A Case Report on Successful Ayurvedic Management of Vicharchika (Eczema)

Vicharchika is one of the skin disorders explained in the Kushtha Chikitsa Adhyaya. It can be correlated with eczema in modern science due to its similar manifestations. In Ayurveda, Shodhana (purification) and Shamana (palliative) therapy are described for Vicharchika. A 55-year-old male patient reported to the Kayachikitsa Outpatient Department with the chief complaints of severe itching, pus discharge, painful skin cracks, and scaly patches on the dorsum of both hands and the scalp, persisting for the past two years. He was treated using Shodhana Chikitsa with Vaman (therapeutic emesis) and Raktamokshana (bloodletting) along with Shamana Chikitsa with Aarogyavardhini Vati, Panchatikta Ghrita Guggulu, Brihatmanjishthadi Kwath, and local application of Karanj Taila. All formulations used in this case have properties like Kushthaghna (anti-leprosy), Kandughna (anti-pruritic), and Krimighna (antibacterial), which help in breaking the pathogenesis and reducing the symptoms. Ayurvedic Shodhana and Shamana Chikitsa are useful in the treatment of Vicharchika.