Individualised homoeopathic management of borderline tuberculoid leprosy: A case report

Leprosy, also known as Hansen’s disease, is a slowly progressive infection due to Mycobacterium leprae that mainly affects the skin and peripheral nerves and may lead to sensory loss and disability if untreated. Borderline leprosy represents an immunologically unstable spectrum of the disease with variable clinical manifestations. Among the various clinical subtypes, Borderline Tuberculoid (BT) leprosy is characterised by a few well-defined hypopigmented anaesthetic plaques with asymmetrical peripheral nerve involvement, resulting in sensory deficits such as numbness and loss of pain perception, and the diagnosis was supported by clinical findings and histopathology, while slit-skin smear examination was negative.” Case summary: A 15-year-old male patient presented with complaints of skin eruptions over the left forearm, medial aspect of the right elbow joint, and finger of the right hand for a period of one year. The patient had been receiving WHO multidrug therapy under a dermatologist’s supervision for 8 months, but there was no significant improvement. Dermatological evaluation and histopathology were suggestive of borderline tuberculoid leprosy. Based on detailed case-taking, totality of symptoms, repertorial analysis, and referring to the Materia medica, Baryta Carbonica 30C was initially prescribed, followed by a placebo. During the subsequent follow-ups, due to a change in the symptomatology of the patient, Silicea Terra 30C was prescribed. Gradual improvement was observed in lesion appearance, sensation, and general well-being during follow-up. This case highlights the effectiveness of individualised homoeopathic treatment in managing the Borderline Tuberculoid leprosy case. Homoeopathy emphasises a holistic approach by considering mental, physical and general symptoms along with individual susceptibility.