Herpes zoster or ‘shingles’ is a Viral Infection resulting from reactivation of the Varicella zoster virus. Primary infections in individuals is known as varicella or chicken pox. Secondary or reactivated disease is known as shingles or herpes zoster.
A 67 years old male patient with feeverish and Localised burning sensation along with Rash Unilaterally localised cluster of vesicles on an erythematous base in dermatomal distribution typical presentation of Herpes Zoster Infection was successfully treated After receiving the data and analysing it with boenninghausens reportorial approach with similimum rhus tox been administered with modifying dose in view of susceptibility of patient with complete resolution of the rash by shortening the duration of disease course ,prevention of complication with effective cure in short duration.
Herpes Zoster after reactivation of the varicella-zoster virus, which after the initial infection with chicken pox Remains dormant at sensory nerve root ganglion. Classic physical findings include Dermatosomal rash i.e. Unilateral, localised painful, group /clusters of herpetiform vesicles on an erythematous base.
The incidence of Herpes Zoster ranges from 1.2 to 3.4 per 1000 persons per year among younger healthy individuals while incidence is 3.9 to 11.8 per 1000 persons per year among patients older than 65 years, Dated-4 Sept 2023[2]
Acute cases lead to post herpetic neuralgia and other complications like cranial nerve palsies, zoster paresis, meningoencephalitis, cerebellitis, myelopathy etc. [1].
There is no curative treatment in modern medicine for it. Whereas, Homeopathic Similimum acts as Curative Medicine within Short Duration in most Harmless way on easily Comprehensible principle of homeopathy i.e. Similia Similibus Curantur.
OBJECTIVE: To illustrate the effectiveness of homeopathic similimum in viral infection herpes zoster.
METHODOLOGY
Study design: Case Report
Study setting: Homeopathic General OPD
Study Instrument: Remedy response evaluation form.
Data was collected and analysed further formulating totality using boenninghausens reportorial method to reach to the similimum, the similimum was thus selected Purely on basis of homeopathic principle of similia similibus curantur law also the dose was adjusted according to susceptibility of patient.
CASE REPORT
A 67-year-old man, reported with feeverish feeling and localized cluster of vesicle below right axilla prior to which there was pain, followed by very intense Burning sensation which was Aggravated lying on right side and affected side .The rash was evidenced during wet rainy weather. Sudden Onset since last 4-5 days, past history: chicken pox in childhood
MENTAL GENERALS: Uneasiness
PHYSICAL GENERALS: Thirst: thirsty, Thermal: Chilly, Sleep: Disturbed, Appetite: unaltered
LOCAL EXAMINATION: Blisters on erythematous base, Redness, noted that the blisters on erythematous base in Dermatomal pattern, unilateral, localized rash at right upper side of lateral chest
DIFFERENCIAL DIAGNOSIS: Impetigo, herpetic whitlow, contact dermatitis.
FINAL DIADNOSIS: Herpes Zoster.
ANALYSIS AND EVALUATION
| SR NO | SYMPTOM | REASON |
| 1. | Right lateral upper side chest | Characteristic location |
| 2. | Burning sensation | Characteristic sensation |
| 3. | <lying right 3+ | Characteristic modality |
| 4. | <lying painful side3+ | Characteristic modality |
| 5. | <rainy weather3+ | Characteristic modality |
| 6. | general restlessness | Characteristic concomitant |
| 7. | dryness with increased thirst | Characteristic Concomitant |
| 8. | sleep disturbed | Characteristic concomitant |
REPORTORIAL TOTALITY
| SR NO | RUBRIC |
| 1. | General – side – right |
| 2. | General – pain – burning |
| 3. | General – lying – side; on – right |
| 4. | General -lying – side; on – painful |
| 5. | Generals – weather – rainy – aggravation |
| 6. | General – restlessness |
DIFFERENTIAL REMEDIES: Rhus Tox, Aconitum, Arsenicum album, Sulphur
FINAL PRESCRIPTION: Rhus Toxicodendron
POTENCY SELECTION WITH REASON
Potency selected: 200 Initially
Susceptibility: Moderate-High, Age 67 years, advancing age, Habitat physical activity.
RESULT:
| Date | Complaints subjective+objective | Remedy dose |
| 29/7/23 | + | Rhus tox 200 4 hourly |
| 30/8/23 | SQ | Rhus tox 1M 4 hourly |
| 1/8/23 | Reduced 80 % | Rhus tox 1 M QDS |
| 4/8/23 | Completely resolved | Stop |
