Ayurvedic approach in the management of Visarpa by Jalaukavacharana - A Case Study

Abstract

Visarpa is a skin disorder mentioned in Ayurvedic texts, characterized by the spreading of disease in various directions across the body. It is considered to be caused by an imbalance of Doshas, particularly Pitta Dosha. In modern, it can be correlated with Herpes zoster also known as shingles. After an attack of varicella, virus lies dormant in sensory ganglia. Zoster is the manifestation of its reactivation.^[1]Among all skin problems herpes gain immediate notice due to its severity in localized spread. There will be reddish eruptions with basal erythema in the skin. These lesions become pustules followed by crust formation. It occurs along the course of spinal nerves. There will be pain, burning sensation and itching in the site of lesions. Herpes zoster occurs at all ages, but its incidence is highest (5 to 10 cases per 1000 persons) among individuals in the sixth through eighth decades of life.^[2]The case presented here is a 50-year-old female who came with complaints of reddish skin eruptions along with itching over right flank region for 2-3 days. Here, Shamana Aushadhi along with Jalaukavcharana (leech therapy) was given to the patients for about 3 weeks. And on the basis of improvement in signs and symptoms assessment is done.