Ichthyosis vulgaris successfully treated with individualised homoeopathic medicine Dulcamara 200C – An evidence-based case report

Introduction: Ichthyosis vulgaris (IV) is a hereditary condition that often manifests in infancy but can also exist from birth. It is a recalcitrant disorder relapses often and even shows the least response to various therapeutic options. Extensive literature review have revealed a dearth of appropriate evidence-based documentation on treatment of ichthyosis in Homoeopathy. Case Summary: This is a case of IV in a 20-year-old male, manifested as widespread scaling and itching since childhood. Following homoeopathic principles, Dulcamara 200C was prescribed. Outcome related to impact on daily living (ORIDL) scale was used to evaluate the patient-reported outcome measure subjectively, and the improvement was assessed on the ORIDL scale (score +3). The improvement in quality of life (QoL) was evaluated using the dermatology life quality index questionnaire, and the QoL improved with a score reduced from ‘20’ to ‘0’. Photographs are presented as objective evidence. The Modified Naranjo Criteria for Homeopathy (MONARCH) was used to assess potential causal attribution. The overall score (+8) of MONARCH substantiated the possible causal attribution to homoeopathic treatment. In this instance, the case was successfully resolved with Dulcamara 200C in just 3 months, with no further recurrence. Conclusion: More research with controlled trials is warranted in the future to validate the role of Homoeopathy.