Role of Jalaukavacharana as emergency treatment of Visarap w.s.r to Herpes Zoster - A Case Study

Abstract

Herpes zoster is an acute viral disease characterised by a painful skin rash along with blisters involving a limited area, which remain for 10 to 12 days. It is caused due to reactivation of Varicella zoster virus (VZV) within patient’s body. Risk factors for Herpes zoster include old age, poor immune system, and patients receiving biologic agents (tumour necrosis factor inhibitors.) The administration of best antiviral drugs or steroids or NSAIDS does temporary suppression of pain, not much relief in burning sensation. And as a result of very low immunity chances of further complications like post hepatic neuralgia are there. Signs and symptoms of herpes zoster are very much similar with Agni Visarap, as it spreads in very fast manner, hence defined as Visarp. Acharya Charak has directly defined Raktmokshan in Chikitsa of Visarp especially when Pitta Dosha is aggravated. Here, a single case study of a 39 years old male is being presented, who came with complaints of acute vesicular eruptions along with severe burning sensation, pain and mild fever. Previously, patient had taken treatment for Vicharchika from our hospital and had great relief in it, so instead of going for allopathic treatment, he directly came to our hospital for treatment. The lesions consist of grouped, tense vesicles distributed along dermatome on chest area, shoulder and scapular region on the right side, along with pus formation in them. On palpation lymph nodes of axillary region were found tender and swollen. As an emergency treatment immediately, Jalaukavacharan was done and along with that Shaman medicine was given to the patient. Consecutively 2 sittings of Jalaukavacharan were done at an interval of 5 days. Assessment of the treatment was done by improvement in signs and symptoms. On1^st sitting 4 Jalokas were applied on the affected region and immediately improvement in pain and burning sensation was found. After 2^nd sitting there was complete relief in pain, and burning sensation. Shaman medicine was continued for 15 days. Lesions of Herpes Zoster were found completely crusted and healed within 2 weeks. Although patient had low immunity from such a long time but during follow up no post herpatic neuralgia was found. The detailed description is given in the full paper.