Abstract

A REVIEW ON VICHARCHIKA FROM AYURVEDIC & WESTERN PERSPECTIVES WSR TO ECZEMA

Dr. Munish Kumar? and Dr. Yamini Jukaria

Abstract

Skin is one of the five ‘Gyanindriyas’ as described in Ayurvedic texts. It is responsible for ‘Sparsh Gyan’ or touch sensation, therefore it plays a great role in physical and mental well being of any individual. It is the largest organ of the body which is exposed to external environment. It protects the internal organs from physical, chemical, mechanical and biological injuries. Any injury or disease in the skin becomes a great problem for a person because it is visible for all. The protective ability however may not always be able to deal with the environmental stimulus and this leads to the production of skin diseases. The protective ability of an individual is influenced by a variety of factors which include genetic factors, nutritional deficiencies, poor hygiene, overcrowding, other diseases and intake of certain drugs. Ayurveda has also described various factors which can cause skin diseases. There are so many diseases which do not kill, but create physical impairment along with psychological stress and strain. Vicharchika is one of them, which is one of the varieties of Kshudra Kushtha. Vicharchika has been compared with the modern disease Eczema by many authors. The clinical presentation of Vicharchika similar to Eczema in modern dermatology. The modern science has greatly advanced, particularly in dermatology but there is no specific medicaments for sure cure of eczema but symptomatic treatments like steroids are used, but they produce serious side effects like nephrotoxicity, osteoporosis, skin cancer etc. Ayurveda offers treatment for the root of eczema by cleansing vitiated Dosha and balancing the Dosha and Dhatus.

Keywords: Vicharchika, Eczema, Kshudra Kushtha.