Assessment of the Effectiveness of Jalaukavacharana (Leech therapy) and Shalmali Kantaka Lepa in a Mukhadushika (Acne Vulgaris): A Case Study

Abstract

ABSTRACT Mukhadushika (acne vulgaris) has been described in the context of Kshudra roga in Ayurvedic classics. It occurs due to the vitiation of Vata and Kapha dosha and Rakta as important Dushyas. Acharya Sushruta has described Mukhadushika as a thorn-like eruption on the face. In the modern system, it can be called as acne vulgaris. It is a chronic inflammatory disease, characterized by papules, pustules, and often scarring, mainly on face, upper trunk, and back. Acne vulgaris is a nearly universal skin disorder affecting 79%–95% population of youths. In the current era, diet and lifestyle changes, stress, increasing pollution, and hormonal changes increases the problem of acne vulgaris. In the present case, the patient was treated with Shalmali Kantaka Lepa once in a day for 21 days and Jalaukavacharana (leech therapy) in four settings during 21 days with 7-day intervals. At the end of the therapy, patients had significant improvement in clinical features. From this case study, it can be concluded that seeks the attention of researchers to carry out the same therapeutic measures on lager sample sizes for fruitful clinical output.