A comprehensive approach to the management of venous ulcers(Vrana) – A case report

Vrana (ulcer), in Ayurveda is defined as a structural deformity in the skin and deeper structures (gaatra avachurnana), associated with ruja (pain), srava (discharge) etc and caused either by the vitiation of the doshas or by trauma. Acharya Sushruta has described sixty methods for treating such vranas (ulcers). A 67-years old non-diabetic, non-hypertensive female underwent Ayurvedic treatment after a wound on her right leg did not respond to the conventional medicines even after 2years of treatment. The ulcer was painful and foul-smelling along with darkening and thickening of the skin around ulcer was present, associated with swelling in both foot ,cellulities features in the left leg and she gradually gained weight to the extent of disturbing her sleep and restricting her daily activities. Her Ayurvedic treatment comprised of Sarvanga utsadana followed by Bashpa sweda ,Sarvanga parisheka, Manjistadi kshara basti, Jaloukavacharana and Regular dressing. Ayurvedic treatment was effective in healing the Dushta vrana completely in this case. This suggests the efficacy of Ayurveda in the management of chronic ulcers. However, a detailed study of the same with larger sample sizes will help to formulate a treatment protocol for such cases.