Eddie, eight months old, had a rash which seemed related to teething and excessive salivation. It had started a few days before and 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.

When asked whether there were any other complaints, Eddie’s mother explained 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 would then get irritated and fuss. His mother wondered if his chin felt sore. Eddie didn’t want solids but accepted a few bites of really mushy food now and again.

Eddie had experienced a raised temperature 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 was clear.

After receiving the homeopathic 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, professional homeopath, WA