ROLE OF AYURVEDA IN THE MANAGEMENT OF VICHARCHIKA

Dr. Bhaskar M. Perke and Vd. Suraj V. Birajdar*

ABSTRACT

All the skin diseases in Ayurveda have been explained under the heading of „Kustha‟, which are further divided into Maha Kustha & Kshudra Kustha. Vicharchika (Eczema) is a type of kshudrakustha, whichis generally considered difficult to cure & even if it is cured relapses are common. It is often encountered by Ayurvedic Dermatologists characterized with symptoms, namely, kandu (itching), srava (discharge), Pidaka (vesicles), and Shyava varna (discoloration). The clinical presentation of Vicharchika is similar to Eczema in modern dermatology. Eczema is characterized by dry itchy skin with areas of poorly demarcated erythema and scale. In the acute phase, eczema may be vesicular and oozing, in the chronic phase it may become hyperpigmented and lichenified (thickened). No satisfactory treatment is available in medical practice except antihistamines and topical steroids. Ayurveda offers treatment for the root of eczema by cleansing vitiated Dosha and balancing the Dosha and Dhatus. In Ayurveda gives the main line of treatment of this disease is Shodhana, Shamana and Rasayana therapy.

Keywords: Vicharchika, Shodhana, Shamana, Rasayan, Dosha, Dhatus.