The role of Hepar sulphuris calcareum in a case of periorbital cellulitis – A case report

Introduction: Periorbital cellulitis is an infection of the soft tissues around the eye anterior to the orbital septum. This condition is very commonly found in the paediatric population but due to certain comorbidities such as diabetes mellitus or immune-compromised conditions, it can be seen in the adult population also. The condition may prove devastating to the eye, causing complete loss of vision or may become life-threatening if the infection spreads to orbits and involves cavernous sinuses in the brain. Case Summary: A 50-year-old diabetic male patient complained of red and lustrous swelling around his right eye, sticky discharge from the eye and increased lachrymation. The swelling was preceded by furuncle on the right zygomatic region of the face 5–6 days before the involvement of the eye. He was diagnosed with periorbital cellulitis and was asked by a local practitioner to go with the course of antibiotics, but the patient was reluctant to take allopathic medication and hence approached for homoeopathic medication. After taking details of his acute episode, Hep. sul. 30C was prescribed 4 hourly. Within 24 h, there was a remarkable reduction seen in the periorbital and ocular congestion and oedema. This case depicts the rapid, gentle and permanent restoration of health if the similimum is accurate.