AYURVEDIC MANAGEMENT OF VICHARCHIKA: A CASE STUDY

Abstract

Ayurveda has a vast and in-depth explanation regarding the physiology, anatomy, and pathological manifestations of skin and considers viruddha ahara (incompatible foods) as one of the major causes of different twak rogas (skin diseases). All skin diseases under the sunshade of the Kustha, in other words, can be listed as “Ayurvedic dermatology” in Ayurveda. The pathology of all the Kushta owned by tridosha and, hence, Vicharchika can be explained similarly. Vicharchika has a more significant correlation with eczema/dermatitis in modern science. Eczema is a condition where patches of skin become inflamed, itchy, red, cracked and rough. A 19-year-old male patient complained of lesions over the upper back and arms associated with itching and watery discharge on and off for 1-2 years. He had taken higher steroids and NSAID and used to get relief only during its use. The patient was treated with Virechana karma and certain shamana drugs. A remarkable improvement in the condition was observed in one month.