Atopic dermatitis (AD), complicated by secondary infection, a complex and heterogeneous clinical condition, is characterized by cutaneous manifestations, phenotypic variability and a distinct underlying epidermal pathophysiological mechanism. Whilst conventional treatments merely alleviate symptoms and lead to recurrence, homeopathy addresses the internal cause, advancing a more effective outcome in managing complex dermatological conditions.

A 17-year-old boy presented with chronic AD characterized by dry, indurated, thickened, hyper-pigmented, crusted lesions with pustules and vesicles on the feet, more prominently on the left foot. The homeopathic medicine Graphites was prescribed on an individualized basis following a detailed miasmatic evaluation and repertorial analysis. Treatment response was assessed by the Investigator's Global Assessment (IGA) scale and the Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI), as well as recorded photographically. Casual attribution of clinical outcomes was evaluated using the MONARCH inventory.

Remarkable clinical improvement was observed, with complete resolution of symptoms within 13 months. IGA and DLQI showed progressive improvement over the course of treatment, with scores reducing from IGA = 4 / DLQI = 18 to IGA = 0 / DLQI = 1. The MONARCH score was +9/13.

This case highlights the potential role of individualized homeopathy in managing chronic AD complicated by secondary infection and points to the need for pragmatic randomized controlled trials in this area of investigation.

Received: 30 July 2025

Accepted: 12 December 2025

Article published online:
15 April 2026

© 2026. Faculty of Homeopathy. This article is published by Thieme.

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