Abstract

CONCEPTUAL REVIEW ON VICHARCHIKA W.S.R TO ECZEMA (ATOPIC DERMATITIS)

Dr. Sanju Ratnam T.S.*, Dr. Indumati Sharma and Dr. Ravi Sharma

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Abstract

All the skin diseases in Ayurveda have been described under the heading of ‘Kustha’, which are further divided into Maha Kustha & Kshudra Kustha. Vicharchika is one of the Kshudra Kusthas which runs a chronic course generally, considered difficult to cure & even if it is cured relapses are common. It is characterized with Kandu (itching), Srava (discharge), Pidika (vesicles) and Shyava varna (discolouration). The clinical presentation of Vicharchika is similar to Eczema in modern dermatology. Eczema (also called atopic dermatitis) is characterized by dry itchy skin with areas of poorly demarcated erythema and scaling. In the acute phase eczema may be vesicular and oozing, in the chronic phase it may become hyperpigmented and lichenified (thickened). Excoriations (scratch marks) are frequently seen. The modern science has greatly advanced, particularly in dermatology but there is no specific medicaments for sure cure of eczema but symptomatic treatments like anti allergic, steroids which produce serious side effects like nephrotoxicity, osteoporosis, skin cancer etc. Ayurveda offers treatment for the root cause of eczema by cleansing the vitiated Doshas and balancing the Doshas and Dhatus. In Ayurveda main line of treatment of this disease is Shodhana, Shamana and Rasayana therapy.

Keywords: Vicharchika, Eczema, Shodhana, Shamana.