3.16 Sulphur, Case 1
A 50 year old man suffers from eczema, particularly on his chest and scrotum. It itches terribly and he has to scratch until it bleeds. The itching changes place from one spot to the other. He also gets it on the palms of his hands, fingers and upper arm. It is worse at night and from heat and sweat. Also worse from being nervous and drinking beer.
He is not married but has been in a relationship with a widow for the last six months, which is going very well. Until a few years ago he lived with his brother and sister.
He is a nervous type of person and can’t stand criticism. He had a nervous breakdown when he got too much criticism at work. He likes to give rather than receive. He gets very tense when he doesn’t succeed in things.
He has had back pains for 30 years. The pain is cutting and it radiates from his right hip to his groin and thigh.
He also has itching and, occasionally, bleeding piles.
Generals
Weather: warm; < heat.
Perspiration: profuse, < night, < nervous.
Time: > evening.
Desires: sweet, salt, spices (2), meat, cheese.
Aversion: fat, milk, endive.
Sleep: on left side.
Analysis
The theme of spending his life without a partner would indicate Sulphur. Sulphur is also well known as the most important remedy for eczema. Other Sulphur symptoms: < criticism, scratching until the skin bleeds, itching changing place, < heat, sweating, sweet, salt, spices, meat, cheese.
Reaction
After Sulphur 1M he has an aggravation of the eczema that lasts a week. After that it starts to reduce and after a month it is 50% less. He feels better in general and sweats much less. During the next six months his problems diminish until they have almost disappeared.