Vaginal itching is an uncomfortable symptom that can be the result of an infection or irritation. While mild, short-term vaginal itching is not a reason for concern, it can sometimes become painful. But in severe and persistent cases of vaginal itching, a gynaecologist should be consulted to rule out its cause. Along with itching, a burning sensation, dryness, eruptions on genitals, pain, and discharge from the vagina may also be present, varying from case to case.
Homeopathy is a natural treatment option to treat vaginal itching. Homeopathic medicines for vaginal itching are of natural origin that address the underlying cause of the problem. Homeopathy offers safe and long-term relief in cases of vaginal itching. Homeopathic medicines boost self-healing mechanisms in the body to aid natural relief without any side effects. Conventional mode of treatment mainly recommends antibiotics, antifungal medicines, and antiviral medicines as per the case to manage vaginal itching. This gives temporary results, while homeopathy aims to provide cure by treating the core issue.

Homeopathy relieves attending symptoms
Homeopathic medicines work on each aspect of a health condition. In vaginal itching cases, it also manages well its accompanying signs and symptoms that may include vaginal discharge/dryness, burning in vagina, genital eruptions as the case may be. This way, it treats the complaint in totality, thus providing comprehensive treatment.

Homeopathy cures root cause
The action of homeopathic medicines is not superficial; rather these medicines act quite deeply. Due to this reason, homeopathic medicines are able to treat the root cause of the vaginal itching and provide a complete cure. To get the best results, a complete treatment for a specified time duration as guided by a homeopathic physician is required to be followed.

Homeopathic prescription is individualized
There are excellent medicines in homeopathy that can bring relief in vaginal itching. Homeopathic medicine are decided individually for every case of vaginal itching as per the peculiar symptoms. These symptoms serve as a guide for selecting the most suitable homeopathic prescription that brings great recoveries.

Homeopathy has no side effects
Being sourced from natural substances, homeopathic medicines for treating vaginal itching are very safe to use. No toxic effects ever occur from their use. These can be used for both recent and long-term cases of vaginal itching for the prescribed duration of time as per a homeopathic doctor.

Top 6 Homeopathic Medicines for Vaginal Itching

The top medicines to treat vaginal itching include Kreosote, Sepia, Merc Sol, Natrum Mur, Sulphur and Calcarea Carb.

1. Kreosote – For Managing Violent Itching of the Vagina

Kreosote is a very beneficial medicine for managing violent itching in the vagina. Itching is intolerable, making the person rub the area compulsively. Itching gets worse in the evening. Soreness and burning is felt in the vagina after scratching. A smarting and stitching sensation is present in the vagina. Vaginal pain is felt after urinating. Burning in the vagina may be present during intercourse. Acrid, corrosive, gushing and highly offensive discharge from the vagina may be present. The vagina may be highly inflamed in cases requiring Kreosote.

When to use Kreosote?
Kreosote is an excellent medicine to manage intense itching in vagina with soreness, burning and pain especially when itching worsens in the evening.
How to use Kreosote?
It is advised to take Kreosote 30C once a day.

2. Sepia – For Itching Attended With Vaginal Discharges (Leucorrhea)

Sepia is highly recommended for treating vaginal itching with prominent vaginal discharge. The vaginal discharge may vary in nature – it may be yellow or greenish or milky. Excessive vaginal itching is accompanied by a lumpy discharge. The discharge is excoriating and also causes burning. Sepia is also indicated in cases of severe itching of the vulva with the presence of pimples/vesicular eruptions. It is also a top-listed medicine used for the treatment of vaginitis and vaginal infections.
When to use Sepia?
Sepia is a top-listed medicine to treat cases of vaginal itching along with vaginal discharge that can be yellowish, milky or green-colored.
How to use Sepia?
This medicine can be used once a day in 30C power.

3. Merc Sol – For Vaginal Itching With Marked Burning

Merc Sol is useful for managing vaginal itching when accompanied by marked burning. Smarting, corroding sensation is also felt in the vagina. Itching in vagina worsens from contact of urine in most cases needing Merc Sol. Vaginal discharge may get worse at night. The discharge from the vagina tends to be green in color. The discharge may be sticky.
When to use Merc Sol?
Its use is highly suggested for vaginal itching attended with burning sensation with worsening of itching while passing urine.
How to use Merc Sol?
It is usually recommended in 30C potency that can be utilized once a day.

4. Natrum Mur – To Manage Vaginal Dryness And Itching

Natrum Mur is a significant medicine for treating vaginal dryness and itching. Itching usually occurs after menses. Burning and soreness is felt in the vagina that appears mainly after urinating. Natrum Mur is also indicated for pimples on the external genitals with marked itching. Apart from the above, Natrum Mur is a prominent medicine to treat itching in cases of genital herpes.
When to use Natrum Mur?
This medicine suits well in cases of vaginal itching when it is attended with dryness of vagina.
How to use Natrum Mur?
Among its different available potencies usually 6X is most commonly selected. Natrum Mur 6X can be taken twice or thrice a day as per the intensity of the symptom.

5. Sulphur – For Itching, Burning, Soreness

Sulphur is a useful medicine to treat vaginal itching, burning, and soreness. This tends to worsen by sitting. There is intense itching of the vulva with pimples in the affected area. Chronic thin and profuse vaginal discharge causing burning and smarting sensation in the vulva is also treated well with Sulphur.
When to use Sulphur?
This medicine is very helpful for managing vaginal itching attended with burning and soreness of vagina usually worse when sitting.
How to use Sulphur?
Though it can be used in different potencies like 30C, 200C, it is advised to begin with 30C potency once a day. Use of higher potencies should be done only under the supervision of a physician.

6. Calcarea Carb – For Vaginal Itching that Worsens in Evening

Calcarea Carb is a well-indicated medicine to manage vaginal itching that worsens in the evening. The itching worsens after going to bed. Along with this, vaginal discharge of white milky character may be present. Stitching pain is also felt on the vulva along with excessive sweat on the genitalia. Itching and burning in the vagina before and after menses also indicate the use of Calcarea Carb.
When to use Calcarea Carb?
Calcarea Carb is a highly suitable medicine to manage vaginal itching that is the most troublesome in the evening and night when going to bed and can be accompanied with white vaginal discharges.
How to use Calcarea Carb?
Calcarea Carb gives excellent results in 30C potency that can be used once a day.

Causes

Vaginal itching can arise from skin conditions, infections, STDs (sexually transmitted diseases) and chemical irritation. Certain skin conditions including eczema and psoriasis can also lead to vaginal itching. There are certain yeast and bacterial infections of the vagina that can cause persistent itching. Certain sexually transmitted diseases that can cause vaginal itching include genital herpes, chlamydia, genital warts, and gonorrhea.
Another common cause of vaginal itching is irritation of the skin around the vagina due to chemicals and perfumes that may be present in soaps, douches, ointments, creams, tampons and feminine deodorants that are commonly used by women in everyday life. In most cases, identifying the irritant and discontinuing its use can help treat the problem. Diabetes mellitus, menopause, and stress can also contribute to vaginal itching.

Computer vision syndrome refers to a group of eye/vision complaints resulting from the use of a computer, tablet, and cell phone for an extended period of time. Computer vision syndrome does not only affect adults but can also affect children. Homeopathic remedies for computer vision syndrome help ease the symptoms and bring symptomatic relief.

Some factors that increase the risk of computer vision syndrome are uncorrected vision problems (refractive error), pre-existing dry eyes, constant working on a computer without taking any breaks or giving rest to the eyes, poor posture while using a computer, poor lighting, screen glare and viewing computer from incorrect distance and angle. This condition is also known as Digital Eye Strain.

Homeopathic Remedies for Computer Vision Syndrome

Homeopathy medicines are highly beneficial to treat computer vision syndrome. These medicines help to manage the symptoms of computer vision syndrome and bring relief. Symptoms of computer vision syndrome including dry, red eyes, blurred vision, eye strain, tired eyes, irritation in eyes, burning in eyes, double vision, headaches, and neck pain can all be wonderfully managed with natural medicines. The top listed medicines that help manage the symptoms of computer vision syndrome include Ruta, Belladonna, Physostigma, Euphrasia, and Gelsemium.

1. Ruta – To Manage Eye Strain, Tired Eyes

Ruta is prepared from a plant Ruta Graveolens commonly known by the name of Rue of the natural order Rutaceae. Ruta is very helpful to manage complaint of eye strain and tired eyes in cases of computer vision syndrome. Aching is felt in the eyes along with eye strain. Objects seem dim with dullness/weakness of sight. Vision gets blurred. Irritation is felt in eyes with watering. Pressure is also felt deep in the eyes. Burning sensation in eyes is also experienced. Headaches are frequently experienced from eye strain in cases requiring Ruta.

2. Belladonna – For Dry, Red Eyes

Belladonna is prepared from a plant named Deadly Nightshade of the natural order Solanaceae. Belladonna is very beneficial to manage dry, red eyes in computer vision syndrome. The eyes are congested and dry. A feeling of sand being present in the eyes is felt. Pressive pain deep in the eyes may be felt that gets worse by movement and by light. Double vision may also be complained of. Heat and burning in the eyes may be felt. Sometimes itching and smarting in the eye is felt. Belladonna also helps to manage headaches in case of computer vision syndrome.

3. Physostigma – For Computer Vision Syndrome with Blurred Vision

Physostigma is prepared from the bean of a plant Physostigma venenosum commonly known by the name of Calabar Bean of the natural order Leguminosae. Physostigma works well in cases of computer vision syndrome with blurred vision. Objects in the line of vision seem mixed and double-vision may appear in some cases. Along with this, dull pain over the eyes is felt. The eyes feel weak and a drawing sensation in the eyes may be present. The eyes may also water excessively.

4. Euphrasia – For Computer Vision Syndrome with Irritation and Burning in Eyes

Euphrasia is prepared from a plant Euphrasia Officinalis having common name eyebright. The natural order of this plant is Scrophulariaceae. Euphrasia is very useful to manage irritation and burning in the eyes in cases of computer vision syndrome. Irritation and burning are attended with excessive watering from the eyes. Marked biting and smarting sensation are felt in the eyes. Sometimes a grittiness or sensation of sand is experienced in the eyes. Eyes feel dry and very itchy. Vision gets somewhat dim. Pressure and tension appear in the eyes.

5. Gelsemium – To Manage Double Vision

Gelsemium is prepared from the bark of the root of plant Gelsemium Sempervirens commonly known by the name of Yellow Jasmine of the natural order Loganiaceae. Gelsemium is valuable to manage complaint of double vision in computer vision syndrome cases. The double vision is most felt when looking sideways. Dimness of sight attends. Along with this heaviness of the eyes is prominent. Eyes feel sore with aching pains. Redness of the eyes along with watering is also noted with the above symptoms.

6. Natrum Mur – For Headaches in Computer Vision Syndrome

Natrum Mur is significant medicine for treating headaches in computer vision syndrome. For using Natrum Mur the nature of pain in head varies from case to case. It may be beating and throbbing type. In some cases, it feels like little hammers knocking in the head while in some cases bursting sensation in the head is felt. Dull, heavy pain in the head may be there in a few cases. The forehead mostly feels tensed with the sensation of weight over it. Along with this strain and aching pain is felt in the eyes. Eyes also get red. Vision feels dim, and in some cases, double vision may also be present.

7. Rhus Tox – For Managing Neck Pain and Stiffness

Rhus Tox is an excellent medicine for managing neck pain in computer vision syndrome. In cases needing Rhus Tox, the neck feels very painful and stiff. The pain extends to shoulders from the neck. Pain is also felt between shoulder-blades and scapulae. The pain and stiffness get worse at rest while movement of the neck gives relief. Warmth also helps to relieve the pain.

8. Cimicifuga – For Neck Pain in Digital Eye Strain

Cimicifuga is prepared from the root of a plant named Cimicifuga racemosa commonly known by the name of Black Cohosh. The natural order of this plant is Ranunculaceae. Cimicifuga is also indicated for managing neck pain in computer vision syndrome. Neck also feel stiff and contracted along with pain where Cimicifuga is indicated. Pain is excessive that worsens from even moving the hands. The neck also feels sensitive to touch. Neck muscles also feel sore.

Symptoms of Computer Vision Syndrome

The symptoms of computer vision syndrome include dry, red eyes, blurred vision, eye strain, tired eyes, irritation in eyes, burning in eyes, double vision, headaches, neck pain, and shoulder pain.

Water is a critical component of the human body. Around 70% of the human body is made up of water. All body tissues, organs, and fluids, like blood and lymph, are made up of water. The regulation of water in the body is a complex mechanism and is carried out by different organs of the body. Management of water helps in maintaining the water within reasonable limits despite the amount of water taken by the person or the climatic conditions outside. Any disturbance in the regulatory mechanisms can lead to water retention in the body. When the retention of water in the body tissues or tissue cavities exceeds the desired amount, it is known as edema. Water retention can be generalized, which means that it is present in the whole body; or it can be limited to one body part, like pedal edema where water retention is seen only in the ankles. Homeopathic treatment for water retention is very beneficial. A thorough investigation in each case of water retention is a must to rule out the involvement of any major organ before the beginning of the treatment.   

In mild cases, medicines for water retention can be prescribed along with changes in diet and lifestyle. But in cases where retention is associated with disorders of major organs, treatment helps in managing the case. In such instances, treatment can be used in conjunction with conventional medicine to offer support to the patient. Medicines for water retention not only help in providing symptomatic relief but also assist in the treatment of underlying causes. Treatment for water retention is very safe since the medicines are prepared with natural substances. They have no side effects and can be used safely for all age groups.

Homeopathic Treatment for Water Retention

Some prominent medicines for water retention are Acetic acid, Apocynum, Apis Meliffica, Cardus Marianus, Digitalis, Fluoric Acid, and Terebinth. These medicines should be prescribed by individual symptoms in every given case. Homeopathy treatment for water retention should be taken under the supervision of a homeopath only, and self-medication should be avoided.

Causes and Types of Water Retention

Temporary water retention is the result of issues like the patient’s diet. Excessive intake of salt or sodium in the diet and deficiency of proteins and vitamin B complex are some causes of water retention. Another factor is the person’s lifestyle, which includes having a job that requires long periods of sitting down or standing. Water retention also occurs in bed ridden or immobile persons. Long flights may also lead to water retention. Medications like hormone replacement therapies, oral contraceptive pills, drugs for diabetes, anti inflammatory drugs, and drugs for heart disorders also cause water retention. In females, water retention commonly develops before the menstrual cycle. It is temporary and most likely due to hormonal imbalance. Water retention is also common during the last phase of pregnancy. It is due to the pressure put by the uterus on circulation and subsides after childbirth. Other medical conditions which lead to the retention of water are thyroid disorders, allergies to food, insect bites, disorders of the lymphatic system, deep vein thrombosis affecting lower limbs, congestive cardiac failure, kidney failure, and cirrhosis of the liver.

Types of Water Retention

There are two types of water retention. Cases, where depressions or pits are formed on the swollen part on exertion of pressure by the finger tips, is known as pitting type of water retention. Pitting type of water retention is seen in systemic disorders like a cardiac failure, liver failure, or kidney failure. Non-pitting edema is where no depressions form. It is a characteristic feature of water retention due to lymphatic and thyroid disorders.

Signs and Symptoms of Water Retention

Symptoms vary from mild to severe depending on the underlying cause and the organs involved. Water retention usually occurs on the feet, ankles, legs or hands. Here are some situations that lead to the retention of water.

1. Persons having a high sodium diet, sedentary lifestyle, lack of physical activity, or long flights may experience water retention in the ankles or lower limbs. This retention is temporary and subsides with a little movement or leg elevation.
2. In cases where the person has to stand for a long time, the blood from the lower limbs cannot get pumped to the heart since the valves of the veins get incompetent. It leads to dilatation of the veins of the legs or varicose veins. In such cases, there is pain and heaviness in the legs. There may be skin changes like the development of skin eruptions or ulcers.
3. In congestive cardiac failure, the retention is usually on the legs, feet, and ankles. Along with this, other symptoms like tiredness, weakness, and an increased heart rate appear.
4. Retention may be present in the lungs, or pulmonary edema, leading to a chronic cough and breathlessness.
5. In cirrhosis of the liver, the retention appears on the abdomen and legs.
6. In kidney failure, there is puffiness around the eyes and swelling on the legs.
7. In disorders of the lymphatic system, the retention, or lymphoedema, is usually localized. Swelling may be present on the affected limb.
8. Persons having hypothyroidism may experience swelling and puffiness around the eyes and face. Water retention may be present on the feet and legs.

Cervicitis refers to inflammation of the cervix (the lower end of the uterus that leads to the vagina). Cervicitis result from a bacterial or viral infection that is most often transmitted by sexual contact. The common sexually transmitted infections (STI’s), that can lead to cervicitis include chlamydia, gonorrhea, trichomoniasis, mycoplasma, and genital herpes. The top listed homeopathic medicines for cervicitis are Kreosote, Alumina, Natrum Mur, Hydrastis, and Sepia.

Cervicitis can also result from non-infectious reasons. These include allergic reactions like from using douches, from latex in condoms, etc. Irritation from the diaphragm, tampons, pessaries may cause inflammation of cervix if left in place for longer as advised. In some cases, cervicitis may result from an overgrowth of some bacteria that normally resides in the vagina. Having unprotected sex, having multiple sex partners, having a history of STI (sexually transmitted infection), beginning sexual intercourse at an early age puts a female at risk to develop cervicitis.

Homeopathic Medicines for Cervicitis 

Homeopathy carries excellent scope to treat cervicitis. These medicines help to reduce the inflammation of cervix and managing the symptoms effectively. The symptoms of cervicitis including vaginal discharges, pain during intercourse, bleeding between periods, vaginal bleeding after intercourse, frequent urination and painful urination are treated successfully with natural medicines.

1. Kreosote – For Offensive and Itchy Vaginal Discharge

Kreosote is well-indicated for cases of cervicitis with offensive vaginal discharge. The vaginal discharge is yellow or white colored. It has extremely putrid, offensive odor. It is acrid and causes intense itching, smarting in the genitals. Soreness and burning arises after scratching. The discharge is worse on standing and walking. It is attended with weakness in most cases.

2. Alumina – For Vaginal Discharge with Extreme Burning in Genitals

Alumina is valuable medicine to treat vaginal discharge in cervicitis with extreme burning in genitals. The vaginal discharge is profuse and transparent. It is corrosive with burning in genitals. Washing with cold water relieves the leucorrhea. The discharge is worse during the daytime. It is also worse after periods in some cases.

3. Natrum Mur – For Thick White Vaginal Discharges

Natrum Mur is a prominent medicine for managing thick white vaginal discharge in cervicitis cases. The discharge is profuse. It causes itching especially at night time. Smarting pain may also attend itching. Excessive debility accompanies vaginal discharge. Along with the above complaint of painful intercourse may also be present.

4. Hydrastis – For Thick Yellow Vaginal Discharge

Hydrastis is prepared from the fresh root of plant Hydrastis Canadensis commonly known as goldenseal, orange – root or yellow puccoon. This plant belongs to natural order Ranunculaceae. Hydrastis is valuable to manage thick yellow vaginal discharge in cases of cervicitis. The discharge may also be tenacious, viscid and ropy attended with offensive smell sometimes. It may be itchy too. Offensive, pus-like discharges from the vagina is also indicative of its use.

5. Sepia – To Manage Pain during Intercourse in Cervicitis

Sepia is an excellent medicine to manage complaint of pain during intercourse in cervicitis cases. Females needing Sepia have terrible pain during coition. Coition is intolerable in them. Along with this severe itching of the vulva and vagina is present. Vaginal discharge of thick yellow or green color is present. The discharge is of acrid and excoriating nature. The discharge has a fetid odor. The discharges tend to get worse after urination. A prominent bearing down in the pelvis is marked. Along with above frequent urging to urinate is also felt. Sepia is top grade medicine for treating PID (pelvic inflammatory disease).

6. Argentum Nitricum – For Vaginal Bleeding following Intercourse

Argentum Nitricum is a helpful medicine for cervicitis to manage complaint of vaginal bleeding following intercourse. Intercourse is also painful where Argentum Nitricum is required. Vaginal discharge yellow, profuse, corroding may be there. It is also indicated for intermenstrual bleeding in cases of cervicitis.

7. Nitric Acid – For Offensive Vaginal Discharges

Nitric Acid is another medicine indicated for offensive vaginal discharges in cervicitis. The vaginal discharge may be brown, green or flesh colored to use Nitric Acid. It is attended with burning in genitals. The discharge is most times worse after menses with pain in the abdomen.

8. Sabina – To Manage Inter-menstrual Bleeding

Sabina is prepared from plant Sabina Officinalis, also known as Juniperus sabina. The natural order of this plant is coniferae. Sabina is beneficial to manage intermenstrual bleeding in cervicitis cases. The bleeding is bright red. Menstrual blood is partly fluid partly clotted. It is profuse in nature. Pain from sacrum to pubes is a chief attending feature.

9. Merc Sol – For Cervicitis with Frequent Urination

Merc Sol is very useful to manage frequent urination in cervicitis cases. The frequency is marked both day and night where Merc Sol is indicated. Along with frequency urgency to pass urine is also present where the female has the inability to retain urine and has to rush to urinate. Burning pains while urinating are also experienced. Apart from the above vaginal discharge of green color may be present. It causes smarting, itching and biting pain in the genitals. The vaginal discharge gets worse at night time in cases needing Merc Sol.

10. Cantharis – For Painful/burning Urination

Cantharis is a very suitable medicine to manage complaint of painful/burning urination in cervicitis cases. Females needing Cantharis complain of burning and pain in the urethra while urinating. They may also have burning before and after urination. The frequency of urination is also increased especially at night time. In some cases, urine is scanty or pass drop by drop.

Symptoms of Cervicitis

In many cases of cervicitis, no symptoms are present. When symptoms arise they include unusual vaginal discharge that may be offensive, pain during intercourse, bleeding between periods, vaginal bleeding after intercourse, frequent urination, painful urination, and lower back pain. Thick vaginal discharges like pus are indicative of severe cervicitis. The infection from cervix can travel into the uterus and fallopian tube resulting in pelvic inflammatory disease (PID). PID can cause infertility issues. 

A varicose ulcer is a sore which develops on the leg due to poor circulation of blood in the lower limb. The ulcer is usually located on the inner side of the leg, just above the ankle. There are valves in the veins of the legs that allow one-way blood flow from legs to the heart. Venous ulcers (open sores) occur when the veins in the legs do not push blood back up to the heart as they should due to which the blood backs up in the veins, building up the pressure, weakening the overlying skin on the top. If not treated, increased pressure and excess fluid in the affected area can cause an open sore to form. This type of wound can be slow to heal. The top homeopathic remedies for varicose ulcer are Acidum Fluoricum, Calendula Officinalis, Carbo Veg, Lachesis Muta, Pulsatilla, Arnica, and Calc. Carb. 

Homeopathic Remedies for Varicose Ulcer

Conventional treatments for treating leg ulcers usually involve getting rid of the diseased tissue and any callused skin. This form of treatment relies on keeping the wound clean with regular dressings but does not accelerate healing time and is also troublesome. Antibiotics may also be used if the ulcer becomes infected, but they don’t help ulcers to heal. However, unless the underlying cause of the ulcer is addressed, there’s a high risk of a venous leg ulcer recurring after treatment so Homeopathy can be a great supportive therapy in such conditions by focusing on the symptoms of itching, burning, and pain in the ulcer along with strengthening the body’s immunity and self-healing capacity for gradual healing of the ulcer to prevent its reoccurrence.

1. Acidum Fluoricum

Acidum Fluoricum is a remedy used to treat a number of health conditions like those that have an impact on the fibrous tissues like the bones and veins. Such conditions may include pain in the varicose veins and other more severe ailments like bone tumors. In addition, this medicine is an effective remedy to prevent the decay of teeth.
Fluoric acid is made from the chemical condensation of calcium fluoride. In this case, the veins have a tendency to become distended. The ulcers may cause immense pain and the condition, as well as pain, is likely to worsen when the individual keeps standing for prolonged periods. The ulcers have red edges and there may be the formation of vesicles. Itching with a burning sensation, a swollen leg, and relief upon using cold compress are some of the symptoms indicating towards the remedy.

2. Calendula Officinalis

Calendula Officinalis is a medicine used to treat varicose ulcers with copious pus discharge. It is made from a cultivated perennial herb Marigold of the family Compositae. Inflammation, stinging sensation and pain in the ulcer which is deep, red with ragged edges, lead to this medicine. This medicine is also used as a preventive measure against gangrene formation. The remedy has anti-inflammatory properties corresponding to its main action in injuries and inflammations.

3. Carbo Vegetabilis

Carbo Veg is used to treat varicose ulcers that bleed easily, even on the slightest touch. This remedy is made from vegetable charcoal of the family Fagaceae. The ulcer has a mottled purple color appearance and the skin surrounding it feels tense. There is burning pain in the ulcer along with foul-smelling pus discharge. Carbo Veg, corresponding to its source, is well known for its ability to absorb the toxins in the body with a tendency towards burning sensations and pains in the body.

Other Important Remedies

4. Lachesis Muta

Lachesis Muta is a medicine used to treat varicose ulcers which are sensitive to touch. There may be a thin, offensive discharge from the ulcers. The surface of the ulcer is uneven and looks dirty, purplish. Bluish-blackish skin may surround the ulcer. There may be a burning sensation in the ulcers mostly at night. This medicine is indicated for varicose ulcers that arise as a result of an injury.

5. Pulsatilla Nigricans

Pulsatilla is used to treat varicose ulcers with itching. The ulcer looks red and is hard to touch. Symptoms like smarting, shooting pain, burning, stinging and excoriating sensation in the ulcer that gets better on exposure to open air, are the key symptoms indicating towards the remedy. In some cases, a greenish-yellowish discharge may also be seen.

6. Arnica Montana

Arnica relieves pain, bruising and swelling of the varicose ulcers associated with trauma or overexertion.

7. Calcarea Carb

Varicose ulcers that hurt while the person is standing or walking respond to the remedy Calc. Carb. People who need this remedy often have a poor blood circulation with an associated sensation of chilliness.

Causes of Ulcer Formation

The veins in our legs have one-way valves that keep blood flowing up toward your heart. When these valves become weak, blood can flow backward and gets accumulated in the legs. This is called Venous Insufficiency. The excess fluid causes the blood pressure to build up. The increase in pressure and buildup of fluid prevents nutrients and oxygen from getting to the tissues. The lack of nutrients causes the cells to die, damaging the tissue, and thus forming a wound (sore).

Risk Factors

Different risk factors predispose a person towards the formation of varicose ulcers. The factors include conditions like the presence of Varicose veins, history of blood clots in the legs (deep vein thrombosis), blockage of the lymph vessels, Older age, more common in females, or being tall, in conditions of Obesity, Pregnancy. Smoking is also a factor that can put a person to risk and so can sitting or standing for long hours. A family history of venous insufficiency is another risk factor seen. Fractures of long bones in the leg or other serious injuries, such as burns or muscle damage also increase the risk.
These risk factors are important and taken into consideration before the prescription of suitable remedies.

Signs and Symptoms

When blood pools in the veins of the lower limb, fluid and blood cells leak out into the skin and other tissues. This can cause itchy, thin skin and lead to skin changes called stasis dermatitis. This is an early sign of venous insufficiency. The sign of a varicose ulcer is an ulcer on the leg, near the ankle with shallow sore and a red base, sometimes covered by a yellow tissue with unevenly shaped borders. The surrounding skin may be shiny, tight, warm or hot, and discolored. Symptoms of leg pain, itching and burning can be troublesome. If the sore becomes infected, it may be offensive and pus may drain from the wound.

Other early signs include:
Leg swelling with heaviness and cramping.
Dark red, purple or brownish skin with hardening (this is a sign of blood pooling in the area)
Tingling sensation in the area.

Other Types of Leg Ulcers

Other common types of leg ulcers include:

Arterial leg ulcers- caused by the poor blood circulation in the arteries.
Diabetic leg ulcers -caused by high blood sugar associated with diabetes.
Vasculitic leg ulcers -associated with chronic inflammatory diseases like rheumatoid arthritis & lupus.
Traumatic leg ulcers -caused by any trauma to the leg.
Malignant leg ulcers -caused by a tumor of the skin of the leg.

Wound Care

The basic instructions to wound care for people at risk of developing an ulcer are as follows:

1. Always keep the wound clean to prevent any infection.
2. Keep the dressing and the skin around it dry. Try not to get the healthy tissue around the wound too wet as it can soften the healthy tissue, causing the wound to get bigger in size.
3. Before applying a dressing, cleanse the wound thoroughly.
4. Protect the skin around the wound by keeping it clean and moisturized.

To help treat a venous ulcer, blood flow to the legs needs to be improved for which we need to: –

1. Wear compression stockings or bandages every day. They help prevent the blood from collecting, thus reducing swelling, pain and helping with healing.
2. Lying down with the feet elevated up on pillows which improve the circulation.

Some warning signs of infection which need immediate assistance are:-

1. Redness increased warmth or swelling around the wound.
2. More drainage than before or drainage that is yellowish.
3. Bleeding from the ulcer.
4. Bad Odor from the wound.
5. Fever or chills.
6. Increased intensity of pain.

Lifestyle Management and Prevention

Lifestyle changes can help prevent venous ulcers. The following measures may help improve blood flow and aid healing:

1. Quit smoking, as it is bad for the blood vessels.
2. In diabetes, keeping the blood sugar level under control will help heal faster.
3. Exercising much helps with the blood flow.
4. Eating healthy foods and with a proper sleep routine.
5. Lose weight in cases of obesity.
6. Managing the blood pressure and cholesterol levels.

Freckles are a group of circular brown, flat spots that usually darken due to sun exposure. Freckles usually appear on the face (commonly around the nose and cheeks), and are also known as ‘ephelis.’ These spots are presented in groups and are multiple in number. Freckles commonly develop on sun-exposed skin after continuous or repeated exposure to the sun. Homeopathic medicines for freckles work by slowly lightening the melanin deposits and also help minimize the chances of their recurrence.
All type of skin tones may develop freckles but it is most common in people with fair complexion. The freckles usually appear uniformly but the appearance of it may differ in different people. Freckles may be yellow, reddish, tan, light brown or black. Freckles appear slightly darker than the surrounding skin and are most commonly found in children before puberty.

Homeopathic Medicines for Freckles

Homeopathy offers the safest and most effective treatment for freckles. As these medicines are made of natural substances it makes them safe for treating the freckles. Natural medicines treat freckles in a gentle, yet long-lasting manner. Unlike conventional treatment, homeopathic remedies do not use any harsh cosmetic procedures to lighten freckles. Further, these medicines used for treating the freckles not only work by lightening the melanin deposits but also helps in minimizing the chances of their recurrence without any side effects. Lycopodium, Pulsatilla, Thuja, Sepia, Natrum Carb, Phosphorus, Nitricum Acidum, and Sulphur are the top remedies. 

1. Lycopodium – For Liver Spots

Lycopodium (commonly known as club moss) is a herb that grows or is a native of northern Europe, North America, and Great Britain. This plant belongs to the Lycopodiaceae family and has a slender stem that trails along the ground and vertical branches.
Lycopodium is a medicine usually used to treat Liver spots or lentigines that are worse on the face and nose.

2. Pulsatilla – For Freckles in Young Women

Pulsatilla is a medicine prepared from a Wind Flower plant. This perennial plant belongs to the Ranunculaceae family and is native to eastern and central Europe, Norway and Denmark.
Pulsatilla is successfully used to treat freckles in young females with a red, hot, flushed face.

3. Thuja – For Light Brown Freckles

Thuja is obtained from twigs of young thuja tree also known as Arbor Vitae. This plant belongs to Cupressaceae family and is native of North America and Eastern Canada. This remedy is used to treat brown spots, freckles, and blotches successfully.
Thuja is best suited when skin is pale, dry with dark circles under the eyes.

4. Sepia – For brown colored Freckles

Sepia is used to treat discoloration on the nose and cheeks in young women. A yellowish-brown saddle across the nose and wrinkled skin with spots and yellow blotches are indicative of this medicine.

5. Natrum Carbonicum – For Freckles with Yellow Spots

Natrum Carbonicum commonly known as carbonate of soda belongs to mineral kingdom and is used to treat freckles on a pale face with blue rings around the eyes. It is best suited when skin is dry, rough, chapped with yellow spots and pimples.

6. Phosphorous – For Freckles which Gets Worse in Summer

Phosphorus is sourced from the essential mineral phosphorus. It is used to treat freckles with red spots which get worse in summers or on 7. constant sun exposure.

7. Nitricum Acidum – For Dark Freckles

This remedy is prepared by blending sodium nitrate and sulphuric acid. Nitric acid is most indicated in dark-colored freckles
which is mostly accompanied by pimples covering the face.

8. Sulphur – For Freckles with Dry Skin

Sourced from mineral kingdom Sulphur is prepared from sulphur sublimatum. This remedy is used to treat spotted freckles with pale, dry skin. It is best indicated when skin is unhealthy-looking with the presence of acne, old-looking face and circumscribed red cheeks.

In the conventional system of medicine, freckles are treated with the help of topical creams and different skin procedures. The most commonly used topical creams for treating freckles in the conventional system of medicine are fluocinolone, Hydroquinone, retinoids, and tretinoin. These topical creams often result in severe skin irritation, blistering, scaling and crusting of the skin. It may also cause irritation of eyes, nose, and mouth in some cases. Conventional treatment also often uses different skin procedure like cryosurgery, laser treatment, photo facials and chemical peels for the treatment of freckles. Common side effects of these skin procedure involve redness of the skin, swelling of the treated area. In some cases, these procedures may also result in burning scarring and change in pigmentation of the skin. Homeopathy works by lightening the melanin deposits and also helps minimize the chances of their recurrence without any side effects.

Causes of Freckles

Freckles are created as a result of an accumulation of the skin pigment (melanin) at one place and are often caused due to sun exposure. Genetics and a fair skin tone are other factors that may trigger the production of freckles.
Usually, on the exposure to UV radiation, the melanocytes get activated leading to the overproduction of melanin granules known as melanosomes. These melanosomes are responsible for the change in the color of the outer skin cell. Increased concentration of melanin may also cause freckles to mount up and cover the entire area of skin.
Genetics is the other common factors that may trigger the production of freckles. Presence of freckles is often associated with alleles of MC 1R gene.

Freckles almost never develop on covered skin. The most common site for freckles to occur is on face commonly around the nose and cheeks, arms, neck, upper back and shoulders. Freckles are distinctly more common in people with red hair and a fair complexion.

Fair Skin and Freckles

Fair-skinned people are most vulnerable to freckles and sun-related skin damage.
In fair-skinned people, the amount of melanin present is low, making more susceptible to freckles and sun damage to skin whereas in dark skin people the quantity of melanin is more which is helpful in blocking the UV rays and preventing the damage to skin by harmful sun rays.
Age above 50 or older makes people more prone to freckles and age spots.
At the age 50 or above people become more prone to develop freckles and age spots. As we grow older our skin starts to get thin and losing its elasticity; also the blood vessels which carry blood and the healing nutrients to skin surface become weak and frail. Hence the older we get we become more vulnerable to develop freckles and age spots.

People exposed to UV Rays in a high degree tend to be at a higher risk to develop freckles.
On exposure to UV radiation, the melanocytes get activated, leading to the overproduction of melanin granules which are responsible for the change in the color of outer skin cell and freckles. Therefore people like sports persons, swimmers, hikers, and field workers who are more exposed to UV rays become more prone to develop freckles.
Some of the ingredients in commonly used medication can boost skin sensitivity to the sun.
Common allergy medication, pain relievers, topical ointments for acne and some anti-aging creams containing alpha hydroxyl acids boosts the skin sensitivity to sun thus making it more prone to freckles and sun damage.

Compromised or weak immune system refrains the skin cells to resist or repair the skin damage.
If your immune system has been weakened or compromised due to some past infection or chronic diseases it refrains the skin cells in repairing the skin damage caused due to daily sun exposure thus making it more predisposed to freckles, sun spots, and fine lines.

Types of Freckles

Freckles can be classified into ephelides and lentigines.

1. Ephelides

The word ephelides is derived from the Greek word ‘ephelis’ and is a medical term for freckle. Ephelides denotes 1 mm-2 mm flat spots that are usually light brown tanned and slightly reddish in color which appears during sunny months. They are typically found in people with light complexion being more common in red hair and people with green eyes. In some families, ephelides are found to e a genetic or a hereditary trait.

2. Lentigines

The term lentigines is originated from the Latin word ‘Lentil’ and are used as a medical term for large pigmented spots which are commonly known as liver spots. Lentigines are usually present at the site of sunburn and sun damage. These pigmented spots are darker than ephelides and do not fade away easily. Lentigines are also termed as Lentigo simplex or solar lentigo.

Natural Management of Freckles

Freckles can be naturally treated by adding vitamin C, E, and antioxidants to our diet which enhance the skin repair and also prevent the occurrences of the freckles and age spots.
Regular exfoliation of the skin also helps in fading the freckles as it stimulates the new skin cell growth and also helps in getting rid of darker, damaged skin.
Moisturizing the skin regularly keeps the skin well hydrated, healthier and makes it more firm to withstand the sun damage.
Consumption of green tea helps in rejuvenating damaged skin cells and also assist in hydration of skin thus preventing freckles and age spots.
Freckles can also be prevented by the use of sunscreens, wide-brimmed hats, seeking shade, staying indoors and avoiding the peak sun hours from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.