MANAGEMENT OF HERPES ZOSTER (VISARPA) THROUGH AYURVEDA

*Dr. Kiran Khot and Dr. Jinesh Kumar Jain

ABSTRACT

Skin is the first organ of the body interacting with environmental agents like physical, chemical and biological agents. The worldwide incidence of Herpes Zoster is 5-10% per 100 populations and the Indian incidence is 2-6% per 100 populations. The disease Herpes Zoster closely resembles to a condition called as Visarpa which is described in our ancient classics of Ayurveda. Visarpa is one of the major skin diseases which is explained in detail apart from “Kushta” vyadhi in all the classics. This gives us an idea about the seriousness and significance of this disease. The disease Visarpa is characterized by clinical features such as, aashu - anunnatashopha, daha, jwara, vedana and the nature of sphotas / pidikas are so specific that it is described as agnidagdavat. Though there is tremendous progress in the management of this disease under the heading of the antiviral drugs such as acyclovir, famicyclovir etc., these medicaments are not economically viable. The description of management of Visarpa with different treatment modalities is available not only in the classical literatures of Ayurveda, but also in the later text books. Among the different treatment options VIRECHANA is one which is not only mentioned in the text books but also practiced out by Ayurvedic physicians through the ages. Among the different shamanoushadhis described for Visarpa, DAHA PRASAMANA kashaya is one which is cheaper and the ingredients of the kashaya are readily available. Even PANCHAVALKALA choorna, GHRITA are also easily available and economically viable medications. Hence it was considered to explore the utility of this combined therapy consisting of a virechana, a palliative medication and a topical application, in the management of Visarpa.

Keywords: Ayurveda, Aragwadadikashaya, Herpes Zoster, Trayamnakashaya, Visarpa.