Article: ACUTE MANAGEMENT OF VISARPA (HERPES ZOSTER): A CASE REPORT

Article Category: Case Reports

DOI: 10.7897/2277-4343.120494

Pages: 1-3

Author: Ashwini K Sori *, Ravishankar Pervaje

Abstract: Herpes zoster (Visarpa) is infection that results in the formation of painful red skin rashes due to reactivation of Varicella-Zoster Virus from its latent state present in a posterior dorsal root ganglion. The worldwide incidence of Herpes Zoster is 5-10% per 100 populations. In our ancient classics of Ayurveda, the diseased mentioned as visarpa resembles herpes zoster which is mentioned apart from Kushtha vyadhis. The attributes to acute symptoms like an utana shopha, daha, jwara, vedana and the nature of sphotas / pidikas are so specific that it is described as agnidagdhavat. The management of disease in contemporary system is though only symptomatic done with antiviral drugs. The description of management of Visarpa with different treatment modalities is available in the classical literatures of Ayurveda having promising results, so here is a case report of a female patient presenting with lesions over the neck region with itching, fever and burning sensation, Dhara, lepa, mridu shodhana was given along with oral medications by the end of 5 days treatment patient showed good improvement in symptoms.

Keyword: Herpes zoster; Shamana; Shodhana; Visarpa