AYURVEDIC MANAGEMANT OF VICHARCHIKA W.S.R. ECZEMA: A CASE STUDY

Vicharchika, classified under Kṣhudra Kushtha in Ayurveda, closely parallels eczema described in modern dermatology. Eczema is a chronic, relapsing inflammatory skin disorder provoked by diverse stimuli such as toxic chemical injury, mechanical trauma, and immunological reactions, with significant global prevalence, especially among children. Eczema affects about 15–20% of children and 2–10% of adults worldwide. In India, prevalence ranges from 3–7% in children and 1–9% overall. Methodology: A prospective, randomized, open-labelled clinical experimental study. A 68-year-old male patient presented with thick, rough, blackish lesions over the bilateral ankle joints, cracks over the plantar region, Strava, Kandu, and Daha for 4 years. The Ayurvedic diagnosis was made as Vicharchika based on classical signs and symptoms. The patient was treated with Snehapana using Mahatiktaka Ghrita 30 ml (test dose), followed by 50, 70, 90, and 110 ml. Vishrama Kala for 3 days consisted of Sarvanga Abhyanga with Ksheerabala Taila followed by Nadi Sweda. Virechana was administered with Trivritta Avaleha, followed by Siravyadha and Prakshalana with Panchavalkala Kwatha, after which Gandhakadhya Malahara was applied. Oral medications included Arogyavardhini Vati 2 tabs BD, Gandhaka Rasayana 1 tab BD, Aragwadadhi Kashaya 15 ml BD, Pancha Nimba Churna ½ tsp BD before food, and Panchatikta Guggulu Ghrita 10 ml BD. Result: The treatment showed significant improvement in the EASI score—from 23.20 (severe) to 6.2 (mild). Marked improvement was observed in subjective parameters with reduced Kandu, Strava, Rukshata, Shyava Varnata, etc. Conclusion: Despite major advances in dermatology, contemporary medicine lacks a definitive curative therapy for eczema. Ayurveda offers a rational and biologically coherent framework for managing chronic inflammatory dermatoses such as eczema. Its emphasis on systemic purification, metabolic correction, and tissue-level restoration provides a complementary approach to modern dermatologic care.