Individualised homoeopathic treatment in alopecia areata: An evidence-based case series

Background: Alopecia areata (AA) is an autoimmune disease characterised by hair loss in patches from one or more areas of skin. While it can affect the scalp, it may occur in other parts of the body as well. No age group is predominantly affected. Objective: This case series evaluates the effects of individualised homoeopathic treatment in patients with AA. Method: A total of 5 cases are included in this study. AA was diagnosed based on presentation of clinical symptoms. Two patients improved with Phosphorus. Another two were prescribed Natrium muriaticum and Typhoidinum respectively. One patient improved with Tuberculinum when indicated remedy Natrium muriaticum did not improve the case despite indications. Medicines in all cases and their follow-ups were prescribed based on clinical signs, totality of symptoms, individualisation and miasmatic analysis of the patient. Result: The improvement was assessed clinically based on symptom reduction and growth of new hairs. Both the patients improved clinically, and new hair growth was seen. This case series provides evidence that individualised homoeopathic treatment is effective in AA cases. Modified Naranjo Criteria for Homeopathy (MONARCH) was used to assess the causal attribution between the medicine prescribed and the treatment outcome. Conclusion: Individualised homoeopathic medicines are useful in treatment of AA.