A CASE STUDY OF JEERAKGHRIT VIKESHIKA FOR LOCAL APPLICATION IN THE MANAGEMENT OF BURNS

Management of burn injuries remains a challenging task, as they often result in significant pain, disability, and cosmetic deformity. In India, the estimated annual incidence of burn injuries is approximately 6–7 million. With the rising burden of such injuries, Ayurvedic medicine has gained renewed importance in addressing current and emerging healthcare challenges. It is essential that Ayurvedic interventions demonstrate their effectiveness in promoting health as well as in preventing and treating diseases. Acharya Sushruta, the pioneer of Indian surgery, has described Dagdha Vrana (burn wounds) and their management in the 12th chapter of Sutrasthana. In modern society, the incidence of Dagdha (burn) is increasing due to stressful and fast-paced lifestyles. The present study, entitled “A Case Study of jeerakghrit Vikeshika for Local Application in the Management of Burn,” was undertaken to evaluate the effectiveness of Vikeshika in burn care. Conventional treatments in modern medicine, such as silversulfadiazine, chlorhexidine acetate (bactigauze), have proven efficacy in burn management; however, they have certain limitations. These treatments may not adequately prevent complications such as eschar formation, hypertrophic scarring, post-burn contractures, and cosmetic disfigurement. To overcome these limitations, Vikeshika was applied locally in cases of first- and second-degree burns. Clinical assessment was carried out using specific grading criteria based on the symptomatology of Dagdha Vrana, including Vedana (pain), Srava (discharge), Vrana Varna (wound color), Gandha (odor), eschar formation, discoloration, hypertrophic scarring, and contracture. Based on the observations and results obtained, a conclusion was drawn regarding the therapeutic efficacy of Vikeshika in burn management.