Chrysophanicum acidum
Chrysophanic acid (chrysophanol) · Plant · Polygonaceae
Chrysophanicum acidum is suited to patients with chronic, stubborn skin conditions such as psoriasis, ringworm, and scabby eruptions around the ears. It has a particular affinity for the skin and eyes, especially where thick crusts, scabs, and pus formation are prominent features.
Key symptoms
- Marked conjunctival inflammation of globe and lid after local application
- Intense photophobia; even slight ray of light causes great pain
- Contraction of pupils with throbbing sensation synchronous with pulse
- Phosphorescent flashes of light before eyes
- Retinal impressions remain after closing eyes
- Swelling of eyelids and irritation of surrounding skin
- Filthy, scabby condition with thick crusts in ear and surrounding tissue
- Powerful irritant of skin and mucous membranes
- Nausea, vomiting, and purging when taken internally in crude form
Worse (aggravation)
- Exposure to any ray of light causing intense photophobia
- Looking at bright objects
Chrysophanic acid. (CH3 C14 H5 (OH)2 O2). (An organic acid obtained from rhubarb and some lichens. A constituent of "Goa powder.")
Clinical
Ophthalmia. Psoriasis. Ringworm.
Characteristics
Tried as a local application in the form of ointment in bad cases of psoriasis on one limb Chry. ac. has caused the disappearance of the eruption on the other limb as well, showing a constitutional action. It has been used with some success in the lower triturations internally in psoriasis, ringworm, and other skin affections, also as a local application in ringworm. It is a powerful irritant of the skin and mucous membranes. Given internally in crude form it has caused nausea, vomiting, and purging. E. W. Beebe, of Milwaukee, relates the effect on a professional friend, troubled with blepharitis, who applied to his eyelid a one-in-ten ointment made with vaseline. The effect was immediate: marked conjunctival inflammation of globe and lid, contraction of pupils, intense photophobia, the least ray of light producing great …
Classical texts are in the public domain. Educational reference only — not medical advice.
