Eddie, eight months old, had a rash which seemed related to teething and excessive salivation. A number of barrier and rash creams had had no effect. The rash looked red and swollen.
The baby was very restless and seemed "cranky", particularly in the evening. He kept on rubbing the rash, causing some fluid to discharge from one vesicle but was tearful and screamed when the rash was touched during washing or applying cream. His mother had been using a flannel soaked in warm water to wipe the area since Eddie seems to dislike the touch of cold water.
Eddie wanted to be carried but still constantly fretted. This was particularly bad around midnight; he just would not settle.
Homoeopathy seeks to treat the whole person rather than one condition in isolation, so all symptoms occurring at the same time are taken into consideration.
When asked whether there are any other complaints, Eddie's mother explains that for the past month he had been constipated off and on for a few days at a time. He had passed a very smelly stool the day before and it was really loose. When offered water, Eddie just took a little at a time.
How was Eddie's appetite? He was still breast feeding but had been off milk since the day before. He seemed to drink very little at a time and then get irritated and fuss. His mother wondered if his chin felt sore. Eddie did not want any solids but accepted a few bites of really mushy food now and again.
His temperature had been raised around midnight the night before but on examination only the area covered in the rash felt warm. He stiffened when his tummy was touched and seemed to feel uncomfortable. His chest is clear.
After receiving the homoeopathic medicine, the rash quickly subsided and Eddie was a much happier child. His mother was delighted and booked him in for treatment to strengthen his constitution, following this acute episode.
Dimple Kirpalani, AHA Professional member, Aubin Grove & Bassendean - WA
