Abstract
Background: Psoriasis is a chronic, immune-mediated dermatological condition characterised by red, scaly eruptions with psychosomatic correlations. Modern therapy offers temporary relief but carries risks of side effects. Individualised homoeopathic management has been shown to provide holistic improvement and long-term remission[4].
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Objective: To evaluate the long-term effect of individualised homoeopathic treatment on an elderly male with chronic psoriasis aggravated after bereavement.
Case Summary: An 81-year-old male with a 10-year history of psoriasis presented with widespread scaly eruptions, itching, and emotional loneliness following his wife’s death. The case was repertorized, and Opium was selected based on the totality of symptoms, particularly the mental state of forsakenness and grief. Biochemic salts (Natrum muriaticum 6X, Kali sulphuricum 6X) and Calendula Q were used as supportive therapy.
Results: Remarkable improvement was observed within three months, with 100% clearance of lesions by November 2017. Relapses during winters (2018–2019) were mild and responded well to Opium 1M repetition. The patient maintained remission for more than two years with normal glycemic control.
Conclusion: This case demonstrates that individualised homoeopathic treatment, guided by holistic principles, can effectively manage chronic psoriasis triggered by emotional trauma, even in elderly patients with comorbidities.
Introduction
Psoriasis is a multifactorial autoimmune disorder involving abnormal keratinocyte proliferation, scaling, and immune dysregulation (National Psoriasis Foundation, 2025)[6]. Its chronic and relapsing nature significantly impacts the patient’s quality of life. Emotional triggers such as grief, anxiety, and loneliness are recognised as major exacerbating factors[5].
Conventional treatment primarily involves corticosteroids, methotrexate, and biologics, which control inflammation but rarely address underlying psychological components. In contrast, homoeopathy considers both mental and physical totality—a crucial aspect in psychodermatology[1].
This report presents a 2-year longitudinal case of psoriasis in an elderly diabetic patient, successfully managed through classical homoeopathic principles with Opium as the simillimum.
Materials and Methods
Patient Details
- Name: Mr . xyz
- Age/Sex: 81 years / Male
- Location: Bengaluru, India
- Date of First Visit: 03 March 2017
- Comorbidities: Diabetes Mellitus (on Galvus 50 BD), Hypertension
- Family History: Non-contributory
Chief Complaints
- Scaly eruptions all over the body for 1 year, except face, palms, and soles
- Itching with a pricking sensation
- Worsened after wife’s death 10 years ago
Mental and Emotional State
- Feeling of isolation and grief
- Sensitive, sympathetic, anxious about grandchildren
- Forsaken feeling and concentration issues
- Sleeps well but feels emotionally drained
Physical Generals
- Appetite and thirst moderate; bowels regular; ambithermal
- BP 120/80 mmHg; weight 65 kg initially
- No substance abuse or addictions
Miasmatic Diagnosis
Predominantly Syphilitic miasm (chronic, destructive tendency) with secondary Psoric layer (functional disturbances).
Remedy Selection and Prescription
Totality of symptoms — forsaken feeling, grief, emotional dullness, and scaly eruptions — led to the prescription of Opium 200C as the first remedy[3].
Supportive biochemic salts — Natrum muriaticum 6X and Kali sulphuricum 6X — were prescribed for metabolic and skin balance, with Calendula Q applied topically for antiseptic care.
Results
| Date | Clinical Observation | Prescription |
|---|---|---|
| 03.03.2017 | Widespread scaling, severe itching, aggravated by grief | Opium 200C one dose; NM 6X, KS 6X; Calendula Q |
| 06.04.2017 | 10% relief in itching; scaling reduced | SL BD, Calendula Q |
| 31.05.2017 | 100% relief, clear skin | SL BD continued |
| 14.11.2017 | No complaints, emotionally stable | SL BD |
| 06.02.2018 | Mild relapse during winter | Opium 200C, one dose |
| 05.09.2018 | Relapse with patches; lonely, withdrawn feeling | Opium 1M one dose |
| 09.07.2019 | Only scars on the abdomen, no new lesions | SL BD |
Throughout treatment, FBS and PPBS remained within a controlled range (90–105 mg/dL; 145–162 mg/dL), and no adverse effects were observed.
Discussion
Psoriasis reflects both immune dysfunction and mental-emotional imbalance. In this case, grief and loneliness acted as maintaining causes, consistent with psychosomatic models[5].
Opium, though classically known for stupor and insensibility, also encompasses “indifference after grief,” “forsaken feeling,” and “benign apathy”[2]. The patient’s mental picture — sorrow without expression and emotional detachment — resonated deeply with Opium’s mental state.
The biochemic combination of Natrum muriaticum 6X and Kali sulphuricum 6X supported epithelial repair, consistent with tissue salt principles (Schuessler). Calendula Q served as an antiseptic, promoting healthy skin recovery.
The case demonstrates that treating the psychological root cause leads to stable dermatological recovery — aligning with the Organon’s holistic approach to disease[1].
Notably, elderly patients with diabetes often cannot tolerate steroidal or immunosuppressive regimens. This integrative homeopathic approach achieved remission without adverse effects or drug interactions, supporting its potential role in chronic dermatoses management [4].
Conclusion
This case supports the efficacy of individualised homoeopathic treatment for chronic psoriasis, especially when emotional triggers such as grief or loneliness are identified. The simillimum Opium not only addressed cutaneous lesions but also restored the patient’s emotional equilibrium and general vitality.
Such integrative, non-toxic approaches are valuable in geriatric care and should be explored further through controlled studies.
Acknowledgements
The author expresses gratitude to Integrated Healing Clinic, Bengaluru, for patient documentation and ethical guidance.
Patient Consent
Written informed consent was obtained from the patient for publication of clinical details and photographs.
Conflict of Interest
None declared.
Funding
No external funding was received for this case study.
References
- Hahnemann S. Organon of Medicine. 6th ed. New Delhi: B. Jain Publishers; 2012.
- Allen HC. Keynotes and Characteristics with Comparisons of Some of the Leading Remedies of the Materia Medica. New Delhi: B. Jain Publishers; 2011.
- Kent JT. Lectures on Homoeopathic Materia Medica. New Delhi: B. Jain Publishers; 2002.
- Sharma A, Verma S, et al. Homoeopathic management of psoriasis: A case series. Indian J Res Homoeopathy. 2018;12(2):103–110.
- Panneerselvam K, Chandran PK, et al. Role of individualised homoeopathic treatment in dermatological disorders: A review. J Integr Med. 2020;18(5):389–396.
- National Psoriasis Foundation. Understanding psoriasis: Pathophysiology and management. [Internet]. Accessed 2025.
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