Curative Evidence of Individualised Homoeopathic Treatment in a Case of Alopecia Areata

Abstract

Abstract Introduction Alopecia areata is an auto-immune disorder, suffered by almost 2% of world's population, characterised by non-scarring patches over the scalp. Clinical heterogeneity along with an unpredictable course and history make this disease difficult to treat. Patient Information A 19-year-old unmarried female reported with complain of loss of hair from a patch on the top of her head; she experienced gradual increase in falling of hair for past 4 years that resulted in complete patchy baldness over the vertex. She tried all sorts of treatment but failed and was advised for hair transplantation, which she could not afford. Result She has been treated successfully by homoeopathic single medicine Graphites. Over the period of 5 months of homoeopathic treatment, complete resolution was observed. Documentation was done in the form of photographs from the same angle under similar light exposure in every follow-up. Patient's perspective was assessed in each follow-up visit using ORIDL—Outcome in Relation to Impact on Daily Living—scale, and causal attribution of the case has been determined using the modified Naranjo criteria. Discussion and Conclusion Individualised homoeopathic intervention may be a potential alternative in treatment of alopecia, though further research with better methodology is suggested.