaverous, dead flesh, putrid smell . People cannot be around the person. Dark decomposed tissues. Similar to the remedy Pyrogen . Carbo Veg : Extreme coldness of the extremity is the main sx . Lack of feeling and circulation to the toes. Severe BURNING pains . More cold than Secale . It is ICE cold to touch . Lachesis: In most rubrics for gangrene. Gangrene after a bite . A sore that goes gangrenous . Similar to A nthracinum , gangrenous ulcer with varicose veins, that burn, worse heat, looks like a snake bite. Dark bluish muddled skin with ulcer that does not seem to close up b/c all the venoms have anti-coagulants in them.

Gangrene, other treatments for ***HYDROTHERAPY – WET SOCK TREATMENT can be very effective . Consider applying a topical anti-septic. If severe, IV antibiotics may be indicated. Need to tx fast. Refer to ER.

Quiz Injury --> bruising --> gangrene, prevention of If a toe gets totally crushed with black & blue skin discoloration developing, what are some remedies to consider to prevent gangrene? I would give a dose of Arnica, Hypericum or Ledum (all bruise remedies), depending on the KEYNOTES, to PREVENT lasting injury to the blood vessels and tissues which could otherwise lead to gangrene. With the appropriate remedy for bruising , the chances of gangrene setting in will be greatly reduced . The person will experience far less pain (if any) and the nail will nicely fall off on its own, followed by the growth of a new nail . If you detect gangrene setting in, THEN you can start with the gangrene remedies.

Herpes simplex (=Cold Sores) Tired of using L-Lysine?! Homeopathic remedies highly effective in tx of Herpes Simplex. We can use same homeopathic remedies for herpes, canker sores , and genital herpes. Conventional medicine uses antiviral medications which never cure the disease. Homeopathic remedies can potentially cure herpes. Herpes simplex (cold sore=fever blister ): On or around the lips ( mostly on outside the mouth, can be inside too , but different locations inside the mouth than canker sores), cause is viral (HSV-1 and HSV-2), contagious, and somewhat painful. Canker sore ( aphthous ulcer=mouth ulcer) : Inside the mouth and on the gums, cause is unknown (not viral; triggered by stress, fatigue, hormones, or trauma), not contagious, painful open sore, heals on its own within 1-2 weeks. Thrush : Fungal infection inside the mouth.

Herpes Simplex SYNTHESIS: Skin-Eruptions-Herpetic: Apis . Ars . Bov . Calc. Calc -s. Carbn -s. Clem. Con. Dulc . Graph. Lyc. Merc. Nat-m. Rhus -t. Sep. Sil . Sulph . Tell. Sub-rubrics: Burning, chapping, corrosive, crusty, dry , itching, moist , scaly, stinging, tearing, and ZOSTER (herpes zoster). Notice there is the DRY kind and the MOIST kind .

Herpes Simplex, Nat mur is the main rx According to Dr. Robin Murphy, ND, and Dr. Roger Morrison, MD, the main remedy for herpes simplex is Nat mur . It is very specific for the typical fever blister/cold sore as well as canker sore. Main remedy for herpes that is brought on by EMOTIONS /stress. Nat mur keynotes for Herpes: Painful, transparent (water-filled) vesicles that burn and sting. Location: Around the mouth/lips and nose , sometimes in the inside of the lower lip. Often associated with dry and cracked lips. (Remember Nat mur’s main theme is DRYNESS everywhere, in bowels and on the skin.)

Herpes Simplex, other important remedies Rhus tox : ANGRY!!! More burning than Nat mur , red, intensely itchy, and swollen with yellow fluid that may suppurate and leave a yellow crust. You may also get a general viral infection picture with Rhus tox , malaise, etc. <cold or damp weather >heat over the lesion, BUT Apis & Nat mur >cold application Apis : Fluid-filled with stinging pain, <heat . Allergic rx (vs Nat mur is emotional) Sepia: A good choice if herpes is associated with menstrual cycles . Borax: For herpes inside the mouth . (Borax: Also for aphthous ulcers & thrush in nursing children. Sulphuric acid is used for aphthous ulcers in children where the whole mouth is swollen and bleeding .)

Is herpes curable? Yes! Curing herpes is about curing the person’s susceptibility to herpes. Susceptibility is on two levels, miasm AND constitution . For example, i f the person with herpes is a constitutional Nat mur and the herpes lesion has the keynotes of the remedy Nat mur , then Nat mur would be curative in this case (unless you also need to tx the miasm , which is sycotic in the case of herpes). So, if you give an acute remedy, and the lesions disappear in a day or two, that does not mean you cured it (unless again the remedy happens to match the person’s constitution and there is no underlying miasmatic tendencies that keep coming up). The above information is extracted from Dr. Robin Murphy’s lectures on skin disorders.

Herpes , Genital As a rule, genital herpes is more difficult to tx than oral herpes. Even if acute prescribing is effective, MUST address miasmatic predisposition. Rubrics: Male-Eruptions-herpetic, vesicular, penis, scrotum, … Female-Eruptions-herpetic, vesicular, anus, perineum, … Medorrhinum , Thuja and Petroleum are some of the main remedies. Note: Medorrhinum and Thuja are highly effective for tx of pelvic infections, in general. Medorrhinum : Significant hx of venereal diseases (STDs). Tendency for recurring pelvic infections, esp with an active sex life. Thuja : Thuja is the chronic remedy of Medorrhinum . Venereal warts, hx of a lot of pelvic infections, disgusted with genitals, obsessed about keeping genitals clean; herpes gives off a fowl offensive odor.

Herpes, Genital – Tx the susceptibility According to Dr. Robin Murphy’s lectures on skin disorders: C onsider the following remedies to tx the susceptibility; these remedies can be used prophylactically: Variolinum , M edorrhinum , Herpes simplex I or II, or the chronic rx that the person needs. Another effective palliative tx is Rhus tox cream . This will reduce the duration and intensity, but not frequency. Also, can use Calendula topically to relieve the pain.

Herpes Zoster (Shingles) SYNTHESIS: Skin-Eruptions-Herpetic-Zoster , Zona: Iris . Merc. Mez . (vegetable Merc ), Ran-b. (Ranunculus bulbosus ), Rhus -t. c anth . c lem . kali-bi. kali-chl . l ach . nat -m. petr. p run . sep. s il . s ulph . t huj . MURPHY’S REPERTORTY: Ars . c anth . c aust . cist. clem . graph. hep . Iris . k ali-bi. kali-chl. l ach . Merc. Mez . Nat-m . p etr. Ran-b. Rhus -t . sep. s il . s ulph . t huj . v ario . Clearly, need to find the remedy that best matches the case. A few noteworthy remedies & comments: Rhus tox : A great rx for shingles. Shingles of face, rib cage, left scapula, right leg and thigh. Constantly moving , <cold/wet and night >heat & movement ( Rhus -t KEYNOTES) Vesicular, burning pain, very itchy, red raised scabs, often w/ numbness or a TIGHT feeling. If around the rib cage, it feels as if it is bound up and stiff- the skin feels tight. Pleasurable itching. Hot shower may hurt at first, and then it feels good. Movement initially can burn/sting, but improves the symptoms. Cantharis is a great rx for certain UTIs . However , it can certainly address Shingles if the keynotes match. Pain in Cantharis, regardless of location, is burning and cutting. More burning and more anxious than Arsenicum . Clematis : A great remedy for reaction to poison oak or ivy as well as for shingles. It has all the modalities of Sulphur : < bathing, < heat of bed, < at night; much itching, yellow fluid. Note: Even though burning sensation on skin, worse with cold water!!

Hives ( Urticaria ) A LARGE SECTION IN THE REPERTORY. Skin-Eruptions- U rticaria : Apis . Ars . Astac . Calc . Calc -s. Carb-ac. Carb-s. Caust . Chlol . Cop. Dulc . Hep . Hist . Led. Nat-m. Rhus -t. Sulph . Urt -u. Useful sub-rubrics: Skin- E ruptions- Urticaria -scratching after : Dulc . Graph. Lach . Mez . Rhus -t. Skin-Eruptions- Urticaria -warmth and exercise agg : Nat-m. & Urt -u. Skin-Eruptions- Urticaria -wet becoming from: Rhus -t. NOTE: Urtica is an effective remedy for urticaria .

Hives My experience is that the hives patient’s immune system is definitely significantly out of balance. Diet and digestion must be addressed: Elimination of food allergies/sensitivities is often critical. Digestion needs improvement. Supplementation with high dose probiotics may be critical in long-term care. A cute and constitutional homeopathic care highly effective and prescribed as indicated.

Ichthyosis (Fish Skin Disease) / ikTHē ˈōsəs / Ichthyosis is a group of skin diseases that causes extremely DRY , THICK, and scaly skin . The scales are like fish scales. Repertory: Skin-Eruptions-Scaly: Calc. Merc. & many in italics Dr. Murphy’s Repertory: Skin- Echthyosis : Ars . Clem. Graph. Phos . Phyto . Sep.

Impetigo (a superficial bacterial infection) There are many types. The main two types are: non-bullous impetigo (aka impetigo contagiosa ) and bollus impetigo. Repertory: Skin-Eruptions-Impetigo. Other rubrics to consider: Skin, eruptions, blisters Skin, eruptions, crusty Skin, eruptions, discharging moist Skin, eruptions, pustules Skin, eruptions, suppurating Skin, eruptions, vesicular In various locations: (Abdomen or back or extremities or ear or face or foot or forehead or lips or head), eruptions

Impetigo, remedies, part 1 Antimonium Crudum , very specific for Skin- Eruptions-Impetigo: ~125 remedies. Ant. crudum is very specific for impetigo . Eruptions with crusts that crack and eventually thicken , yellow appearance, burning pains, bathing aggravates it. Sores that run together. According to Dr. Robin Murphy, ND, Ant-c is the MAIN rx for impetigo. Other important remedies for impetigo: Graphites : Thick crusts, may be dry, corners of mouth and nose. The classic G raphites symptoms of serum honey-like discharge underneath the crust or scabs. It’s sticky. Mercury: Moist eruptions . A lot of pus, yellow/green crust and offensive smell. < night. Scalp & face. Rhux - tox : Eruptions in groups with much itching and burning , yellow fluid coming out . Restless . < damp weather > scalding hot water

Impetigo, remedies for, part 2 Ant. tart: More specific for impetigo with scarring . Impetigo that leads to unhealthy rough skin. Also indicated for acne with scarring . Sulphur : It is indicated in any skin infection. Moist/sweaty type of impetigo, not the dry/crusty type. Eruptions itch and burn . Staphlo : According to Dr. Robin Murphy, Staphlo (= Staphlococcinum versus Staph which stands for Staphysagria ) in potency can help if you don’t know which remedy is best indicated.

Ingrown toenails Extremities-ingrowing toenails: Graphites , Manganum Austrialis , and Silica . Note: Manganum Austrialis is listed in many repertories. 70-80 % of cases are treated effectively. This remedy is the potentized south pole of a magnet.

Molluscum contagiosum (Viral) SYNTHESIS: Skin-Eruptions- molluscum : sulph Skin-Eruptions- molluscum - contagiosum : Calc and Sil . Dr. Murphy’s Repertory : Diseases- Molluscum contagiosum : brom . calc -ar. nat -m. sil . & thuj . During his lectures on skin disorders, Dr. Robin Murphy, ND, stated that “ according to practitioners in India, 80 % of the cases respond well to Nat mur , but this rx is not even in the above rubrics in Synthesis! (Note: Nat mur is considered to be the main remedy for Herpes simplex as well.)

Pruritis (itching) , Causes of Pruritis can have various causes. Following is an excerpt from the book titled “Skin , Homeopathic Approach to Dermatology” by Farokh Master, MD. 1) Skin diseases (Animal parasites, dermatitis, eczema, psoriasis, ringworm, hives , lichen planus, etc.) 2) Local irritation by discharges, etc. (My note: Itching due to laundry detergent, poison ivy, etc.) 3 ) Systemic diseases producing itching, but perhaps no skin lesion: (listed only a few) Hepatic diseases (especially obstructive), hepatitis C (with or without evidence of jaundice or liver failure) Renal failure (uremic pruritis ) Thyroid disease (hypo and hyper) Iron deficiency anemia Intestinal parasites Drugs: Cocaine causes deep itching. If drug overdose, think of Gelsemium . (Another keynote: Extreme fatigue.) Internal malignancy (My note : Itching can sometimes be the first sign of internal cancers .) 4) Psychogenic - skin and nerves are closely related because of their common embryonic origin. Neuroasthenia , neurodermatitis , agarophobia , and prurigo .

Pruritis , common causes I see often in my practice Common causes of itching I have seen in my practice: 1) Various skin diseases such as eczema, psoriasis, hives, etc. 2 ) Food allergies/sensitivities can cause immediate ( IgE ) as well as delayed (IgG) reactions, both of which can manifest signs/symptoms in the skin, including itching without a rash as well as with a rash. In such cases, homeopathic remedies may or may not be totally effective. Example: Cassie’s case on my site. Note: SKIN ALLERGY TESTING for helping with skin conditions is hardly ever useful! 3 ) Liver and kidney “congestion/toxicity ”: This is a naturopathic concept, not conventional medical where only organ failure is acknowledged. Sometimes detoxifying these organs is critical in effectively treating chronic itching. 4 ) Chronic constipation 5 ) Dry skin can cause itching … as found in remedies such as Alumina .

Pruritis Skin-Itching : 210 remedies listed! Skin-Itching … sub-rubrics include: Morning , evening, biting, bleeding, burning, crawling, eruptions suppressed after, eruptions without, scratching agg , scratching amel , scratching bleeds , scratching raw (must scratch until it is), stinging, violent, voluptuous, wandering, etc. Skin-Eruptions-Itching: Eruptions that itch. (Note: The above rubric Skin-Itching may not involve eruptions.) SOME OTHER USEFUL RUBRICS, AND REMEDIES: Skin-Itching-eruptions-without : Alumina, Arsenicum , dolichos , & Mezereum . ( Dolichos : Severe itching all over the body without eruptions is a keynote.) Skin-Itching-Bleeding after scratching : A polycrest rubric… Mezereum should be added, type 2 . Wandering itch … If the other keynotes match, think of Mezereum . Skin-Excoriation ( Intertrigo ) : This is a sign of severe itching. Skin-Excoriation-scratching after-must scratch it raw: alum. bar-c. c arbn -s. Graph . l ach . lyc . o lnd . Petr . m ez . Sep . Sulph . Til . Skin- Intertrigo (Excoriation ) : Caust . Graph. Kreos . Sulph . Note that most of the remedies in the above two rubrics are NOT identical! Only Graphites and Sulphur are in common.

Psoriasis Modalities of the condition: > Sun and UV < W inter , moisture and trauma Acute or constitutional ? Similar to acne, give the general (constitutional) rx . If it does not work, you can give the specific skin rx based on the indications. You might have to go back to the general remedy later on. According to the Desktop Companion: “If there has been a long history of allopathic suppression, it is preferable to use 30c to avoid severe aggravations.” Or, you can even use 6 or 12c. Do not use 200c or higher. Ex : A Lycopodium constitutional patient with psoriasis on scalp benefitted greatly from the remedy Lycopodium initially, but had to use other acute skin remedies later on. She improved noticeably from use of Mezereum initially and significantly from the use of Petroleum later on.

Psoriasis in repertory REPERTORY: Skin-eruptions-psoriasis - has the following sub-rubrics : Diffusa Inveterata ( inveterate : deep-seated and unlikely to change) Syphilitic Skin- eruptions - desquamating Skin- eruptions - scaly ( different colors of scales ) Skin- eruptions - crusty Skin-cracks Skin-chapping Also, found in different body parts such as head, eye, ear, face, abdomen, chest, back, extremities.

Psoriasis, List of Remedies SYNTHESIS: Skin-Eruptions-Psoriasis: Ant-t. A rs . Ars-i . Calc. C alc -s. C anth . Chin. Chrys -ac. Cle . Graph. Iris. Kali-ar. Kali-c. Kali.p . Kali-s. Lob. Lyc. Mang . Merc. Mez . Nit-ac . Petr. Phos . Phyt . Psor . P uls . Rhus -t. S arr . Sars . Sep . S il . Sulph . Desktop Companion : “MAIN REMEDIES: Arsenicum , Graphites , Petroleum, Sepia, and Sulphur . OTHER REMEDIES: Ars-i . Bell. Calc. Iris. Kali-ar. Kali-s. Lyc. Manc . Mang . Med. Merc. Mez . Nat-m. Nit-ac. Olnd . Phos . Phyt . Psor . Rhus -t. Sars . Sel. Sil . Staph. Tell. Thuj . Thyr .

Psoriasis, Textbook of Dermatology for Homeopaths by Ramji Gupta, MD and R.K. Manchanda , MD: “Most useful constitutional drugs are Ars . Aur . Borx . Calc. Fl -ac. Graph. Lyc. Merc. Nat-m. Nit-ac. Phos . Puls . Sep. Sil . Staph. and Sulph . The drugs usually prescribed on morphological symptoms are Ars-i . Cast-eq. Cor -r. Cupr -act. Kali-ar. Kali-br. Nat-ar. Petr. Sars . and Hydrc . Med. P sor . Syph . Thuj . and Tub. are useful as intercurrent medicines . Calc -s. Kali-s. and Hep are useful in pustular psoriasis. Bry . Rhus -t. Phy -t. and Thyr . are used for psoriatic arthritis . Other useful drugs include Aster. Aur -m-n. Mang . Merc-c. Mur-ac. Naph . Stry -p and Ust . DOSING : The treatment should be started with low potencies and once medicine is effective, high potency often cures.”

Psoriasis, Remedies, part 1 Arsenicum iodatum is supposedly the best remedy for psoriasis , based on homeopathic literature (according to Dr. Robin Murphy). Dry crusts and scaly (large). The modalities are peculiar for psoriasis: > cold applications and cold weather. < warmth. Tremendous restlessness like Arsenicum , but warm-blooded unlike Arsenicum . All iodides are < heat . (Note: Psoriasis is typically > heat.) Ars : Psoriasis with burning , itching, scaly and dry skin. > heat . Anxious and restless. Calc : D ry and scaly plaques that have a tendency to crack open. Overweight . Often feel fatigued, anxious and overwhelmed . Graphites : Dry and scaly cracks with crusts , honey-like fluid that is sticky . Kali’s (potassium’s): Kali Ars . : One of the main remedies for panic (like Aconite). Dry , scaling, intolerable itching, < warmth Kali Brom . Also good for acne. Psoriasis more on the face, shoulder and chest. Kali Sulph : Psoriasis with severe scaling like snake shedding skin .

Psoriasis, Remedies, part 2 Mercurius : Offensive eruptions, ulceration of the skin, psoriatic lesions can easily get infected . Mezereum : Scaly and white plaque covering large areas of the body, crusts easily. INTENSE itching . < on palms & hands as well as on scalp, chilly & < cold. Looks like Sulphur, but the itch is more intense, and they are chilly . *Petroleum : Dryness, scaling and itching that leads to redness which leads to CRACKING of the area which may bleed esp. in winter time. Skin is extremely dry all over entire body. Petroleum has all the common modalities of psoriasis : > Sun, < Cold , dry weather and in winter Psorinum : Severe itching with despair , worse at night, can’t sleep. Nothing relieves. Skin is dirty and unhealthy. Difference between Psorinum and Sulphur is that Psorinum is chilly, but Sulphur is warm-blooded .

Psoriasis, Remedies, part 3 Rhus tox : Psoriasis raw, chapped, red, dry skin and intense itching. > baths and hot applications. Restless. (All the keynotes of Rhus tox for joint conditions.) Selenium: Psoriasis on palm . But, skin looks wrinkled/shriveled . (not just a rx for prostatitis and impotency) SULPHUR: Look for typical keynotes of Sulphur : Itchy, < heat of bed. Warm-blooded. Thyroidinum : There is a connection between thyroid and skin. Psoriasis associated with obesity ( Boericke ). If the person has psoriasis and has thyroid problems .

Rash “A rash is defined as a widespread eruption of skin lesions . It is a very broad medical term . Rashes can vary in appearance greatly, and there are many potential causes. Because of the variety, there is also a wide range of treatments . A rash can be local to just one small part of the body, or it can cover a large area . Rashes come in many forms . They can be dry, moist, bumpy, smooth, cracked, or blistered ; they can be painful, itch, and even change color .” ( www.MedicalNewsToday.com ) REPERTORY: Skin-Eruptions-Rash : Sub-rubrics: Black, bluish, brownish, excoriating skin, menses before, red, scratching after, white.

Ringworm or TINEA (caused by a dermatophyte) - Different from a “yeast infection”/candidiasis Ringworm is the most common fungal infection of the skin caused by a fungus (NOT A WORM ) called a dermatophyte . There are many forms of it depending on the site of involvement: Tinea capitis, tinea barbae , tinea corporis , tinea cruris ( jock itch ), tinea faciei , tinea manum , tinea incongnitio , tinea pedis ( athlete’s foot ), and tinea unguim (onychomycosis or toe nail fungus ). Ringworm is characterized by patches of rough, REDDENED skin in circular pattern . Raised eruptions usually form the circular pattern that gives the condition its name. Ringworm is NOT the same as a yeast infection .

Ringworm/Tinea SYNTHESIS: Skin-Eruptions-Herpetic- Circinate : (Herpetic like eruptions): bac. dulc . graph . Lith -c. Nat-c . Nat-m . phyt . Sep . Tell . Thuj . Tub . Skin-Eruptions-Scaly : Calc ., Sepia, Merc ., etc. Murphy’s Repertory: Bac . Dul . Nat-m . Phyt . Sep. Tell. Thuj . & Tub According to Dr. Robin Murphy, ND, the most important remedy for tinea is Bacillinum (But only type 1 in SYNTHESIS) . According to Dr. Roger Morrison, MD, the most important remedy for tinea is Sepia. Bacillinum & Tuberculinum : Bacillinum is the bacillus of Tuberculinum . Both Tuberculinum and Bacillinum are important remedies for ringworm . Many fine white scales. Dulcamara : Thick, brownish crusts with reddish borders. <cold damp weather or change of weather. More specific for scalp tinea .

Ringworm/Tinea Phytolacca : According to Dr. Farokh Master, MD, Phytolacca is a good remedy for this condition: Itching is worse by scratching. < cold wet weather Sepia : “ The most important remedy for tinea (or any skin conditions with SCALY ROUNDS patches) . The affected skin is dry, mildly itchy and whitish. And yellowish patches on the face. ” (Desktop Companion by Dr. Roger Morrison, MD) Itching, not better scratching, < being part moist, or may reoccur if the part is moist, < Spring (Spring is based on Kent’s city of residence- Chicago climate ) Tellurium : “Tinea lesions may cover the whole body or only single parts. Circular patches. Offensive, garlic or fish-brine odors from skin.” (Desktop Companion) Thuja : Oily skin with an offensive smell .

Pityriasis , many types … A fungal condition Pityriasis (= Tinea) versicolor vs. Tinea corporis : Pityriasis is a cutaneous fungal infection of the skin which causes flaking (or scaling) and discoloration of the skin . There are many types of Pityriasis . Pityriasis versicolor (or tinea versicolor) is only one type. Pityriasis versicolor is caused by a type of yeast that naturally lives on your skin. When the yeast grows out of control, the skin disease, which appears as a rash, is the result.” (WebMD ) lighter (more common) or darker than the surrounding skin pink, red, tan, or brown dry, itchy, and scaly more prominent with tanning prone to disappear in cooler, less humid weather Pityriasis versicolor is caused by fungal organisms in the genus Malassezia , while Tinea corporis , etc. is caused by dermatophytes in the genera Trichophyton,Microsporum , and Epidermophyton . *** Pityriasis versicolor often presents with hypopigmented lesions, while tinea corporis presents with erythematous and scaly plaques.

Pityriasis versicolor = Tinea versicolor SYNTHESIS: Skin-Eruptions-Scaly: Calc ., Sepia, Merc ., etc. Skin-Eruptions- pityriasis versicolor: bac. mez . Sepia . Tell. Dr. Murphy’s repertory: nat -a. S epia . Thuj . Desktop Companion : “ Sepia , the most important remedy for tinea .” Textbook of Dermatology for Homeopaths by Ramji Gupta, MD, and R.K. Manchanda , MD: Nat-ar. Sepia . and Sulph . a re found to be more effective. Note: Sepia is listed in ALL of the above sources for pityriasis . Sepia is also a great remedy for plain tinea or ringworm.

Candidiasis: The most common type of yeast infection (caused by Candida species) “Candidiasis is by far the most common type of yeast infection in human skin. Candidiasis is infection with Candida species . Various types of Candida yeast infections are possible, including the following : Thrush, diaper rash, c andidal vulvovaginitis (aka vaginal yeast infection ), etc. Candidal infections commonly occur in warm, moist body areas , such as the underarms, in the groin, under the breasts, between the legs, and under the folds of the skin of the abdomen of people who are obese .” “Yeast infection, skin rash” on EMedicineHealth site, by Dr. John Cunha, DO, and Charles Davis, MD

Candidiasis Thrush (candidiasis in the mouth): Murphy’s Repertory: Bor . Kali-chl . Merc. Nat-m. Sul -ac . Diaper rash (candidiasis under a diaper): Murphy’s Repertory: bapt. bor. Kali-chl. merc . m erc -c. mur -ac. nit-ac. s ulph . Sul -ac . Vaginal yeast infection (candidiasis in the vagina): Murphy’s Repertory: acon . ars . bell. c alad . c ann -s. coc -c. cur. graph. ham. hydr . Med . merc . nat -ac . Puls . sep. Thuj . Vaginitis- burning d/c with: am-c . Bor. Calc. Calc -s . carb-an. carb-v. con. fl -ac. Kali-p. Kreos . n it-ac. p hos . Puls . Sep. Sulph . s ul -ac . Vaginitis- candida albicans : nat -p. puls . thuj . Vaginitis, many other sub-rubrics such as chronic, itching of vagina, sex during, etc. NOTE: Medorrhinum & Thuja are highly effective remedies for genital infections . ( Medorrhinum for acute & Thuja for chronic.)

Scars (Repertory: Cicatrices) They block meridians and disturb underlying organs/tissues. Cicatrix means the scar of a healed wound. There are a variety of scars such as scars that break open , scars that become painful , scars that become red , etc : Skin-Cicatrices: Sub-rubrics: bleeding , break open, hard, keloid, painful (become, stinging, stitching, and tearing), red, and white .

Scars REPERTORY: Can be found in many sections in the repertory : Skin: Cicatrices Generals And, under many different body parts such as extremities, face, back & chest. Dr. Murphy’s Repertory: Skin-Scars : Calen. Fl -ac. Graph. Nit-ac. Sil . Thiosin . Generals-Wounds-Reopening of old-Cicatrices: Phos . Sil . More on wounds in the wounds section of this presentation.

Scars, remedies for* 1) Calendula : is for the actual cutting, scar tissue that remains painful or breaks open again, or does not heal well , or gets re-infected. Body parts keep getting re-stretched and the skin does not heal well. Calendula in potency is great for any wound that doesn’t heal well. Calendula is also the #1 remedy for torn ligaments/muscles (rotator cuff tear) and eye injuries. Use after eye surgery and episiotomy . Can use it for puncture wounds when Hypericum does not work. 2) Thiosin ( Thiosinaminum ) can be helpful for scar tissue inside the body . Thiosin is the number 1 remedy for all adhesions and/or scar tissue. Use 3x or 6x for long term use . (Note: Some sources say it can be helpful for scar tissue outside the body as well.) Thiosin is derived from mustard seed. Note: Can use either of the above remedies in potency or in topical form. 3) Staphysagria : For painful/sensitive scars . *: Excerpts from Dr. Robin Murphy’s lectures on skin disorders

Ulcers and varicose ulcers Repertory has numerous pages on ulcers. There are many types of ulcers in the repertory: Black, bleeding , bluish, burning, cancerous, discharges (many sub-rubrics), gangrenous , painful, painless, phagedenic , swollen, varicose , white, and yellow. Skin-Ulcers : Ars . Ars-i . Asaf . Carb-v. Hep . Kali-bi. Kali-chl. Kali-s. Lach . Lyc. Merc. Nit-ac. Phyt . Puls . Sil . Sulph . One of my favorite remedies for ulcers on the skin as well as inside the GI is Mercurius . Skin-Ulcers-Varicose (rubric for varicose ulcers ) : Caust . Lyc. Puls . Example: My Pulsatilla constitutional type patient with severe vv & varicose ulcers. Note: Pulsatilla shows up in many of the varicose veins rubrics. Keynotes must be present. We are not covering varicose veins in this presentation.

Vaccination-related skin symptoms The remedies Silica and Thuja are classically known for reversing acute vaccine injuries. As regards to the skin, I have had good success reversing skin-related symptoms such as itching post vaccines. Note: In this case, clearly we are basing our prescription on etiology versus present signs and symptoms . And, I believe etiology prevails pathology.

Warts, potential side effects of conventional treatments According to Dr. Mehmet Oz, MD: “There are numerous treatments for warts and each has potential side effects. Freezing treatment could lead to damage to the nerves around the treated areas. Chemical treatments could cause blisters that are painful and often may be more uncomfortable than the wart itself. Finally, surgical treatments could result in scarring of the treated area. You should consult your physician for further information .” There is also electrocauterization ( burning with heat) of warts.

Warts - Homeopathic tx , a possible cure?! Warts have become my sub-specialty. Clearly, a benign homeopathic remedy is a far superior solution than burning or freezing the warts! Homeopathic remedies can not only effectively and safely (without any side effects) treat the existing warts, but also can CURE a person’s susceptibility to growing warts once and for all. Note: After proper homeopathic tx , my warts patients have not EVER had EVEN a single wart return . And, none have experienced any side effects. There are NUMEROUS WARTS VIDEOS ON MY SITE www.HomeopathicDermatology.com .

Warts (Repertory term: Excrescences) There are numerous types of warts in homeopathy. Categorization is based on the following criteria: Note: There is some overlap. Official type/name: “ Common ” warts (papules with verrucous surface), “ plane ” warts (flat-topped papules), filiform warts (irregular surface), plantar warts and genital warts. Characteristics: See Skin-warts section in repertory. (Refer to below.) L ocation: Plantar (= verrucas ), genital, etc. Refer to the appropriate location in the repertory such as nose, face, chest, extremities, etc. REPERTORY: Can find warts in different places: Skin-Warts : bleeding, brown, burning, dry, flat, hard, horny, inflamed, itching, LARGE, moist, painful, pedunculated, sensitive to touch, small, smooth, stinging, suppurating, & ulcers (warts that become ulcers, or surrounded by ulcers) Skin-Excrescences: Condylomata (venereal warts), fungus ( cauliflower and hematodes ), horny, humid, smooth, and swelling/inflamed.

Warts – acute or constitutional? Large variety of warts in the repertory I have found constitutional prescribing highly effective for eradicating warts. I have also found that either the remedies are completely curative or don ’ t provide any improvements at all . Note that there are a variety of warts in the repertory : dry vs . moist warts small vs . large warts flat and smooth vs. jagged warts soft vs. hard warts Etc.

Warts … Thuja is the most common homeopathic tx for warts, particularly for genital warts . Thuja warts: “Broad-based, conical shaped warts. Also indented warts. Older warts are cracked, oozing, may have an odor of old cheese. Dark colored or brown warts. Red Warts. Location: Face, lips, nose, hands, genitals, inside urethra or vagina, on glans or prepuce, on cervix or uterus, plantar warts.” (Desktop Companion) Thuja patients are disgusted by their own warts. Greasy oily skin. They have a lot of moles too. Can apply Thuja oil topically.

Warts: Remedies other than Thuja , Part 1 “ Calcarea : Warts over the face, arms and hands. Best calcarea preparation for warts is : Calc-ovi-testa .” 1 “ Multiple warts, esp over hands and fingers . Fleshy, soft, round, warts . Later have soft base and rough surface. Warts become hollowed. Finally, inflamed warts which may develop surrounding ulcers. Location: Hands, fingers, elbow, forearm, face, esp left cheek, behind ear, about the eye, genitalia, and uterus.” 2 “ Causticum : Any size or description on any part of the body. It may be bleeding, painful, horny, flat, jagged, pedunculated, stinging, sensitive, inflamed, suppurating, old, and indurated. Characteristic location in the hands is usu on finger tips or close to finger nails .” 1 “ Antimonium-crudum : horny warts over palms and soles which are very painful. ” 1 Known for its corns, calluses , and hard warts , esp on feet that can be very painful . Dulcamara : “Useful for warts which are large, smooth, painless , present on face and hands, esp the dorsal surface.” 1 “Esp. in smooth and FLAT warts ”. Also, pedunculated or cauliflower, large, fleshy warts. 1: Textbook of Dermatology for Homeopaths by Gupta and Manchandra 2: Dr. Roger Morrison’s Desktop Companion

Warts: Remedies other than Thuja , Part 2 Nitric acid : “Warts which are large, jagged, bleed easily on washing and have stinging pain. Esp useful for warts over prepuce and glans .” 1 “Nitric acid- warts look like Thuja , but they are bleeding and very sensitive to touch . Combine the sensitivity of Staphysagria’s warts and bleeding warts of Sabina in the genitals area.” 2 Staphysagria : Dry, very sensitive , painful to touch , pedunculated, or cauliflower-like warts on genitals. ( A great remedy for venereal warts.) 1: Textbook of Dermatology for Homeopaths by Gupta and Manchandra 2 : Dr. Robin Murphy’s lectures on skin disorders

Warts: Different types with corresponding remedies Bleeding warts: Caust . Cinnb . Nit-ac. Rhus -t . staph. & Thuj . Flat and smooth warts: Dulc . Cauliflower (fungus) warts: Ant-c . Lach . s il . staph . Thuj . Hard warts: Ant-c . (very specific for hard warts), Calc. Caust . Sep. Sil . Sulph . Horny warts: Ant-c . (only black one) Pedunculated warts: Caust . Staph. Nit-acid. etc. Sensitive (to touch), very painful warts: Staph. (only black one) Stinging warts: c alc. hep . Nit-ac. Thuj . Note that Thuja shows up in several of the rubrics, but not in all of them. If you have HARD warts, prescribe Antimonium crudum instead!

Warts, venereal (= condylomata ) – THUJA REPERTORY: Male- condylomata or Female- condylomata or Skin-Excrescences: Condylomata . Eye/mouth/throat/rectum- condylomata . Most cases of venereal warts respond well to Thuja . The main rx is Thuja . It’s very specific for warts that are of the cauliflower type. DDX : Sabina and Cinnabaris . Thuja is an important remedy for ALL venereal diseases : Herpes , g onorrhea, prostatitis, non-specific urethritis, as well as of course genital warts. Another great rx for venereal warts is STAPHYSAGRIA . NOTICE: ALL THE ABOVE 4 REMEDIES HAVE AN AFFINITY FOR THE GENITALS .

Wounds: Tx depends on etiology Generals-Wounds-Bites-Poisonous animal of: Hyper. Led. Generals-Wounds-Bleeding : Lach . Nit-ac, Phos . *Generals-Wounds-Constitutional effects of : Arn . Hyper. Led. Nat-s , Sul -ac . (Dr. Murphy has added: Arn . Hyper. & Nat-s. All type 3.) Generals-Wounds- Cuts : arn , Calen. Hyper . Lach . Led . Staph. S ul -ac Cuts-sharp instruments from: Calen . Hyper . S taph Generals-Wounds-Gangrene of: anthr . Ars . Lach . Generals-Wounds-Penetrating, punctured: Apis . Hyper. Led. Nit-ac. Generals-Wounds-Splinters from: Hyper. Sil . Generals-Wounds-Stab Wounds: Hyper. Led. (Similar to bites of poisonous animals, see above )

Detoxification/cleansing … Consider as a backup or as an adjunctive therapy to homeopathic tx of skin disorders “Skin is the largest detoxifying area in the body, due to its vast square footage and a number of sweat glands, pores, blood and lymphatic vessels, all of which are supposed to vent out disease-producing elements.” Dr . Savely Yurkovsky , MD. If the internal organs have difficulty with their job of eliminating disease-producing toxins out of our body via urine and stools, the skin comes to aid. The job of pushing toxins out through the skin, if done ineffectively, manifests signs & symptoms on the skin. Therefore, it only makes sense that assisting these internal organs (i.e. detox) could potentially be a critical tool in treating some skin disorders .

John’s case – “Detox” was necessary over “homeopathy” Example: John’s case: A constitutional Sulphur patient with CC of systemic itching . He had all the physical keynotes of Sulphur and the mental/emotional characteristics of Sulphur. After months of taking Sulphur and responding only partially , I started him on liver and kidney cleansing/drainage . His itching immediately started to dramatically improve day by day, and he was itch free in a matter of weeks. Hx : Years of drinking Kool-Aid and coffee without drinking hardly any water . Refer to his video on the website.

Detoxification, for proper: C onstipation, treatment of, critical for skin disorders, is … In my opinion, to prevent a healing crisis/reaction or any side effects to homeopathic tx , you should effectively treat constipation first (using other ND treatments) or at same time as homeopathic care . Effective meaning at least one BM per day! Note: Sometimes homeopathic tx is absolutely critical for tx of constipation, and no other therapies (including other ND or MD treatments) are effective at all. Ex: Alumina. (Refer to Estelle’s video on my site.)

www.VisualHomeopathy.com An audio/visual course I have been teaching for many years. Use hundreds of actual patient videos to teach the top most common constitutional types/remedies. Online classes and e-book on the subject available on my teaching website , www.VisualHomeopathy.com .

Contact Information and Q&A Sharum Sharif, ND 425-656-0700 Office Locations: Bellevue & Kent, Washington [email protected] www.DrSharif.com www.VisualHomeopathy.com www.HomeopathicDermatology.com

Homeopathic Dermatology - An Overview

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Homeopathic Dermatology - An Overview

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