Abstract

AYURVEDIC MANAGEMENT OF VICHARCHIKA (ECZEMA) USING VIRECHANA KARMA AND INTERNAL MEDICATION: A CASE REPORT

Dr. Aditi Gadhave, *Vandana Bokade

Abstract

Background: Vicharchika, a subtype of Kshudra Kushtha described in Ayurvedic classics, is a chronic dermatological disorder that shares many clinical features with eczema.[1,4] It commonly presents with intense itching (Kandu), dryness (Rukshata), hyperpigmentation (Shyava Varna), papular eruptions (Pidika), and occasionally oozing (Srava). Owing to its recurrent nature, the disease often considerably affects the physical comfort and daily life of affected individuals. Ayurveda advocates a holistic treatment approach that combines purification procedures with internal medications to correct the underlying pathological process. Aim: To describe the clinical outcome of a patient with Vicharchika managed through Virechana Karma followed by Ayurvedic internal medication. Case Presentation: A patient with chronic Vicharchika presented with persistent itching, dry scaly lesions, hyperpigmentation and lichenification involving the affected skin. Following a comprehensive Ayurvedic assessment, Virechana Karma was administered as the principal purification therapy, followed by appropriate Ayurvedic oral medications, dietary regulation and lifestyle modification. Clinical progress was monitored through serial assessment of symptoms and visual examination of the lesions before and after treatment. Results: The therapeutic intervention resulted in substantial relief from itching, scaling, lichenification and discoloration. Post-treatment clinical evaluation revealed significant improvement in the appearance and texture of the skin. Comparative clinical photographs supported the observed healing, and no treatment-related adverse events were noted during the course of therapy. Conclusion: This case demonstrates the potential of Virechana Karma, when integrated with Ayurvedic internal medication, in the management of Vicharchika. The favourable clinical response observed in this patient indicates that such an approach may offer a promising therapeutic option for chronic eczema; however, larger controlled studies are necessary to further establish its clinical effectiveness.

Keywords: Vicharchika; Eczema; Ayurveda; Virechana Karma; Panchakarma; Case Report.