Anosmia is a condition in which a person loses his/her sense of smell. The odor molecules in the air surrounding us enter our nostrils, and are detected by the olfactory receptors. These receptors send a signal to the brain center via a nerve where the smell is identified, this is how we identify different smells and odors. Loss of smell makes a person unable to perceive pleasant odors (like fragrances) and also sense danger situations that can be detected by smelling (like gas leakage or smoke). Our sense of smell also plays a significant role in how food tastes, and so anosmia can also lead to a loss of taste (ageusia) and lack of interest in eating. A person may suffer from partial or total loss of smell (conditions known as hyposmia and anosmia respectively). Loss of smell can be present since birth, in such a case a child is born without any sense of smell. Anosmia may be temporary or permanent depending upon the cause behind it.

Homeopathy offers natural and effective treatment for anosmia. These medicines are suitable to treat anosmia in people of all age groups. Since these medicines are made of natural substances, they treat the condition in a safe manner. They treat the root cause of anosmia to bring about excellent recovery. Homeopathy is recommended for treating cases of both partial and total loss of smell.

Homeopathic treatment is based on the totality of symptoms. So homeopathic medicines while treating anosmia also manages the attending symptoms. These give remarkable relief in accompanying symptoms like nasal blockage, post nasal discharges, nasal discharge, sneezing etc. This way homeopathy offers a great solution simultaneously to all issues related to anosmia at the same time.

As anosmia occurs from various causes such as nasal allergy, chronic cold, sinusitis, so to treat it from its root, the cause needs to be identified and treated. Homeopathy works in such a manner that it addresses the root cause and aids great recovery. If a person follows a complete course of homeopathic treatment under the guidance of a homeopathic doctor, complete recovery occurs in most cases of anosmia. The results vary depending on the chronicity of the problem, the cause behind it and the response of the individual to homeopathic medicines.

Among the different available homeopathic medicines to treat anosmia, the most suitable medicine is finalised after a thorough assessment of the detailed symptoms of the individual. The potency, dose, repetition of medicine is also done individually for every case as per homeopathic principles. With individualized treatment, wonderful results follow.

Homeopathy treats anosmia very safely and gently with natural remedies. There are no chances of any side effects of these homeopathic medicines.

Top 6 Homeopathic Medicines for Anosmia

The top indicated homeopathic medicines for anosmia include Natrum Mur, Silicea, Pulsatilla, Calcarea carb, Kali Bichrome and Lemna Minor. 

1. Natrum Mur – For Anosmia With Nasal Allergies

Natrum Mur is an effective homeopathic medicine for anosmia due to nasal allergies, along with nasal discharge that looks like egg white. Other features include nose blockage that makes breathing difficult and violent sneezing (especially during the morning). A very specific squirming sensation of a worm crawling in nostrils may be present along with the symptoms mentioned.

When to use Natrum Mur?

Its use is highly suggested to deal with cases of loss of smell linked to nasal allergies with intense sneezing and nasal discharge.

How to use Natrum Mur?

Among its different potencies 6X is most commonly recommended. Natrum Mur 6X can be taken three to four times a day as per case severity.

2. Silicea – For Anosmia Linked With Chronic Cold

Silicea is a well-indicated homeopathic remedy for anosmia where the person suffers from chronic cold. The people needing Silicea have a history of yellowish, chronic, offensive, fetid nasal discharge prior to loss of smell. For using Silicea, the symptoms that may be present along with a loss of smell include a burning sensation, dryness and the presence of hard crusts in the nostrils. In some cases, soreness and itching in the nostrils may also be present.

When to use Silicea?

Silicea is a great choice of medicine for handling cases of anosmia associated with tendency of chronic cold with bad smelling yellow discharge.

How to use Silicea?

Silicea is mainly used in 6X power two to three times daily.

3. Pulsatilla – For Loss Of Smell With Loss Of Taste

Pulsatilla is a wonderful medicine for anosmia attended with loss of taste. In some cases, the person may experience loss of appetite. Other attending features include thick greenish nasal discharge and sneezing. The symptoms tend to worsen indoors and get better in open air. In some cases, itching in nostrils may be felt mostly in the evening. Nose blockage in the evening while going to bed is another symptom that may be noted.

When to use Pulsatilla?

Its use is recommended where loss of smell along with loss of taste is present with thick green discharge from the nose.

How to use Pulsatilla?

The potency of this medicine differs from case to case from low to high. Usually, it is used in 30C potency that can be taken one to two times a day.

4. Calcarea Carb – For Anosmia And Nasal Blockage

This medicine offers great help when there is loss of smell and nasal blockage. Nasal blockage makes breathing through nose difficult especially at night. There may be nasal dryness while in some cases yellow-colored nasal discharge flows. It also offers best help when loss of smell is linked with nasal polyps.

When to use Calcarea Carb?

Calcarea Carb should be considered in anosmia cases where blockage of nose is marked with difficulty in breathing through the nose.

How to use Calcarea Carb?

It is advised to take Calcarea Carb 30C once a day.

5. Kali Bichrome – For Anosmia with Sinusitis

Kali Bichrome is a natural homeopathic medicine for anosmia that is linked with sinusitis. The main symptoms that indicate the need for Kali Bichrome include constant stuffiness in the nose, stringy/sticky/ropy nasal discharge and fullness at the root of the nose. A sinus headache also appears along with nasal symptoms. Other accompanying symptoms include a tickling sensation in the nostrils and postnasal discharge of mucus.

When to use Kali Bichrome?

It is the best choice of medicine to help cases of loss of smell occurring in persons who suffer from sinusitis with sticky/ropy nasal discharge.

How to use Kali Bichrome?

This medicine can be taken in 30C potency once or twice daily.

6. Lemna Minor – Homeopathic Cure for Anosmia with Nasal Polyps

Lemna Minor is an important homeopathic medicine for anosmia in cases of nasal polyps. The person requiring this remedy experience loss of smell, obstruction in nostrils, and frequent sneezing attacks. The other symptoms include a thick, viscid or excessive purulent (pus-like) discharge from the nose. The nasal symptoms tend to get worse in damp surroundings and rainy weather.

When to use Lemna Minor?

Lemna Minor is the most helpful medicine when it comes to treat loss of smell linked with nasal polyps.

How to use Lemna Minor?

It is frequently given in mother tincture (Q) form. Lemna Minor Q can be used one to two times a day.

Symptoms Attending Anosmia

Depending on the cause behind anosmia, a person shows symptoms like nasal discharge, post nasal drip, sneezing and nasal blockage.

Persons having anosmia may also have loss of taste

Complete loss of smell may make it difficult to sense a dangerous circumstance and take measures to stop it, for example if there is gas leakage from cylinder or fire, a person suffering from anosmia may be unable to sense it and seek help.

Sometimes loss of smell may lead to depression.

Causes Of Anosmia

The reasons behind anosmia are variable. Anosmia may arise due to swelling in the nose, blockage in the nose that hinders odors reaching the top of the nose or due to damage to brain /olfactory nerve (that sends signal of smell from nose to brain) /olfactory receptors.  However, in approximately 20 per cent of the cases, anosmia has no cause (a condition known as idiopathic anosmia). The causes of anosmia are summed below:

Causes related to nasal irritation or congestion:

1. Sinusitis (acute or chronic) –Inflammation of the lining of paranasal sinuses

2. Hay fever (allergic rhinitis) – Nasal allergy where inhalation of allergens like dust mites, pollen leads to symptoms including sneezing, runny nose, stuffy nose, itching in nose or eyes, watering from the nose

3. Common cold – Viral infection of upper respiratory tract

4. Influenza – Viral infection of respiratory tract caused by influenza virus

5. Non-allergic (vasomotor) rhinitis – In this condition, symptoms similar to allergic rhinitis appear, but without any known cause.

6. COVID-19 (coronavirus disease 2019) – An infectious disease caused by SARS-CoV-2 virus

Causes related to blockage / obstruction of nasal passage– Anosmia

1. Nasal polyps – Soft, non-cancerous growths in the lining of nasal passage or paranasal sinuses

2. Tumours in the nose

3. DNS (deviated nasal septum) –  Displacement of thin wall separating right and left nasal passage to one side.

Causes related to damage to brain or nerve

1. Ageing

2. Parkinson’s Disease – A nervous system disorder characterized by hand tremors, slowness of movement, muscle rigidity, impaired posture and balance

3. Alzheimer’s Disease – A neurological disorder that leads to decline in memory, forgetfulness and problems with thinking, reasoning and communication

4. Brain tumours

5. Multiple sclerosis – A disease in which myelin sheath of nerve cells gets damaged which impairs communication between brain and the rest of the body parts

6. Hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid), diabetes, head/brain injury, epilepsy (tendency to get fits)

7. Chemical exposure that causes burns inside nose, certain medicines (like antibiotics, antihistamines)
8. Zinc deficiency, poor nutrition

9. Smoking, alcohol misuse

10. In some cases a baby is born with anosmia, then the condition is called congenital anosmia.

Anosmia linked with COVID-19

Loss of smell is one of the prominent symptoms of COVID-19 but the mechanism behind it is unknown. It is also one of the earliest and the most common symptom reported in COVID-19. This symptom is the most prominent predictive factor for COVID-19. Researches are still trying to find the underlying mechanism behind it. A research has found that COVID-19 does not cause permanent anosmia.

If it hurts while walking, and there’s a swelling on the thumb-side toe of the foot (big toe), it could mean a bunion formation. Bunion refers to a medical condition affecting the big toe of the foot in which a bony bump on the joint at base of great toe forms on the outer side. There occurs enlargement of joint of the big toe (joint between the big toe and the feet called metatarsophalangeal joint). It is accompanied by displacement or tilting of the affected big toe inwards. There may occur redness and soreness of skin over the bunion. Hallux Valgus is a term used for bunion deformity. At times, little bunions may form on the joint of little toe which are known as bunionettes.

Homeopathic Treatment for Bunion

Homeopathic treatment provides complete cure for the Bunions. With the help of natural homeopathic remedies, the pain, and swelling around the big toe is reduced, followed by complete cure of the bunion. The homeopathic medicines are selected on the basis of characteristic symptoms described by each individual. The Homeopathic remedies for bunion are made of natural substances, are totally safe and have zero side effects.

Top Natural Homeopathic Remedies for Bunion

The top listed homeopathic medicines to treat bunion are Benzoic Acid, Silicea and Hypericum,  Rhus Tox and Ruta, Antimonium Crudum, Ammonium Carb and Zincum Met

1. Benzoic Acid – Top Medicine for Bunion

Benzoic Acid has given great clinical results in bunion cases. It is a top remedy for treating bunions with acute swelling and pain. Those who need this medicine have marked swelling and redness over the big toe, with severe pain. The pain can be varying in character like stitching pain or tearing pain. At times, the burning is also felt in the toe. The pain and swelling gets reduced very quickly with the use of Benzoic Acid. This homeopathic medicine is also of great help when the pain in the great toe worsens at night. Those who need it suffer from the numbness in the toes.

2. Silicea – For Bunion with Blister Formation

For treating bunions where blisters have been formed on the big toe along with other features, Silicea is the most beneficial natural homeopathic medicine. In most cases, the blisters contain fluid or pus and Silicea is a good homeopathic remedy in both the cases. Along with blisters, pain can be felt in the toe or it can extend throughout the sole of the foot. The pain can be boring, tearing or shooting in nature. The pain is so violent that the sufferer is unable to step on his feet. A marked characteristic feature that adds weightage for selecting homeopathic remedy — Silicea — is excessive sweating on the feet. The sweat is most of the times offensive in nature.

3. Hypericum – To Manage Severe Pain In Big Toe Due To Bunion

It is of great help in all those cases of bunions where severe excruciating pain is felt in the big toe. The pain can at times be specifically described by the patient like that of a pricking needle. The severe pain shows involvement of nerves. The toe is also sore to touch accompanied by swelling. The patient can get rid of the severe pain in the toe with bunion by using homeopathic remedy — Hypericum — without any side effect.

4. Rhus Tox and Ruta – Homeopathic Remedies For Bunion With Swelling

Natural Homeopathic medicines Rhus Tox and Ruta are very beneficial remedies for bunion with swelling and thickening of bursa of great toe. The toe is also distorted in shape. Both Rhus Tox and Ruta are top homeopathic remedies for conditions involving bursa of the joint. Pain in the toe and the feet can be noticed. Rhus Tox is the best homeopathic remedy when the pain in the toe and the feet shoots while resting, and it gets better upon walking. Ruta is the ideal homeopathic medicine when the pain gets worse while standing, and walking.

5. Antimonium Crudum – To Manage Corns And Callus On Toes

In some cases of bunion, corns or callus may form where the first and second toe rub with each other. Here, Antimonium Crudum is the most beneficial. It helps in healing treat corns and calluses. It also helps to manage pain and tenderness in corns, if present.

6. Ammonium Carb – To Relieve Redness, Swelling And Pain Of Big Toe

This medicine is well indicated to reduce redness, swelling and pain in big toe. In cases needing it, these symptoms get worse in evening. Besides, marked heat or burning sensation is felt in big toe. Pressure on the toe from wearing shoes worsens burning and pain.

7. Zincum Met – For Bunion On Little Toe

This medicine is recommended when bunion is present on the little toe. Though it can be used for bunion on any side but is most helpful for left-sided bunion on little toe. In cases needing it, stinging pain is felt in the bunion. The pain is felt usually while walking.

Signs And Symptoms Of Bunion

1. Bump on outer side of big toe

2. Turning of big toe towards other toes of affected foot

3. Swelling, inflammation or redness of area over the affected great toe

4. Pain in feet on walking or otherwise

5. Numbness in big toe

6. Limited movement of big toe

7. Thickening of skin under the big toe

8. Corn or Callus formation on second toe where it rubs with the great toe. Corns and callus are thick, hard, rough areas on the skin caused by excessive friction or pressure

9. In a few cases, fluid-filled eruptions (blisters) appear on the skin of great toe.

Cause Behind Bunion

Though there is no one confirmed cause behind bunion but certain factors are linked with bunion formation.

1.Genetics play a role, it is because of an anomaly in the foot structure that predisposes a person to bunion formation.

2. Flat foot or other foot deformities present at birth

3. Injury to feet

4. Wearing of tight shoes or pointed shoes or high-heeled shoes

5. Some types of arthritis (joint inflammation) especially rheumatoid arthritis

6. Standing continuously for prolonged period of time

Types Of Bunion

Most of the times, bunions form on the big toe. Rest of the types are:

1. Juvenile/adolescent hallux valgus: It develops between age of 10 to 15 years

2. Congenital Hallux Valgus: When a baby is born with bunion

3. Bunionette (Tailor’s bunion): It forms on the outer side of the base of little toe. Bunionette is called tailor’s bunion because tailors used to sit with cross legs for long durations of time that put pressure on the side of feet and consequent bunion formation on the little toe.

Complications Of Bunion

The complications that can arise in cases of bunion are:

1. Bursitis: Bursa is a small fluid-filled sac (bursa) that surrounds bones near the  joint. Bursa contains synovial fluid that helps to reduce friction of bone with other structures like ligaments, muscles and tendons during joint movement. It can get swollen and inflamed (called bursitis) when big toe joint gets bigger due to bunion formation.

2. Metatarsalgia: In this condition, the ball of feet becomes painful and swollen.

3. Hammertoe: Bending of middle joint of a toe especially the toe adjacent to big toe

Diagnosis Of Bunion

A doctor can diagnose bunion just by having a look at the big toe. An X-ray can however be recommended to look for joint damage.

Prevention Of Bunion

1. Select the shoes carefully. Avoid tight and narrow pointed toe shoes and choose wide toe box shoes.

2. Wear right fitting shoes. The shoes you wear should not squeeze any part of the foot

3. Avoid wearing high heeled footwear as it puts pressure in the front of the feet

Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is a serious psychological condition which occurs in people who have undergone some terrifying stressful trauma (for example, sexual assault, road accident, domestic violence). Most people who face a traumatic experience undergo fear, anxiety, shock, and nervousness. These are the common reactions in response to stressful events and do not usually result in PTSD. If anxiety or the stressful condition persists for more than a month and hinders social functioning, then it is indicative of PTSD.

The main symptoms of PTSD are flashbacks of horrifying events in the past, nightmares, and hallucinations. Patients with PTSD want to be left alone and are indifferent to life. Disturbed sleep and difficulty in concentration are also common complaints of PTSD. Homeopathic treatment for PTSD helps remove the imprints of trauma and brings about natural recovery. 

Homeopathic Treatment for PTSD

Homeopathy remedies are made up of natural substances and are very safe. The advantage of homeopathy treatment for PTSD is that it does not make a person dependent. Homeopathy cures the person without any side effects. These natural remedies do not slow down the body’s natural processes and make it dull, as might be the case with other treatments.

Top Homeopathic medicines for PTSD

Top recommended medicines for PTSD are Ignatia, Natrum Mur, Kali Phos and Staphysagria. Ignatia, an excellent medicine for PTSD, is of great help when depression frustration and hopelessness accompany PTSD. Ignatia also works well when a person is quarrelsome and exhibits mood swings. Natrum Muriaticum acts well for PTSD when a person tends to dwell on past unpleasant memories. The person wants to be isolated and is afraid of new relationships.  Kali Phosphoricum is a well-indicated medicine for PTSD when night terrors accompany it. In such cases, patients have an aversion to meeting people and talking to them. Staphysagria is considered when there is history of some physical or sexual abuse of the sufferer.

In homeopathy treatment for PTSD, the patient is considered a whole entity. Thus, the cure acts at all the levels, including the psychological level.

1. Ignatia

Ignatia is a leading medicine to help persons having PTSD. It is well indicated when the sufferer has flashbacks of past incidents. The thoughts of that event keep crossing the person’s mind. There is sadness, depressing feelings, weeping spells, desire to be alone and aversion to talk. The person feels angry about himself/herself. There is anxiety, terror and fearfulness. Hopelessness is marked as well. Other symptoms include moodiness and  aversion to any amusement. Due to thoughts of terrifying events crossing through mind, sleeplessness prevails. It is best for PTSD that follow unexpected death of a loved one.

2. Natrum Mur

This medicine is of great help for cases of depression in case of PTSD. Those needing it frequently recall the trauma faced in the past. They feel sad all the time along with weeping spells. They isolate themselves after the traumatic event. They have no desire to do work, either mental or physical. They get irritable frequently. They feel afraid to form relationships, with a trust deficit in others.

3. Kali Phos

Kali Phos is helpful in managing various issues in PTSD cases. Firstly, it is very effective in managing sleeplessness. It is also useful for excessive restlessness during sleep. It is well indicated to manage nightmares (frightful dreams). Its use is also suggested to deal with depression, sadness, anxiety, memory issues.

3. Staphysagria

This medicine is most suitable to persons who developed PTSD after some sexual or physical abuse.  It acts well when a person keeps dwelling on past unpleasant incidents. There occur spells of anger. During anger outbursts the sufferer tends to throw or break things. Additionally, feeling of guilt and self-pity also predominates. Worthlessness, depression may attend.

4. Sepia

Sepia is very useful in persons who become indifferent and show an aversion to family, friends, company, and sympathy. They do not wish to do any work. They feel helpless,  weeping episodes occur often. They have anxiety along with fear, flushes of heat especially in evening. They get irritable and offended easily.

5. Aurum Met

It acts well when the sufferer is intensely depressed, has no hope and has self harming or suicidal thoughts. Future seems dark to them. They have no love for life and desire death. They get offended easily. They overreact to any situation that seems to hurt their feelings.

6. Coffea Cruda

Coffea Cruda works well in cases where there is sleeplessness with a continuous flow of ideas in mind. Mental activity keeps a person awake and makes him restless. It is also indicated for restless sleep with tossing and turning in bed from side to side. The person may wake up frequently from sleep with a sudden jerk.

7. Opium

Opium acts well in cases of PTSD when a person is sleepy but is unable to sleep.  Some noises coming from far away distance keeps the person awake. The person develops fear after the fright (sudden feeling of fear or shock) which remains for a long time.

8. Aconite

This medicine should be considered to deal with anxiety and panic attacks in cases of PTSD. The persons who need this medicine are terror stuck and are afraid to go out. During anxiety spells, they feel very restless. They have fear of death. It is also indicated when the thoughts of an unfortunate event haunt the person with marked anxiety and restlessness. Aconite is also well indicated to manage nightmares in PTSD cases.

9. Nux Vomica

It is a very effective medicine for PTSD when the patient shows violent anger spells. The person gets offended easily, may get angry even without provocation.

Symptoms of PTSD

The symptoms of PTSD can be triggered by words or situations reminding of trauma faced in the past. These may begin in the first three months after the traumatic incident, however in some cases may not occur for years after the event.

These symptoms are as follows:

1. Emotional distress and Intrusive memories

It includes

unwanted unpleasant memories of trauma faced

flashbacks of horrifying events in the past as if these are occurring again

nightmares about trauma

physical reaction to things which remind the sufferer of trauma faced

hallucinations

2. Avoidance symptoms

Patients with PTSD want to be left alone. They avoid talking about the terrific event faced.  They avoid going to places or people that remind them of the trauma.

3. Thinking and mood changes

Negative thinking

Feeling indifferent to life, and detached from their family and friends

Difficulty in forming and maintaining relationships

Hopelessness

Loss of interest in activities that in past were loved and enjoyable

4. Arousal and reactivity

Getting startled easily

Irritability and anger outbursts

Lack of concentration

Self-harming behavior

5. Others symptoms  

Problems in sleeping

Guilt, self-blame

Difficulty in remembering things

Depression and panic attacks

In females: Anxiety, depression, getting startled easily, feeling emotionless are marked

In males: Symptoms of avoidance, mood, arousal predominate

Cause behind PTSD

A person may go on developing PTSD if he / she has actually gone through or just seen or heard about some terrifying event for example sexual assault, serious injury.

1. The exact reason behind PTSD is yet not fully understood. However, it is thought to arise from interplay of some factors as follows:

Stressful trauma

Family history of depression or anxiety

Personality traits inherited from parents

How the chemicals and hormones released during stress is being regulated by brain

2. PTSD tends to develop in persons who have gone through some terrifying or traumatic events in past. For example

 sexual assault

an accident

childhood physical abuse

a natural disaster

warfare

domestic violence

sudden unexpected death of a loved one

having someone in family suffering from life threatening illness

Having miscarriage

Though not everyone who has faced any event like the above develop PTSD because everyone handles stress differently but such incidents increased PTSD risk

3. It has been observed that persons who have PTSD have small Hippocampus (a part of the brain which controls memory and emotions) but it is not clear whether their hippocampus is already small before trauma or it shrinked following trauma. It requires further research for clarification.

4. Stress levels may be abnormal in persons having PTSD that leads to excited fight or flight response.

Risk Factors

Though anyone can develop PTSD but some factors as follows put a person at risk:

1. Already suffering from depression or anxiety or family history

2. Men and women, especially those who are emergency front line and rescue workers, are often affected by PTSD

3. History of childhood abuse

4. Excessive alcohol drinking and drug abuse

5. Medical conditions like cancer, stroke, heart attack are linked with increase risk of PTSD

Complications

PTSD hinders relationship with family members, jobs and day to day activities. It puts person at risk of depression, anxiety, suicidal thoughts and drug abuse or alcohol abuse.

Ringworm also called dermatophytosis or Tinea refers to ring-shaped red patchy lesions on the skin caused by a fungal infection. Ringworm infection is quite common and is very contagious (spreads via direct skin-to-skin contact with a person suffering from this infection).

Homeopathy for ringworm provides effective treatment and a complete cure for ringworm infection. Homeopathic medicines for ringworm help clear the infection completely. These are natural medicines that help in healing the rash and providing relief from the symptoms of itching and burning. Generally, antifungal ointments/lotions or creams are being used in mainstream medicine to treat ringworm. Though they clear the skin lesions quite rapidly, they do not offer cure as the fungal infection is not rooted out, so there are chances that the ringworm lesion may come again and again. But on the other hand, the homeopathic remedies for ringworm not only help in providing relief from acute ringworm symptoms but also help in eradicating the disease in its entirety by fighting the infection and eliminating it from the body.

Homeopathic medicines help to cure ringworm in the most gentle and efficient way. The best results are incurred through properly selected homeopathic remedies that stimulate the natural healing mechanism of the body to fight the infection. There is no chance of suppression of ringworm infection in homeopathy.

Homeopathic medicines also play an important role in reducing recurrent ringworm infection by strengthening the immune system. To achieve this, a proper course of homeopathic treatment must be taken for a few months as prescribed by a homeopathic physician.

Homeopathic medicines to treat ringworm are 100% safe to use in persons of all age groups as they have zero side effects. Homeopathic medicines are used in highly diluted doses that can never cause any toxic effects.

Top 6 Homeopathic Medicines For Ringworm

Sepia, Tellurium, Sulphur, Antimonium Crudum, Silicea and Mezereum are the top remedies for ringworm treatment.

1. Sepia – Top Most Remedy

Sepia tops the chart of homeopathic medicines to treat ringworm infection. The most characteristic feature to use it is ring-shaped patches on the skin appearing in isolated spots (two different ring lesions have no contact with each other). This medicine can be given for ringworm appearing on any body part. The common places where ringworm appears are the bends of the knee and elbow. The eruptions are accompanied by itching and scratching, though scratching does not provide any relief. There may be increased sweating with or without bad smell in persons requiring sepia. Another peculiar symptom for using sepia is the recurrence of ringworm infection every spring season.

The eruptions are accompanied by itching and scratching, though scratching does not provide any relief. Increased sweating with or without bad smell may be noticed in persons requiring Sepia. Another peculiar symptom for using Sepia is the recurrence of ringworm infection every spring season. Sepia can help in eradicating the tendency to contract a ringworm infection every time the spring season approaches.

When to use Sepia?

This medicine can be used as the first remedy for ringworm cases with isolated ring-shaped lesions with itching and burning sensation.

How to use Sepia?

It can be used in 30C potency once or twice a day.

2. Tellurium – For Multiple Ringworm Lesions Joined Together

Tellurium has shown great clinical improvement in cases presenting multiple ringworm lesions joined together to form rings that crowd over each other.  The lesions tend to cover a large part of the body and sometimes the entire body.

The lesions may be elevated and covered with mild scales. The eruptions are marked by excessive itching and stinging sensation. Itching may occur day and night. Cold air seems to worsen itching. Sometimes vesicles (tiny fluid-filled bumps) may be present on the affected ring-shaped lesions.

When to use Tellurium?

Tellurium should be the first choice of medicine in ringworm cases where multiple ring lesions connected to each other form on the skin.

How to use Tellurium?

It can be taken in 30 C potency once or twice a day as per the severity of the complaint.

3. Sulphur – To Manage Intense Itching and Burning

Sulphur is a highly effective medicine to manage intense itching and burning in ringworm rash. The person requiring this medicine goes on scratching the lesions but it does not seem to provide any relief. Intense burning sensation follows scratching. Itching gets worse at night. Sulphur helps to soothe itching and burning, followed by the disappearance of eruptions.

When to use Sulphur?

Sulphur is recommended to control itching and burning in ringworm lesions especially when itching is worse at night.

How to use Sulphur?

Sulphur 30C can be used once a day or in cases of less severity once/twice a week. Do not use its high potencies without the physician’s advice.

4. Antimonium Crudum – To Treat Nail Fungus

Antimonium Crudum is the best choice of medicine to help cases of nail fungus. It can be given in cases where nails have become discolored. Additionally, the nails become brittle and chip off easily. The skin under the nails may be sore to touch. Deformed nails from fungal infection is yet another indication to use this medicine.

When to use Antimonium Crudum?

Antimonium Crudum should be used primarily for thick, discolored or brittle crumbling distorted nails from ringworm infection.

How to use Antimonium Crudum?

The usually recommended dose is Antimonium Crudum 30C twice or thrice a day.

5. Silicea – For Ringworm Infection On Feet

Silicea is a leading medicine to manage cases of ringworm of feet. The key feature to use this medicine here is soreness and cracks in between toes. There is intense itching, the skin may peel off as well. There is excessive sweating on feet with a foul smell.

When to use Silicea?

Silicea should be taken in cases of ringworm of feet with cracks between toes with itching and excessive sweating.

How to use Silicea?

The most commonly used potency of Silicea is 6X. Silicea 6X can be taken three to four times a day, four tablets at a time.

6. Mezereum – For Ringworm Scalp (Tinea Capitis)

Mezereum is a beneficial medicine that helps cases of scalp ringworm. This medicine is used when eruptions that are covered with thick crusts appear on the scalp. Pus is present under these crusts. It is attended by glueing (sticking) of hair together.

When to use Mezereum?

Mezereum is best recommended for scalp ringworm with crusty eruptions having pus beneath.

How to use Mezereum?

Mezereum can be taken once a day in 30C potency.

What Is The Cause And Mode Of Spread Of Ringworm?

Ringworm is caused by a fungus named dermatophytes. It can spread via following routes:

1. Ringworm can spread by coming in direct skin-to-skin contactwith a person having this infection

2. Secondly, it may spread by sharing personal objects liketowels, socks, shaving razor of a person having ringworm

3. The third mode of spread is via contact withsome surface carrying ringworm infectionlike bed, floor of bathroom,etc.

4. Lastly, it may spread from touching an infected animalor from direct contact with fungus-infected soil.

What Are The Risk Factors For Ringworm?

No doubt ringworm can affect anyone but some factors put a person at more risk, like

– Sharing personal items like towels, combs with someone having ringworm infection

– Using public shower barefoot

– Living in warm, humid environment

– Sweating heavily

– Wearing tight clothes or shoes

– Having weak immune system

– Being overweight

– Having diabetes

What Are Its Signs And Symptoms?

Ringworm or Tinea infection has been given many names in medical terminology according to the part of the body involved:

1. Tinea Capitis: Ringworm infection on the scalp

2. Tinea Corporis: Ringworm on trunk

3. Tinea Pedis/ Athlete’s foot: Ringworm on feet

4. Tinea Cruris/ Jock itch: Ringworm infection on the groin

5. Tinea Barbae: Ringworm of beard area

6. Tinea Unguium: Ringworm of nail bed

Following are its signs and symptoms

1. Ring-shaped patchy lesions withraised edges and a clear center. It may be covered with scales. The rings may overlap each other.

2. Itching, burning and pain accompany the lesions.

3. In Tinea Capitis, eruptions may also form that ooze pus. Hair loss may occur in the affected area.

4. In case of Tenia Pedis, small itchy blisters (fluid-filled bumps) may form between toes, cracks may also develop.

5. In case of fungal infection of nails, they become thick and discolored, nails start to crumble and consequently may detach completely from the nail bed.

Tennis elbow, also known as lateral epicondylitis, is a musculoskeletal condition with pain around the outer part of the elbow. Tennis elbow is mainly caused due to repetitive overuse of muscles and tendons of the forearm near the elbow joint. Contrary to its name, it is not limited to just tennis players and can occur in anyone who puts repetitive stress on the elbow joint, for example carpenters, violin players and painters. Pain and weakness due to tennis elbow can hamper daily activities such as shaking hands, holding a cup, turning a door knob, etc.

Homeopathy extends great help in treating cases of tennis elbow. It can effectively manage pain, stiffness and swelling of elbow. It uses natural and safe homeopathic medicines that act deep and have no side effects. Unlike the conventional mode of medicine, homeopathic medicines do not suppress the disease and its symptoms. In fact, they attack the disorder at the root and set off the body’s own restorative processes, making it strong enough to completely eradicate the disease. Suppressing the disease does not really help, so homeopathic medicines are a natural, healing alternative. Use of homeopathic medicines also reduces the dependency on pain killers remarkably.

Homeopathy reduces tendon inflammation

Homeopathic medicines work by reducing inflammation of tendons to give long-term relief in tennis elbow cases. They also help in healing damaged/injured tendons. As the root cause is treated, cure automatically sets in.

Homeopathy has no side effects

The best advantage of using homeopathic medicines is that they do not cause side effects in any case. These medicines work in a very safe, gentle and harmless manner to boost body’s self-healing mechanism to overcome this complaint naturally with zero side effects. These medicines also do not cause any dependency. Once the problem has been resolved, one can gradually stop the medication.

Individualized medication

Homeopathic medicines for tennis elbow are selected by taking into consideration the peculiar characteristic symptoms in every individual case. After a detailed case study is done, the homeopathic medicine is finalized. So, the homeopathic prescription varies from case to case. Therefore, it is advised to take homeopathic medicines for tennis elbow after consulting a homeopath. Self – medication should be avoided.

Top 5 Homeopathic Medicines For Tennis Elbow

Among the homeopathic medicines for tennis elbow the top-grade ones are Rhus Tox, Ruta, Bryonia, Bellis Perennis and Calcarea Carb.

1. Rhus Tox – Top Grade Medicine

Rhus Tox is the most frequently prescribed medicine for managing cases of tennis elbow. It is the best medicine to start treatment of conditions that arise from overstraining, overuse of muscles and tendons. It helps to effectively manage inflammation and damaged tendons. It has shown remarkable results in tennis elbow cases with tearing pain in tendons and muscles. Soreness in the condyles of the joints is also present. In cases needing it, the pain in elbow is worse when at rest and gets better with movement. Stiffness at the elbow is also marked along with pain.
When to use Rhus Tox?
Rhus Tox should be given in cases of tennis elbow when pain in elbow is worse at rest and gets better from movement.
How to use Rhus Tox?
It can be used in both low and high potencies among which the most preferred is 30 C potency. Initially, one may use Rhus Tox 30 C three to four times a day depending on the severity. Reduce the dose when improvement in symptoms begins.

2. Ruta – For Sore Pain And Stiffness Of Elbow

It is a herbal medicine prepared from plant ‘garden rue’. Ruta is pretty similar in its action to Rhus Tox in treating cases of tendon inflammation and injury from overuse and overstraining. It is well indicated when there occurs sore pain and stiffness in the elbow. Sore pain means pain from touching the affected area. Weakness of the arm may attend it.
When and How to use Ruta?
Ruta should be considered in tennis elbow cases with sore pain and stiffness of elbow. It helps to relieve these complaints by reducing tendon inflammation and healing damaged tendons.
How to use Ruta?
Ruta is most frequently used in 30C potency that can be taken three to four times a day.

3. Bryonia – For Pain And Swelling Around Elbow

This natural medicine is prepared from root of plant ‘wild hops’. Bryonia is a wonderful medicine to manage tennis elbow with marked pain and swelling around the elbow. The characteristic feature to use it is worsening of pain in the elbow from movement and relief from rest. At times, pain may radiate down from the elbow to the wrist.
When to use Bryonia?
This medicine should be used when pain in elbow is accompanied by swelling, with pain getting worse from every movement and relief from rest.
How to use Bryonia?
Its 30C potency is the right choice to start with that can be used two to three times a day.

4. Bellis Perennis – For Healing Tendon Injury, Inflammation

Bellis Perennis is another medicine of natural origin to treat tennis elbow cases. It is prepared from the flowering plant ‘english daisy’. Repetitive stress injury and inflammation of tendon of elbow due to exertion or overuse of muscles is treated best with this medicine. The action of this medicine is similar to that of Rhus Tox and Ruta. This medicine is also indicated to help cases of direct injury to elbow. It helps to heal injured tendons and reduce its inflammation and reduce elbow pain.
When to use Bellis Perennis?
This medicine can be used to heal injured tendons and control tendon inflammation of elbow and provide pain relief.
How to use Bellis Perennis?
This medicine can be used in 30C potency twice a day.

5. Calcarea Carb – For Pain Extending From Elbow To Wrist

Calcarea Carb is very effective on pain arising on the outer side of the elbow and radiating down to the wrist. This pain occurs mostly when the sufferer tries to hold an object. The nature of pain is mostly tearing type. Besides, stiffness in elbow may be present.
When to use Calcarea Carb?
It is a highly effective medicine for managing pain on the outer side of elbow extending down to wrist.
How to use Calcarea Carb?
It can be taken in 30C potency. Dose should be limited to once a day.

Symptoms Of Tennis Elbow

1. Pain: The main symptom of tennis elbow is pain on the outer side of elbow where tendons (tissue band connecting muscle to bone) of muscles of forearm connect to the bony bump of the elbow. In some cases, pain may extend down to the forearm and the wrist. The pain may get worse from bending the arm, twisting the forearm, turning a door knob, writing, lifting things, griping objects. Sometimes the sufferer may experience burning in the outer side of the elbow.

2. Stiffness in elbow while extending the arm

3. Swelling of elbow and tenderness (pain on touching) of elbow

4. Weak grip on holding objects

 Causes Behind Tennis Elbow

Tennis elbow arises from the overuse of muscles of the forearm. This happens from the repetitive use of forearm muscles in some activities that put stress on tendons that unite forearm muscles to the bony projection of elbow. As a result, tendons get inflamed, damaged and in some cases tear as well. Tennis elbow is common in tennis players. However, it is often seen in people performing other activities involving repetitive use of wrist and arm muscles like painters, plumbers, bowlers, gardeners, carpenters, swimmers. In some cases, a direct injury to elbow may result in this condition. Though tennis elbow may affect people of any age group but people between age of 30 yrs to 50 yrs are commonly affected. In some cases, tennis elbow occurs without any reason which is called idiopathic tennis elbow.

 

 

Any pain arising in the shoulder joint or the surrounding muscles, ligaments, and tendons is called shoulder pain. It can be attended with stiffness, swelling and restricted movement of the shoulder depending on the cause behind it. The human shoulder is made up of a shoulder joint and different muscles, tendons and ligaments. The bones that constitute a shoulder joint are humerus, clavicle and scapula.  It is one of the largest joints of the body that accommodates a wide range of movements. This complex joint is highly movable but is also one of the most unstable joints in the body.

Homeopathy offers a wonderful and side effect- free treatment for cases of shoulder pain. Homeopathic medicines help to magnificently relieve shoulder pain along with managing other associated signs and symptoms like swelling, stiffness, tenderness, redness and heat in the shoulder.  As shoulder pain can arise from various causes, homeopathy gives excellent relief by treating the root cause behind it. In conventional treatment, pain killers, NSAIDs (nonsteroidal anti – inflammatory drugs) and steroids are recommended. These medicines are known to cause side effects from prolonged use, they also carry chances of creating dependency. Therefore, homeopathic medicines can be a great alternative to manage pain.

Homeopathy treats the root cause

For long-term relief in shoulder pain, the cause needs to be treated and homeopathic medicines follow this rule. For example, homeopathy helps in decreasing any inflammation and helps heal the muscles, tendons, and ligaments as the case may be, by encouraging natural healing within the body. Once the cause is addressed, the pain reduces and also any swelling or stiffness (if present) gets better.

Effective cure for Acute / Chronic cases

Homeopathy gives remarkable results in both acute and chronic cases. The acute cases get well quite quickly with homeopathic medicines. While chronic cases might take some more time to resolve completely, relief is noticeable in the very early phase of treatment. A gradual decrease in the frequency of symptoms occurs in chronic cases. With the regular course of homeopathic treatment as prescribed by a homeopathic physician, most of the chronic cases having mild to moderate intensity recover completely.

Safe, Natural medicines

Homeopathy uses natural medicines for shoulder pain. These medicines are made from natural substances and do not cause any side effects. These are safe to use among persons of all age groups.

Top 6 Homeopathic Medicines For Shoulder Pain

The most commonly indicated medicines for shoulder pain – Rhus Tox, Sanguinaria Canadensis, Ferrum Met, Ruta Graveolens, Bryonia Alba and Arnica. 

1. Rhus Tox – Top Grade Medicine

When it comes to treat shoulder pain, Rhus Tox is a leading medicine. The most characteristic feature to use it is shoulder pain which gets worse at rest and better by movement. Rhus Tox is also one of the best medicines to manage shoulder pain arising from injury / overstraining / overstressing of muscles or tendons, inflamed tendons and joint inflammation. In cases needing it, the pain may vary that can be tearing, shooting, stitching or burning type. Along with pain and stiffness, swelling and cracking in the shoulder joint is also present.

When to use Rhus Tox?

It is a well-indicated medicine for shoulder pain arising from injury or over-straining of muscles or tendons, tendinitis and inflamed joints, especially when pain is worse at rest and better by movement.

How to use Rhus Tox?

Both low and high potencies of this medicine work well, however, it is advised to begin with 30C potency. Rhus Tox 30C can be taken twice or thrice a day as per intensity of complaint.

2. Sanguinaria Canadensis – For Shoulder Pain On Right Side

Sanguinaria Canadensis is the most frequently prescribed medicine for shoulder pain on the right side. In cases needing it, there occurs difficulty in raising the arm due to excessive shoulder pain. This pain extends to the right upper arm. The pain usually worsens during night and while turning in bed.

When to use Sanguinaria Canadensis?

Its use is suggested for right-sided shoulder pain which gets worse at night and when turning in bed along with difficulty in raising the arm.

How to use Sanguinaria Canadensis?

It can be used once or twice a day in 30 C potency but for high potency, kindly consult a homeopathic doctor.

3. Ferrum Met – For Left-Sided Shoulder Pain

Ferrum Met is most suitable for treating shoulder pain on the left side. The nature of shoulder pain is tearing, drawing, or boring. This pain may extend to the upper arm or even below. Persons who need it have worsening of pain on movement and they are unable to raise their arm. Cracking sound may occur in shoulder joint on movement. There may occur relief in pain from warm compress over the shoulder.

When to use Ferrum Met?

This medicine should be specifically selected for left-sided shoulder pain when there is pain with shoulder movement and there is inability to raise the arm.

How to use Ferrum Met?

The most commonly used potency of Ferrum Met is 30C that can be taken twice a day.

4. Ruta Graveolens – For Shoulder Pain Due To Injured Or Inflamed Tendons

Ruta Graveolens is a natural medicine obtained from the plant ‘garden rue’. It is an infallible medicine to manage shoulder pain due to injured or inflamed tendons. Shoulder pain that occurs due to overstretching of the shoulder tendons is also treatable with this medicine. It is used in cases where the shoulder is sore, bruised, and hanging the arms down worsens the pain. Ruta Graveolens helps reduce shoulder pain as well as the inflammation of tendons.

When to use Ruta Graveolens?

If an injured / inflamed tendon or overstretched tendon is giving rise to shoulder pain, Ruta should be given right away.

How to use Ruta Graveolens?

It is advised to take Ruta 30C twice or thrice a day.

5. Bryonia Alba – For Shoulder Pain Worse From Movement

It is a natural medicine to treat shoulder pain that gets worse with the slightest movement. Resting helps ease the pain. The shoulder can also appear shiny-red and swollen. There may occur a tightness sensation in the shoulder. The pain from the shoulder extends down the arm. Bryonia is an important medicine when shoulder pain occurs from inflamed joint.

When to use Bryonia Alba?

A person who experiences an increase in shoulder pain by movement and relief by resting will find this medicine highly effective.

How to use Bryonia Alba?

It can be taken in 30C potency two to three times a day for good results.

6. Arnica – For Shoulder Pain Post Injury

Arnica is a great herbal medicine to manage cases of shoulder pain that occurs after a shoulder injury. It works well when injury occurs from a blow; fall; or overuse of shoulder muscles, tendons; or straining of muscles. This medicine helps in healing injured area. Alongside it relieves pain and soreness of the shoulder.

When to use Arnica?

Arnica should be used as a first remedy to manage shoulder pain arising from an injury, strain or overuse of muscles and tendons. 

How to use Arnica?

Arnica acts most wonderfully in 30C potency. Arnica 30C can be taken three to four times a day. When relief appears, one may reduce its dose.

Causes Of Shoulder Pain

1. Frozen Shoulder (also known as adhesive capsulitis): It refers to pain and stiffness in the shoulder joint from the thickening and tightening of the capsule that encloses shoulder joint. Keeping the shoulder still for a prolonged period (like in case of a fracture in the arm, when recovering from surgery) is a major risk factor for a frozen shoulder.

2. Rotator cuff injury: Rotator cuff refers to collection of muscles and tendons which offer stability to shoulder and also help in its movement. Its injury includes inflammation of its tendons (rotator cuff tendinitis), strains (these occur from overuse and wear and tear of muscles) and tear of tendons (either partial or complete)

3. Tendinitis and Tendon tear: Tendinitis means inflamed tendons (tissue bands that connect muscle to a bone). An injury or degeneration in tendons of shoulders (rotator cuff tendons are commonly injured tendons) can lead to tendon tear. The tear may be partial or complete.

4. Impingement syndrome: Pinching of tendons of rotator cuff in shoulder bones

5. Sprain in shoulder: Twisting of ligaments (tissue bands that connect one bone to another bone) of shoulders

6. Shoulder Bursitis (subacromial bursitis): Bursa refers to a fluid-filled sac in the joint that reduces friction in joint structures to allow smooth joint movement. Shoulder bursitis results when this bursa gets inflamed. It may happen from an injury or joint inflammation.

7. Shoulder Arthritis: It refers to an inflamed shoulder joint. It may occur from osteoarthritis (degenerative changes in joints usually from age-related wear and tear or sometimes from an injury). It may also result from rheumatoid arthritis (an autoimmune disorder characterized by swollen, inflamed, painful, stiff joints) and septic arthritis (serious joint infection caused by bacteria or virus).

8. Overuse or repetitive use of shoulder leading to an injury

9. Bone spurs: Extra bony growths projecting along the edge of the bone

10. Bone Fracture in the shoulder or dislocated shoulder

11. Nerve pinching in the neck or shoulder

12.  Referred pain: In some cases, shoulder pain occurs from a problem in a body part other than the shoulder itself, for example, a problem in the liver, or gallbladder. It is known as referred pain.

What is a chalazion?

Chalazion, also known as meibomian cyst, is a small cyst or lump in the eyelid caused by inflammation or blockage of the meibomian gland. Meibomian glands are sebaceous glands on the eyelid that produce an oily substance that prevents evaporation of the eye’s tear film and lubricates the eye. A most common condition resembling chalazion is the stye. The major difference between the two is that chalazion forms away from the eyelid margin and is painless, while a stye forms at the eyelid margin and is painful.

Homeopathic Treatment

Under the conventional mode of treatment, surgical removal of the chalazion is advised. However, homeopathy can treat chalazion very successfully in a non-invasive manner, taking a natural, gentle, yet effective approach. Homeopathic medicines dissolve the chalazion and may prevent recurrence.

Homeopathic Medicines For Chalazion

Some top-grade homeopathic medicines to treat chalazion are Conium Maculatum, Calcarea Fluor, Thuja Occidentalis, Staphysagria and Silicea. These medicines are known to show the most wonderful results in treating chalazion cases.

1. Conium Maculatum – Top Grade Medicine

Conium Maculatum is a very effective medicine for treating chalazion. It is best when chalazion is felt as a hard node. Watering from eyes may also be there. Eyelids may feel heavy. Conium aids to dissolve chalazion naturally without any side effects.

When and How to use Conium Maculatum?

Conium Maculatum can be used as a first line for treatment in cases of chalazion, especially hard ones. Conium shrinks and dissolves chalazion quite effectively. Conium 30 C once a day is an ideal dose to start with.

2. Calcarea Fluor – For Markedly Hard Chalazion

Calcarea Fluor has similar action to Conium to treat hard nodes on eyelids. It helps treat chalazion that are intensely hard. The hardness is sometimes known as ‘stony hardness’. This medicine acts wonderfully to soften the node and dissolve it.

When and How to use Calcarea Fluor?

This medicine is highly recommended to help dissolve chalazion that is extremely hard. It works best in 6X potency. Four tablets of Calcarea Fluor 6X can be taken three to four times a day at a minimum three-hour gap.

3. Thuja Occidentalis – For Chalazion With Heaviness Of The Eyelid

Thuja is a natural medicine prepared from green twigs of plant Arbor Vitae. This medicine is indicated for chalazion when heaviness of eyelid attends. In cases needing it, chalazion feels like a thick hard knot. Thuja halts further increase in the size of chalazion and helps dissolve the knot.

When and How to use Thuja Occidentalis?

It can be used for cases where chalazion is attended with heaviness in eyelid. Though it is available in different potencies from low to high, it is good to start with 30C potency once a day. Do not use high potency without consulting a homeopath.

4. Staphysagria – For Tendency Of Recurrent Chalazion

Staphysagria is a natural medicine prepared from dried seeds of plant ‘stavesacre’. It is best suited where there is a tendency for the chalazion to recur one after the other. This medicine works to eliminate the root cause behind chalazion to prevent its recurrence. It is also indicated when the stye turns into a hard node. In cases needing it, blepharitis may also be present.

When and How to use Staphysagria?

Consider this medicine in persons who have a tendency to get chalazion frequently one after another. This medicine will help in preventing frequent recurrence of chalazion in them. This medicine can be taken in 30C potency once a day.

5. Silicea – For Infected Chalazion

Silicea is the most helpful medicine for chalazion where it gets infected. Due to infection, the lump on the eyelid becomes red, painful and swollen. It is also tender to touch along with the appearance of a pus point.

When and How to use Silicea?

Silicea is the best prescription for infected chalazion with pain, swelling and pus point in the lump on eyelid. The most commonly recommended potency of Silicea is 6X. It can be used two to four times a day as per the severity of symptom.

Note Any of the above homeopathic medicines can be used for three to four weeks in the recommended dose. In case there is no relief, kindly seek advice from a homeopathic physician. Do not take these medicines more than a month or in high potencies without consulting a homeopath.

How is a chalazion formed?

Chalazion forms in three steps: blockage of the meibomian gland, followed by the retention of sebum secretions due to blockage of the meibomian gland and lastly, formation of the cyst or chalazion from the pent-up secretions. Over time, this cyst turns into a hard node.

Risk Factors For Chalazion

1. Long-term blepharitis (eyelid inflammation)
2. Seborrheic dermatitis (inflamed skin with redness, dryness, flakes with itching on scalp, eyebrows, eyelashes, behind ears)
3. Acne rosacea (skin condition causing redness, flushing of face and acne)
4. Dysfunction of meibomian gland
5. Rarely viral conjunctivitis (inflamed conjunctiva means transparent membrane that covers the eyelid and white of the eyeball)
6. History of chalazion in past
7. Sometimes stye can develop into chalazion if after the resolution of infection some material remains behind clogging the meibomian gland.

Clinical Picture Of Chalazion

1. Chalazion presents itself as a small bump in the eyelid. Initially the bump may be painful when it forms but it stops paining afterward.
2. On examination, a small, hard, node in the eyelid away from the lid margin is felt. In most cases, chalazion is formed on the upper eyelid but at times may form on the lower eyelid as well.
3. Slight irritation and eye-watering
4. Blurred vision if a large chalazion presses against the eyeball
5. Other features that may attend include heaviness of the eyelid and mild eyelid tenderness
6. In a few cases, there are chances of calcification of the chalazion th, ough sometimes chalazion resolves on its own
7. Sometimes a secondary infection may occur in the chalazion leading to the formation of hordeolum internum (a stye i.e. a red, painful bump forming inside the eyelid away from the eyelash base from a bacterial infection of the meibomian glands). In such cases redness, swelling and pain appear.

 

 

 

 

What is Trigger Finger?

Trigger finger, also known as stenosing tenosynovitis, is a condition affecting the tendons of the hand. It is a painful condition in which the fingers or thumb get locked in a bending position. There is difficulty in straightening the affected finger. Clicking or popping sound is heard on straightening the finger. Trigger finger can appear in one finger or may involve many fingers at a time.

Though commonly affecting the right hand, it can affect both hands as well. Trigger finger makes a person anxious and frustrated since it interferes with daily life and work. It affects the efficiency of a person adversely, especially while performing tasks to be done with the hands.

Homeopathic Treatment

Homeopathic treatment for trigger finger is very effective. With the use of homeopathic medicines, the intensity of symptoms like pain, stiffness, and frequency of episodes gradually declines.

To treat any case of trigger finger, case details of characteristic symptoms of the person are required to find the underlying cause. The symptoms are important for the selection of the most suitable medicine for the patient. Homeopathic medicines treat trigger finger by correcting the underlying cause –inflamed, thick tendon sheath in most cases. Homeopathic treatment for trigger finger is natural, safe, and has no side effects. These are recommended for mild to moderate cases of trigger finger. In severe and advanced cases with fixed locking of finger, homeopathy is not helpful and conventional treatment is recommended.

Homeopathic Medicines For Trigger Finger

The top homeopathic medicines for trigger finger are Rhus Tox, Ruta Graveolens, Arnica Montana, Causticum, Merc Sol, and Sulphur.

1. Rhus Tox – Top Grade Medicine

Rhus Tox is a highly recommended medicine for cases of trigger finger. It has magnificent action on tendon and its sheath. Any complaint that arises from overuse or overstraining of tendons can be addressed wonderfully with this medicine. Here overuse or overstraining of tendons of fingers is the root cause behind trigger finger for which Rhus Tox is the leading medicine. In case joint inflammation is associated with trigger finger, there too Rhus Tox is effective. It is helpful in cases of trigger finger where there is noticeable rigidity and stiffness in the fingers during initial movement especially in the morning. Patients needing this homeopathic medicine get relief by moving their fingers and hands continuously. The problem may aggravate by resting the hand.

When and How to use Rhus Tox?

Rhus Tox can be used as a first line of treatment in cases of trigger finger where stiffness is marked in fingers. It will reduce inflammation of tendon, its sheath and reduce stiffness of fingers. It can be used in different potencies from low (30C) to high (200C, 1M) potencies. Initially, Rhus Tox 30C is the most preferred potency that can be taken three to four times a day at a three-hour interval. High potencies are usually not repeated too often and homeopathic physician’s advice is a must.

2. Ruta Graveolens – For Overstrained, Inflamed Tendons And Nodes On Tendons

 

Ruta is a natural medicine prepared from ‘garden rue plant’. It is very effective in treating trigger finger caused by overstrained or inflamed tendons of the hands. Additionally, nodes get formed on the tendons. The fingers get contracted. Tearing or drawing pain is felt in the fingers and hands.

When and How to use Ruta Graveolans?

Ruta can be used in case of pain in fingers and hands where tendons are inflamed along with node formation from over-straining. Though it can be used in varying potencies, the most frequently used potency is 30C which can be taken two to three times a day.

3. Arnica – For Complaint From Overstraining Or Overexertion Of Hands

Arnica is similar in action to the above two medicines. It is well-indicated when trigger finger develops due to over-straining or overexertion of the hands. The patient needing it has soreness and pain in the fingers that gets worse with the slightest touch.

When and How to use Arnica?

When this condition arises from overstraining of hands along with pain and soreness of hands, Arnica can be used. It gives excellent results in 30C potency. Arnica 30C can be taken two to three times a day as per severity of pain.

4. Causticum – For Stiff Fingers With Difficulty In Moving Them

Causticum is a very useful medicine for cases having marked stiffness of fingers. The fingers get bent over the palmar side with difficulty in moving them. These can only be moved with the help of the other hand. Tendons of fingers get contracted and hardened from long-term inflammation.

When and How to use Causticum?

Consider this medicine’s use when fingers are stiff and bent from contracted and hard tendons. 30C is the right potency to use in beginning. Causticum 30C can be taken once or twice a day as per the intensity of complaint.

5. Merc Sol – When There Is Locking Of Fingers / Thumb

Merc Sol is valuable for cases of trigger finger where there is locking of fingers or thumb. The fingers/thumb may be completely bent on the palms. There is excessive struggle to open the locked fingers without assistance from the other hand. Besides, there is stiffness in hands while using them. On moving the hands, fingers make a cracking sound.

When and How to use Merc Sol?

Merc Sol can be used when there is the tendency of fingers or thumb to be completely bent on the palm and get locked there. This medicine will gradually help to reduce frequency and intensity of such episodes though it may not help much in unlocking if the fingers are acutely bent. It can be taken in 30C potency twice a day for good results.

6. Sulphur – For Locked Fingers When Grasping Something

Sulphur can be considered in cases where the fingers lock when the person tries to grasp something. There may also be nodules on the fingers and cracking of finger joints in such cases. A tearing pain may be felt in the hands. Burning sensation in palms may attend.

When and How to use Sulphur?

When there is tendency to get locked fingers on grasping some object, Sulphur can be considered. Sulphur 30C once a day can be taken to reduce such tendency. In case no changes occur, higher potencies can be used after consulting a homeopath.

What Are The Causes Of Trigger Finger?

Trigger finger is caused by irritation, inflammation, scarring and thickening of tendon sheath of the fingers and thumb. Tendons are the strong tissue bands that link muscles to the bones. There is a covering on the tendon called the sheath. In normal conditions, there is smooth movement of the tendon within the sheath while bending and straightening the thumb and fingers. In cases of trigger finger, the space between the tendons and its sheaths becomes narrow due to inflammation or thickening of tendons or sheath of the affected fingers or thumb. This narrowing leads to pain and restricts the movement of fingers.

What Are The Risk Factors For Trigger Finger?

1. Overuse of hands with frequent and repetitive movement of hands and fingers puts a person at risk of getting trigger finger. Individuals who carry out regular or continuous straining movements, like gripping something for a prolonged time are prone to getting trigger finger. Persons in certain occupations or activities in which there is a constant straining of the fingers and hands tend to suffer from trigger finger. Musicians, farmers, and laborers are at high risk of developing trigger finger.

2. Apart from overuse, medical conditions like diabetes mellitus, rheumatoid arthritis (an autoimmune condition that causes inflammation of joints) and gout (inflamed joints from high uric acid levels) also make a person prone to trigger finger.

3. Age: Persons between 40-60 yrs of age at risk

4. Sex: Females are more likely to suffer from trigger finger than males

5. Surgery of carpal tunnel syndrome (numbness and tingling in fingers from pressure on median nerve)

What Are The Symptoms Of Trigger Finger?

Trigger finger can affect any finger or thumb, and either hand can be affected. It can affect multiple fingers at the same time.

1. Mild stiffness or tenderness at the base of the thumb or affected fingers. It is the initial symptom. The stiffness is more in the morning or when the person initiates movement. In some cases, the patient may get relief by continuous movement of the fingers.

2. Pain at the base of the affected finger/ thumb. It is felt on movement or applying pressure. With the progression of the condition, pain may be felt even when the hand is at rest.

3. Affected fingers get locked on bending as the disease progresses and the person finds it difficult to straighten locked fingers.

4. Popping or clicking sound on moving or straightening the affected finger.

5. Locking of finger in the bent position which the person may have to unlock with the help of the other hand in advanced cases. At times there is inability to straighten the finger.

6. Formation of nodosities at the base of the affected fingers in palms.

Grading of Trigger Finger

Grade 1: Only pain and tenderness in palm or fingers; there may be a history of bent finger

Grade 2: There is catching (bending) of finger but can be actively extended

Grade 3: Unlocking of finger requiring passive extension (using the other hand to unlock)

Grade 4: Fixed locking of finger