Article: AYURVEDIC MANAGEMENT OF VISARPA WITH SPECIAL REFERENCE TO HERPES ZOSTER: A CASE STUDY

Article Category: Case Reports

DOI: 10.7897/2277-4343.1305115

Pages: 15-19

Author: Sujata B. Jadhav *, Yogita O. Shrotriya, Smita V. Dhurde, Preeti R. Bamb

Abstract: All ages, from neonates to elderly persons, suffer from skin disorders. Though skin lesions are visible, they have cosmetic importance also. The pathophysiology and management of skin disorders are explained in Ayurved Samhitas as Raktavaha srotasa dushtijanya vikara and its chikitsa. Among them, ‘Visarpa’ is one of the most typical acute skin disorders. It is explained in detail apart from ‘Kushta’ vyadhi in all the Ayurvedic Samhitas. According to Ayurveda, visarpansheel (spreading), sukshma pidaka (tiny rash) with shoola (pain), kandu (itching), and daah (burning) are present in Visarpa. The signs and symptoms of Visarpa are correlated with a modern skin disorder called Herpes zoster. Herpes zoster is an actively transmitting viral disease causing localized painful skin rashes, blisters, and burning sensations. A case of 23 years old male who came with complaints of shirogaurav (heaviness of head) and jwarprachiti (mild fever), angamarda (body ache), visarpansheel sukshma pidaka with kandu, daah for two days. The patient was treated with raktamokshan by jalauka and shaman chikitsa. He was advised for pathyakar aahar (dietary modification) and vihar (lifestyle modification). He got relief within seven days.

Keyword: Visarp, Herpes Zoster, Raktadushtijanya vikar, Raktmokshana, Shaman.