Ayurvedic management of Unknown Insect Bite (Keeta Visha) - A Case Report

Abstract

Acharya Charaka in Chikitsasthan of Charaka Samhita, Acharya Sushruta in Kalpasthan of Sushruta Samhita and Acharya Vagbhata in Uttartantra of Ashtanga Hridaya recited the origin of Visha and Keeta Visha. Acharya Sushruta has explained Keeta Visha under Jangama Visha (Animate poison) and categorized 67 different type of Keeta under mainly 4 groups. It causes acute as well as severe manifestations in the human beings. The main characteristics of insect bite are itching, burning sensation, erythema at the site of bite. As there are various types of Keeta Visha, hence they vary in their diagnosis and treatment and most of the time they are unidentified as signs and symptoms may resembles the skin disease. This is case report of 25 year old female who had given the history of unknown insect bite and presented to the outpatient department with the complaints of itching, burning sensation, spreading erythema over the skin of neck region. In Sushruta Samhita in Kalpasthan Acharya Sushruta has mentioned Dushivishari Agad as a most potent Agad for all types of Visha. Hence, patient was treated with Dushivishari Agad orally along with local application of Shatdhautghrita which also has Vishaghna properties. In present case Dushivishari Agad and Shatdhautghrita have shown assuring results in the management of unknown insect bite.