Journal of AYUSH: Ayurveda, Yoga, Unani, Siddha and Homeopathy Case Study

Holistic Ayurvedic Approach to Managing Vicharchika (Eczema): Insights from a Case Study

  1. Sangeeta Swavat Department of Kriya Sharir, National Institute of Ayurveda, Deemed to be University, Jaipur
  2. Chhaju Ram Yadav Department of Kriya Sharir, National Institute of Ayurveda, Deemed to be University, Jaipur
  3. Bhanu Pratap Singh Department of Kriya Sharir, National Institute of Ayurveda, Deemed to be University, Jaipur
  4. Gaytri Dhaker Department of Panchkarma, National Institute of Ayurveda, Deemed to be University, Jaipur

Abstract

Background: Eczema is a common skin condition characterized by inflammatory reactions, manifesting as erythema, scaling, and itching. Nipple eczema is a localized dermatitis involving the nipple and areolar region, characterized by erythema and scaling. It may be itchy and painful and occasionally affect non-atopic breastfeeding women. Eczema has quite a resemblance with Vicharchika in Ayurveda. Vicharchika is characterized by skin manifestations having the symptoms Kandu (itching sensation), Pidika (papule), Shyava Varna (blackish brown discoloration), and Bahusrava (excessive exudation).

Objective: The objective of this study was to study the efficacy of mainly Shamana chikitsa in the management of Vicharchika with special reference to Eczema (nipple eczema). Case Presentation: A 28-year-old female experienced diffuse scaly lesions on both breasts with severe itching and serous discharge for 2 years. No abnormalities were noted in the contralateral breast. The patient received Ayurvedic therapy, including Raktha Shodhaka and Kushtahara Shamana Aushadis, Prakshalan, local applications, and Sadyovirechana.

Results: Significant improvement in the Eczema Area and Severity Index (EASI) was observed after 30 days, with complete symptom relief by day 60.

Conclusion: This case highlights the potential of Ayurvedic management for nipple eczema, leading to substantial symptom relief and improved quality of life.

Keywords

References (10)

  1. Kantor R, Thyssen JP, Paller AS, Silverberg JI. Atopic dermatitis, atopic eczema, or eczema? A systematic review, meta-analysis, and recommendation for uniform use of ‘atopic dermatitis’. Allergy. 2016;71(10):1480–1485.
  2. Berth Jones J. Eczema, lichenification, prurigo and erythroderma. In Burns T, et al., eds. Rook’s textbook of Dermatology. 8th edition. UK: Blackwell Publishing Ltd; 2010. doi: 10. 1002/9781444317633. Ch23.
  3. Sharma RK, Dash Bhagwan. English translation on Cakrapani Datta’s Ayurveda Dipika on Agnivesa’s Caraka Samhita, Chikistasthana, Kushta chikista: Chapter 7, Verse 26, Varanasi: Chowkhamba Sanskrit series office. 2014:325.
  4. Kasinatha Sastri, Charak Samhita, Nidana sthana, Varanasi; Chaukhambha Publication; reprint 2012. p. 514.
  5. Sri Satya Narayana Sastri, Charak Samhita, Chikitsa sthana, Varanasi; Chaukhambha Bharati Academy Publication; 1987. pp. 248–249.
  6. Kasinatha Sastri, Charak Samhita, Vimana sthana, Varanasi; Chaukhambha Publication; reprint 2012. p. 660.
  7. Sharma RK, Dash Bhagwan. English translation on Cakrapani Datta’s Ayurveda Dipika on Agnivesa’s Caraka Samhita, Sutrasthana, Vividha ashitapeethiya adhyaya: Chapter 28, Verse 11–12, Varanasi: Chowkhamba Sanskrit series office. 2012:576.
  8. Chudasama HY, Yadav CR. Effect of herbal compounds in the management of vicarcikā (atopic dermatitis): A randomized clinical trial. World J Pharm Res. 2020;9(10):964–976.
  9. Silverberg JI, Thyssen JP, Paller AS, Drucker AM, Wollenberg A, Lee KH, et al. What’s in a name? Atopic dermatitis or atopic eczema, but not eczema alone. Allergy. 2017;72(12):2026–2030.
  10. Davies E, Rogers NK, Lloyd‐Lavery A, Grindlay DJ, Thomas KS. What’s new in atopic eczema? An analysis of systematic reviews published in 2015. Part 1: epidemiology and methodology. Clin Exp Dermatol. 2018;43(4):375–379.
Support