Ayurveda management of Dushta vrana (~putrefied wound) due to the viper bite – An experience

Development of Dushta vrana (~putrefied wound) as a complication is widespread in individuals who survived from viper bite. The severity of the complications depends on the potency and quantity of venom injected. A 45-year-old male patient reported to the outpatient department with complaints of a nonhealing ulcer at the left ankle associated with pain, burning sensation, oozing, and discoloration around the ulcer for two months, with a score of 54 on the Bates-Jensen Wound Assessment Tool (BWAT). The condition was initially managed at a conventional medical center, followed by management at a folklore practitioner. However, the symptoms worsened after two months of management. Hence, the patient visited the Ayurvedic hospital for ulcer management. The management of Dushta vrana was planned according to the Ayurveda principles of Vishahara (~antipoisonous), Dushta vranahara (~pacifying nonhealing/putrefied wound), and Dushivishahara chikitsa (~pacifying weak poison). The patient was treated with Ayurvedic management procedures, including internal medicines for two months, which was completed in three schedules. The wound was reassessed periodically using the BWAT. This case report indicates that applying appropriate Ayurvedic principles and selecting suitable combinations of medicines can successfully manage such clinical conditions, further avoiding deformities and thereby preventing other severe outcomes like amputation.