Journal of Ayurveda and Integrated Medical Sciences

2025 Volume 10 Number 5 MAY
Publisherwww.maharshicharaka.in

Ayurvedic management of Vicharchika with special reference to Chronic Eczematic Ulcer - A Case Report

Mahajan K1*
DOI:10.21760/jaims.10.5.57

1* Kusum Mahajan, Assistant Professor cum Consultant, Department of Kaya Chikitsa, Awasthi Ayurvedic Medical College and Hospital, Nalagarh, Solan, Himachal Pradesh, India.

Kushta Roga is classified into two types: Maha Kushta and Kshudra Kushta. Vicharchika (eczema), a type of Kshudra Kushta, presents with symptoms such as itching (Kandu), discharge (Srava), vesicles (Pidaka), and skin discoloration (Shyava Varna). Vicharchika is often correlated with eczema based on its clinical presentation. Modern dermatology has advanced significantly, but there is no definitive cure for eczema. Instead, symptomatic treatments such as antihistamines and steroids are commonly used, which may lead to severe side effects, including nephrotoxicity, osteoporosis, and skin cancer. Ayurveda addresses the disease at its root by cleansing vitiated Doshas and balancing the Doshas and Dhatus without any side effects. Ayurveda emphasizes Shodhana (purification therapy) and Shamana (palliative therapy) to treat the underlying cause. This case study highlights the successful Ayurvedic management of a chronic eczematic ulcer using internal medications, external applications, and bandaging, leading to significant improvement.

Keywords: Eczema, Shamana, Lepa, Vicharchika

Corresponding Author How to Cite this Article To Browse
Kusum Mahajan, Assistant Professor cum Consultant, Department of Kaya Chikitsa, Awasthi Ayurvedic Medical College and Hospital, Nalagarh, Solan, Himachal Pradesh, India.
Email:
Mahajan K, Ayurvedic management of Vicharchika with special reference to Chronic Eczematic Ulcer - A Case Report. J Ayu Int Med Sci. 2025;10(5):356-359.
Available From
https://jaims.in/jaims/article/view/4414/

Manuscript Received Review Round 1 Review Round 2 Review Round 3 Accepted
2025-04-08 2025-04-26 2025-05-06 2025-05-16 2025-05-26
Conflict of Interest Funding Ethical Approval Plagiarism X-checker Note
None Nil Not required 11.36

© 2025 by Mahajan K and Published by Maharshi Charaka Ayurveda Organization. This is an Open Access article licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ unported [CC BY 4.0].

Download PDFBack To ArticleIntroductionCase ReportObservations and ResultsDiscussionConclusionReferences

Introduction

According to Ayurveda, Vicharchika is a Raktapradoshaja Vikara involving all three Doshas, with a predominance of Kapha and Pitta Dosha. Although classified as Kshudra Kushtha, it follows a chronic course with a tendency for exacerbations. Vicharchika is often correlated with eczema in modern medicine, which is a form of dermatitis characterized by inflammation of the upper layers of the skin. Eczema encompasses a range of persistent or recurring skin rashes marked by redness, edema, itching, crusting, flaking, blistering, cracking, oozing, or bleeding.

Many patients suffering from Vicharchika (eczema) who do not find relief in modern medicine seek Ayurvedic treatment with hopes of a cure. Acute eczema is often triggered by exposure to irritants or allergens, involving inflammatory mediators such as prostaglandins and Helper T cells. Clinical features include redness, swelling, scaling, crusting, and intense itching. Severe eczema can significantly impact a patient's quality of life. Modern therapeutic agents for eczema are limited in number and often have long-term toxic effects.

In Ayurveda, the primary treatment for Vicharchika is Shodhana, which eliminates vitiated Doshas. Alongside Shodhana, Shamana Oushadhi plays a crucial role in correcting Dhatus and restoring them to normalcy.

Case Report

A 69-year-old male presented to the Kayachikitsa Department with complaints of itching, oozing wounds, and redness on the lateral side of the leg and medial side of the ankle on the right foot. The condition began after a minor injury caused by an iron nail. The patient had no history of diabetes mellitus (DM), hypertension (HTN), or thyroid disorders. Despite using conventional wound care, the patient experienced frequent relapses. Based on clinical symptoms, the condition was diagnosed as Vicharchika, which correlates with a chronic eczematic ulcer.

Treatment Protocol

1. Internal Medications (Shamana Chikitsa)

  • Gandhaka Rasayana - 500 mg twice daily
  • Kaishore Guggulu - 2 tablets twice daily

  • Panchatikta Ghrita - 20 ml twice daily

2. External Applications

  • Cleansing (Dhavana) with Panchavalkala Kashaya
  • Application of Immunedge Ointment
  • Sterile bandaging to prevent secondary infection

Images of Procedure done

jaims_4414_01.JPG
Step 1: Dhawan with Panchvalkala Kashaya

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Step 2: Lepana with Immunedge Ointment

jaims_4414_03.JPG
Step 3: Bandhana with sterile Bandage


Observations and Results

The patient’s healing progress was monitored using the following clinical parameters:

ParameterBaselineWeek 2Week 4Week 8
Itching (VAS Scale 0-10)8630
Ulcer Size (cm²)5.24.02.00.5
Discharge (Score 0-3)3210
Erythema (Score 0-3)3210
Tissue Granulation (Score 0-3)0123
Pain (VAS Scale 0-10)7520
Skin Integrity (Score 0-3)0123

jaims_4414_04.JPG
Before Treatment

jaims_4414_05.JPG

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During Treatment

jaims_4414_07.JPG
After Treatment

Discussion

The patient's condition improved significantly with the Ayurvedic treatment protocol. Gandhaka Rasayana acted as an anti-inflammatory and detoxifying agent, Kaishore Guggulu promoted wound healing, and Panchatikta Ghrita reduced inflammation. Panchavalkala Kashaya prevented infections, while Immunedge Ointment facilitated skin regeneration. By addressing the root cause, Ayurveda provided a sustainable solution compared to conventional treatments, which primarily offer symptomatic relief.

Conclusion

This case highlights the effectiveness of Ayurvedic management in treating chronic eczematic ulcers. A structured treatment approach using internal and external therapies resulted in significant healing. The patient exhibited marked improvement in symptoms such as itching, ulceration, and inflammation, demonstrating the potential of Ayurveda in managing chronic dermatological conditions.

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