What is Keratoconus?

The cornea is a transparent layer in front of the eye that covers the iris, the pupil, and the anterior chamber. It is a transparent dome shaped structure, which helps to focus and control the entry of light into the eye. The bulging out of the cornea, like a cone, is known as keratoconus. Protein fibers assist in holding the cornea in place. In keratoconus, there is a weakening of these fibers, making it difficult for the cornea to remain in place and causing it to bulge out conically. These changes in the shape of the cornea can appear gradually or suddenly. In some cases, the progression of changes in the shape of the cornea stops after a while; while in others, these changes continue for many years. In advanced stages of keratoconus, there may be scarring of the cornea. Homeopathy offers treatment for many ophthalmic diseases. Keratoconus is one such condition where these medicines can help. Homeopathic treatment for keratoconus is safe and effective, using medicines which are sourced from natural substances. It can be used for people of all ages.

Causes for Keratoconus

The exact cause for keratoconus is not clear. Keratoconus runs in families. Genetic and environmental factors play a significant role in the development of keratoconus. The age at which it starts to appear varies between 10 years and early adulthood. Atopic diseases like allergies, eczema and harsh rubbing of the eyes predispose a person to keratoconus. Keratoconus is also common in individuals with Down’s Syndrome and Marfan Syndrome.

Symptoms of Keratoconus

Symptoms of keratoconus include blurred and double vision, sensitivity to bright light or photophobia, sudden changes in vision, seeing halos around bright lights, and poor night vision. In addition to this, monocular polyopia or perceiving more than two images of an object, is another dominant symptom of keratoconus. In keratoconus, usually both eyes are involved. However, the severity of the problem may vary for both eyes.

Homeopathic Medicines for Keratoconus

Some medicines for the homeopathic treatment for keratoconus are Calcarea Iodata, Euphrasia Officinalis, and Pulsatilla Nigricans. These medicines have no side effects. A detailed case taking, based on prominent symptoms, is required to select the appropriate homeopathic medicine for keratoconus. Every case of keratoconus needs to be considered individually, studied thoroughly, analyzed, and evaluated, to decide on the homeopathic prescription that will give the best results. Homeopathic medicine for keratoconus helps by managing the problem symptomatically. They also contribute in halting the progression of the keratoconus.

What is Slow Digestion?

Slow digestion refers to a delay in the functioning of the stomach and intestines. There is a slow down of the movement of food through the digestive tract. This slow down leads to various signs and symptoms. Slow digestion affects the daily life of a person. Homeopathic treatment for slow digestion is gentle and efficient, and helps by increasing the appetite by improving digestion. These natural medicines decrease the intensity and frequency of symptoms caused by slow digestion like nausea, constipation, and abdominal fullness. Homeopathic medicines, along with lifestyle and dietary changes, not only give symptomatic relief to the patient but also help in treating the underlying cause of slow digestion. Therefore, a detailed case taking of the patient is essential. It helps in finding the cause as well as in the selection of the most suitable homeopathic medicine for Slow Digestion.

Reasons for Slow Digestion

The gastrointestinal tract includes the mouth, esophagus, stomach, intestines, rectum, and the anus. Digestion of food occurs with the muscular movement of the stomach and intestines, along with the help of enzymes and hormones. These movements assist in the breaking down and movement of food through the gastrointestinal tract. The muscular movements are under the control of the vagus nerves. Any damage to the vagus nerve due to illness or injury reduces this movement leading to slow digestion.

Why You Get Slow Digestion?

The exact cause of slow digestion is not clear. But certain factors can contribute to this condition. Diet is a major factor in regulating the pace of digestion. Unhealthy eating can lead to slow digestion. Food low in fiber and rich in fat, refined or processed food, also causes slow digestion. Low water intake is another contributing factor in slow digestion. Another important reason is a sedentary lifestyle or lack of physical activity. Stress can also make a person prone to slow digestion. Certain medication like antidepressants, narcotics, and iron supplements can also increase the risk of slow digestion. Slow digestion also associates with medical conditions like hypothyroidism, uncontrolled diabetes mellitus, nervous disorders including multiple sclerosis and Parkinson’s disease, scleroderma, amyloidosis, and gastrointestinal disorders like diverticulitis, or as a complication of Crohn’s syndrome. Apart from above causes, slow digestion may develop after surgery on the digestive tract.

How Will You Know That You Have Slow Digestion?

The signs and symptoms of slow digestion may differ from person to person. Even the intensity and frequency of symptoms may vary in the same individual at different times. Symptoms may be mild to severe. Symptoms may also depend on the part of the digestive tract involved. It includes lack of appetite, nausea, and a burning sensation in the food pipe or stomach. There are belching and a sense of fullness even after eating a small amount of food, as well as pain and distention in the stomach or abdominal area. Vomiting usually occurs after a few hours of the last meal, and consists of undigested food. There is bloating in the abdomen, gas formation, and constipation.

Homeopathic Treatment for Slow Digestion

Beneficial homeopathic medicines for slow digestion are Abies Nigra, Pulsatilla, Carbo Veg, Ipecachauna, Lycopodium, China, Alumina, and Nux Vomica. These are natural homeopathic medicines and have no side-effects. They are safe to use for all age groups.

1. Abies Nigra – Homeopathic Medicine for Slow Digestion with Lodging of Food in the Food Pipe

Abies Nigra is a beneficial homeopathic medicine for slow digestion in cases where food is lodged in the food pipe or the stomach. The patient may describe it as a sensation of a hard lump in the stomach region, which he feels like coughing up. In most cases, the symptoms may get worse after eating or drinking tea.

2. Pulsatilla – Homeopathic Medicine for Slow Digestion with Belching

Pulsatilla is an effective homeopathic treatment for slow digestion accompanied by belching. There may be a bitter taste with frequent eructations, heaviness in the stomach, and the taste of food in the mouth remains for a long time. In most cases, the complaints get worse after eating fatty food.

3. Carbo Veg – Homeopathic Medicine for Slow Digestion with Heartburn

Carbo Veg is a highly recommended homeopathic medicine for slow digestion where heartburn is the chief complaint. There may be burning and an empty feeling in the stomach which is not relieved by eating. The patient may get symptoms even after eating a small portion of simple food. Digestion is so slow that food ferments before it can be digested. In most cases, pain gets worse on lying down.

4. Ipecacuanha – Valuable Homeopathic Medicine for Slow Digestion with Constant Nausea

Ipecacuanha is a beneficial homeopathic treatment for slow digestion with nausea and vomiting. There is persistent nausea with profuse salivation in such cases. Vomiting may occur immediately after eating and may contain undigested food or water. Even vomiting doesn’t give relief to the patient. In most cases, nausea may get worse after drinking cold water.

5. Lycopodium – Best Homeopathic Medicine for Slow Digestion with a Distended Abdomen

Lycopodium is an effective homeopathic treatment for slow digestion accompanied by distention of the abdomen. It works well for digestive problems that develop slowly. The intestines are the main organ affected. The key feature in such cases is flatulence. There may also be pain and tension in the lower abdomen. The patient may complain of abdominal bloating immediately after eating a small quantity of food. A sensation of tightness may be present around the waist. The patient may complain of sounds from the abdomen due to gas, and pass wind with difficulty and much noise. In most cases, the patient feels better after consuming hot drinks. Lycopodium works well for chronic gastric complaints in diabetic patients.

6. China – Excellent Homeopathic Medicine for Abdominal Fullness Due to Slow Digestion

China is a beneficial homeopathic treatment for slow digestion with abdominal fullness. The patient may complain of fullness even after eating fruits. In such cases, the abdomen is very sensitive to touch and pressure. The fullness remains for a long time after a meal. The patient may feel as if he had just eaten. There may be an accumulation of gas in the abdomen along with pain. Even passing wind doesn’t give any relief to the patient. In most cases, consuming warm drinks further delays digestion.

7. Alumina – Beneficial Homeopathic Medicine for Constipation Due to Slow Digestion

Alumina is a highly recommended homeopathic treatment for constipation with slow digestion. The intestines are inactive in such cases, and the highlighting feature is excessive strain while passing stool. There may be a painful urge to pass stool long before the actual passing of stool. Even the passage of soft stool is difficult. In most cases, the condition gets worse by eating potatoes.

8. Nux Vomica – Suitable Homeopathic Medicine for Slow Digestion Caused by Sedentary Lifestyle

Nux Vomica is a good treatment in cases where a sedentary lifestyle leads to slow digestion. In such situations, patients feel weight and pain in the stomach. The stomach is very sensitive to touch, and there is a sour taste in the mouth. There is an urge to vomit, and vomiting relieves the symptoms. There is also a constant urge to pass stool, and the patient can pass only a little stool each time. Also, after passing stool, an uneasiness is felt in the rectum along with an unsatisfactory feeling. In most cases, the complaint gets worse after alcohol or coffee intake.

A decrease in the blood platelet count is known as thrombocytopenia. The bone marrow, which is a spongy tissue inside the bones, produces blood platelet cells. These cells circulate in the blood and help in blood clotting. Blood platelet count varies between 1,50,000 and 4,50,000 per micro liter of blood. Dropping of the platelet count below this range is known as thrombocytopenia. Homeopathy treats various diseases by following a holistic approach. Homeopathic treatment for thrombocytopenia is based on the individual symptoms of the person. Dealing with thrombocytopenia under homeopathy requires a detailed case taking. The site of bleeding must be accurately noted. Following this, a complete analysis and evaluation of the case should be done to finalize the homeopathic prescription.

What are the Causes of Thrombocytopenia?

Thrombocytopenia can be inherited or acquired. The term inherited means a genetic transmission of this condition from parents to offspring. Acquired thrombocytopenia implies that the person is not born with this condition, but he has developed it at a later stage. Thrombocytopenia arises either from a decreased production of platelets in the bone marrow or when the destruction of platelets is higher than the rate of its generation. Another reason for thrombocytopenia is the trapping of too many platelets in the spleen which may happen because of an enlarged spleen. A decrease in the production of platelets may arise from cancer, including leukemia and lymphoma; viruses like rubella, mumps, HIV and Epstein-Barr virus; aplastic anemia; excess alcohol intake; inherited syndromes like Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome, thrombocytopenia absent radius syndrome and May-Hegglin anomaly; or decreased production of thrombopoietin by the liver. An increase in the breakdown of platelets may arise from autoimmune diseases like lupus, and is known as immune thrombocytopenia; idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura; thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura; medicines like heparin, sulfa drugs, anticonvulsants; virus like cytomegalovirus, mononucleosis; and pregnancy.

Signs and Symptoms

The signs and symptoms of thrombocytopenia include purpura, petechiae spots, bleeding from the nose and gums, and blood in the urine and stool. Purpura refers to purplish spots or blotches on the skin which are less than 3 mm in diameter. These arise from internal bleeding of small blood vessels. Petechiae are pinpoint hemorrhagic spots, red or purple, on the skin. Other symptoms of thrombocytopenia are prolonged bleeding from wounds, cuts, and excessive bleeding during menses. General weakness and fatigue may also be there. Sometimes a person may suffer from thrombocytopenia without displaying any of these symptoms, and platelets may be found to be low on doing routine blood tests.

Homeopathic Medicines for Thrombocytopenia

Homeopathic medicines for thrombocytopenia include Crotalus Horridus, Iodum, Latrodectus Mactans, Phosphorus, Secale Cor, and Bothrops Lanciolatus. These medicines help in controlling hemorrhages and raising blood platelets. A person should take homeopathic treatment for thrombocytopenia under the supervision of a homeopathic physician. Avoid self-medication.

The inflammation and infection of the hair follicles on the scalp is known as scalp folliculitis. The medical term for scalp folliculitis is acne necrotica miliaris. Another term is proprionibacterium folliculitis. The scalp is one of the major places for folliculitis as the follicles on the scalp are the most dense. The primary feature of this condition is the formation of red-colored itchy pimples or pustular eruptions on the scalp. This condition needs an early diagnosis and treatment as it carries the risk of permanent damage to the hair follicle and resultant hair loss.

Homeopathy is a natural healing science that offers great treatment for numerous skin ailments including scalp folliculitis. Homeopathic medicines are very beneficial to reduce inflammation of hair follicles, control the further progression and spread of the problem alongside healing eruptions on the scalp. It also helps in the management of the attending symptoms like itching, burning and pain. With homeopathic medicines, the intensity and frequency of symptoms gradually decline. They also manage hair loss. These can help to treat acute, chronic cases and also reduce the likelihood of recurrence of problem.

Homeopathy boost the self-healing mechanism

As scalp folliculitis may occur due to various reasons, homeopathy targets the specific underlying cause behind it. By stimulating the self-healing mechanism of the body, homeopathic medicines help overcome the cause behind it to bring great recovery in scalp folliculitis cases. By following the proper course of homeopathic treatment under the guidance of a homeopathic expert, most cases recover almost completely. The results however vary from case to case according to the intensity and duration of the problem.

Homeopathy does not recommend use of external application

As scalp folliculitis does not arise from any external source, homeopathy does not suggest the use of any external application on the scalp like any ointment, cream, gel, lotion or shampoo as a treatment mode of scalp folliculitis. These may give temporary relief but do not treat the root cause. Homeopathy recommends medicines taken orally that treat the basic cause and address the complaint internally at its root that cures the complaint on the skin surface.

Natural medicines

Homeopathic medicines are natural remedies that are mild and gentle to use, especially for the treatment of skin disorders. They have no side effects because the preparation of homeopathic medicine for scalp folliculitis is with natural products.

Top 8 Homeopathic Medicines for Scalp Folliculitis

The most commonly indicated medicines for scalp folliculitis are Sulphur, Silicea, Calcarea Sulph, Graphites, Mezereum, Merc Sol, Hepar Sulph and Arsenic Album.

1. Sulphur – For Scalp Folliculitis with Red Pimples with itching, burning

Sulphur is a very effective homeopathic treatment for scalp folliculitis where pimples appear on the scalp. In such cases, there is dryness, itching and burning on the scalp. Symptoms get worse in warm environment and on washing the scalp.

When to use Sulphur?

Sulphur is the best choice of medicine to manage red pimples that are very itchy along with burning sensation in case of scalp folliculitis.

How to use Sulphur?

This medicine is usually used in 30C potency. Sulphur 30C can be used once a day in moderate to severe cases while in mild cases can be used once or twice a week only.

2. Silicea – For Scalp Folliculitis with Pustular Eruptions

It is a very good medicine for folliculitis conditions with suppuration (pus formation). Silicea gives great results in cases of scalp folliculitis where pustules (pus filled eruptions) develop. It helps in absorbing pus and quick healing. The eruptions may be itchy, and the itch worsens during the day. Patients may also see an increase in sweating.

When to use Silicea?

Silicea is an excellent medicine to handle scalp folliculitis cases with presence of pus-filled bumps (i.e. pustules) that may be itchy during the daytime.

How to use Silicea?

Silicea is most of the times preferred in 6X potency that can be used twice or thrice a day.

3. Calcarea Sulph – For Yellow Discharge From Eruptions

Calcarea Sulph is a great homeopathic treatment for scalp folliculitis where the outbreaks are painful and ooze yellow discharge. The eruptions heal slowly and form a yellow crust. It is also indicated for hard swelling on the scalp on the hair margins that are painful to touch. These may bleed as well on scratching.

When to use Calcarea Sulph?

This medicine is recommended to manage scalp folliculitis when eruptions ooze yellowish discharge and from yellow crusts.

How to use Calcarea Sulph?

This medicine can be taken in 6X power two to three times a day.

4. Graphites – For Scalp Folliculitis when Discharge is Sticky

Graphites is a useful homeopathic treatment for scalp folliculitis where the primary feature is sticky discharge from the eruptions. The eruptions are moist rather than dry. These eruptions may also be very itchy. Washing the scalp may give temporary relief.

When to use Graphites?

It is an effective medicine for managing eruptions that ooze sticky fluid along with itching in scalp folliculitis cases.

How to use Graphites?

It works best in 3X potency that can be taken once daily. The dose can be increased as per the case afterwards.

5. Mezereum – For Scalp Folliculitis with Thick Crust

Mezereum works wonders in cases of scalp folliculitis where the unique feature is the formation of thick crusts on the scalp. Thick discharge may get collected under these crusts. It may also have intolerable itching and ooze a gluey discharge. The patient’s hair may get matted due to the discharge.

When to use Mezereum?

Mezereum can be selected for scalp folliculitis cases with eruptions covered with thick crusts and thick discharge underneath.

How to use Mezereum?

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

6. Merc Sol – For Scalp Folliculitis with Blood-Stained Discharge

Merc Sol is an excellent homeopathic treatment for scalp folliculitis where the eruptions have an offensive, blood-stained discharge. There may be intense itching on the scalp. In most cases, symptoms get worse at night.

When to use Merc Sol?

Merc Sol is a useful medicine for managing blood-stained discharge from eruptions in cases of scalp folliculitis.

How to use Merc Sol?

It is available in different potenices from low to high potency, however initially it is advised to take it in 30C potency once a day.

7. Hepar Sulph – For Pustules With Painful and Sensitive Scalp

Hepar Sulph is a very beneficial homeopathic treatment for scalp folliculitis where the major complaint is pus filled eruptions on the scalp along with pain and sensitivity. The pain gets worse with the slightest touch. The scalp is sensitive to cold.

When to use Hepar Sulph?

This medicine can be considered in scalp folliculitis cases for pus-filled bumps along with pain and sensitivity of the scalp.

How to use Hepar Sulph?

This medicine can be used in both low and high potencies among which the most commonly used is 30C potency that can be taken once or twice a day. Higher potencies should be used under the guidance of a homeopathic physician.

8. Arsenic Album – For Scalp Folliculitis with Hair Loss

Arsenic Album works well in cases where hair fall occurs along with scalp folliculitis. Hair fall is in circular patches. Additionally, dandruff appears as dry scales.

When to use Arsenic Album?

One may opt its use to manage hair loss in scalp folliculitis cases.

How to use Arsenic Album?

Initially this medicine can be taken in 30C potency once a day. Higher potencies can be considered afterwards under the supervision of a homeopathic expert.

Causes behind scalp folliculitis

Scalp folliculitis can occur because of two reasons. The first is infections that include bacterial infections caused by Staphylococcus aureus, fungal infections, yeast infections, viral infections and infections by mites. The second is non-infectious, in which scalp folliculitis develops due to over-production of sebum and oil resulting in clogging of hair follicles.

Risk factors

People having skin diseases like acne or dermatitis are more prone to developing scalp folliculitis. Medications like antibiotics or steroids may contribute to this condition. It can also develop due to irritation caused by certain hair products. Any wound or surgery to the scalp leading to skin damage makes a person prone to scalp dermatitis. Factors like wearing tight skull caps that increase heat, and sweating on the scalp also make the person prone to this condition. Bathing in poorly maintained hot bathtubs or swimming pools is another contributing factor. Shaving the head with infected tools can also cause scalp folliculitis. Apart from the above factors, certain medical conditions like diabetes mellitus, leukemia or HIV/AIDS can make a person prone to developing scalp folliculitis.

Signs and symptoms

The main sign of scalp folliculitis is the development of red pimples or pustules (pus filled eruptions) on the scalp. The eruptions can be very itchy and contain clear or yellow fluid. A crust develops over the eruptions. Burning, pain, soreness or tenderness accompanies these pimples. In severe cases, cases with a delay in treatment, or badly managed cases, there may be permanent follicle damage, scarring, hair loss or bald patches.

A squint, also known as strabismus, refers to a condition in which the coordination of the eyes is disturbed. In healthy persons, both the eyes point in the same direction and the focus of the eyes remains the same. But in case of a squint, the focus of one eye is correct while the other eye deviates. The affected eye can turn upward, downward, inward or outward. The extraocular muscles help in the movements of the eyeball. A squint develops due to the weakening of one or more extraocular muscles. It is a common condition in young children between the ages of 1 to 3 years, but it can affect adults too. Homeopathic treatment for squint is very effective for mild to moderate cases. They help in strengthening the eye muscles gently and naturally. Under this treatment, homeopathy medicines along with eye exercises provide the best assistance to the patient. But in severe cases of squint, homeopathic medicines provide supportive treatment in conjunction with the conventional mode. It helps in managing the symptoms related to vision. Homeopathy treatment for squint is natural and has no side effects. They are safe to use for all ages.

A detailed case taking is essential in every case. Case analysis helps in identifying the underlying cause as well as the characteristic symptoms of each case. These symptoms assist in the selection of the appropriate homeopathic medicine.

What are the Causes and Types of Squints?

A squint develops when the muscles of the eyes are not working properly. There are two types of causes leading to a squint. The first type of cause is congenital. In congenital cases, a squint is present from birth. Also, this condition may be present in other members of the family. The second type of cause is acquired, where a squint develops later in life. Acquired causes include an injury to the brain or nerves, hydrocephalus, viral infections like meningitis and measles, accidents, long untreated eye illnesses like hyper myopia or long-sightedness, myopia or short sightedness, or astigmatism, which is a defect in the shape of the cornea. It may also be present in premature babies or children with Down’s Syndrome and cerebral palsy.

Squints can be intermittent – where it appears only for some time or during certain activities. It can also be constant – where it is present continuously. There are different types of squints, depending on the direction of eye movement. The first is exotropic where the eye turns outward; the second is esotropic where the eye moves inward. These are also known as divergent and convergent squints respectively. The third type is hypotropia here the eye turns downward, and the last is hypertropia in which the eye rotates upward.

Signs and Symptoms of a Squint

Signs and symptoms vary from mild to severe depending on the underlying cause and duration of the squint. In newborns and infants, you may notice deviation of the eyes in the initial months of life. It may be temporary and arise due to tiring of the eye muscles. Generally, it goes away by itself. But if it persists, treatment is required. A squint is a very common cosmetic problem which when not treated properly may lead to permanent loss of vision. It may affect one or both eyes. As mentioned earlier, since the patient is unable to focus both eyes at one point, he may move his face or head in a particular direction to use the eyes together. Either the person may see with one eye or develop double vision, also known as lazy eye or amblyopia. There may also be a loss of deep perception.

Homeopathic Medicines for Squint

Top homeopathic medicines for squint are Physostigma, Jaborandi, Cyclamen, Gelsemium, Natrum Mur, Ruta, Alumina, Cicuta, and Stramonium. Physostigma is a top ranked homeopathic medicine for squint cases with short-sightedness. There may be profuse watery discharge the patient may complain of weakness in the eyes. Jaborandi is a highly recommended homeopathic medicine for squint with long-sightedness. In such cases, the eye turns upward and inward. Cyclamen is a useful homeopathic medicine for squint where the affected eye turns toward the nose. There may be a burning sensation in the eye. The vision is disturbed, and objects may appear double. The patient may also complain of cloudy vision. Gelsemium is another very effective homeopathic medicine for squint with disturbances in vision. The patient may complain of blurred or double vision. The eye turns outward when the person is looking sideways and disappears when looking straight. The patient may experience difficulty in opening the eyes. Natrum Mur is a suitable homeopathic treatment for squint caused by the weakening of eye muscles. The person may complain of pain in the eyes when looking downward. The eyes turn outward. Patients may face difficulty working in sunlight or bright light. The symptoms may get worse with fatigue. Ruta is beneficial homeopathic treatment for squint which occurs due to the over straining of eye muscles. Symptoms may get worse due to excessive reading or working in dim light. Alumina is an excellent homeopathic treatment for squint in children where both eyes are affected. The symptoms may get worse during dentition. The child may tend to look at one point constantly. Cicuta works well in cases where a squint appears after certain intervals. In such cases, the patient develops a squint following a fall or a blow. Stramonium is a very effective homeopathic medicine for squint due to brain disorders. The patient may have wide open eyes with marked staring, the vision may be affected, and objects may appear dark and large.