Role of Kushthaghna, Kandughna, and Varnya yoga in Vicharchika (allergic contact dermatitis): A case report

Abstract

Abstract: Contact Dermatitis (CD) is the reactive eczematous inflammation of the skin. CD is caused by various daily substances such as shampoos, cleansers, moisturizers, nail polish, dye gloves, and different shoe materials. Allergic Contact Dermatitis (ACD) is a type of dermatitis caused by allergic substances. It has symptoms such as itching and redness with flaky rashes. In conventional systems of medicine, topical applications and systematic use of steroids and anti-allergics are the main treatment modalities for relief. However, these interventions are associated with certain limitations and side effects. In Ayurveda, most of the skin diseases are narrated under the umbrella of Kushtha (~various skin diseases). Among different varieties of Kushtha, Vicharchika (~form of dermatitis) has comparable symptoms with ACD that include Kandu (~itching), Srava (~discharge), Pidaka (~vesicles), and Shyava varna (~blackish discoloration). A 47-year-old female having swelling with small ulcers in the bilateral foot on the contact area of slipper straps for 15–20 days visited the outpatient department, she was diagnosed as Vicharchika considering the clinical presentation. On the basis of Ayurveda principles, she was treated with a combination of Kushthaghna, Kandughna, and Varnya yoga (~formulations) of Ayurveda including Panchatikta guggulu ghrita, Arogyavardhini vati, Punarnavasava, Gandhaka rasayana, Haridra khanda along with Nidana parivarjana (~elimination of etiological factors) of ACD. The patient got complete relief within 37 days of treatment without any side effects. It reflects that Ayurvedic formulations having anti-inflammatory, anti-allergic, anti-bacterial, and blood purifier potential are effective in the management of ACD.