Case Report
Year: 2021 | Month: February | Volume: 11 | Issue: 2 | Pages: 195-199
Management of Contact Dermatitis by Jaloukavacharana (Leech Therapy): A Case Report
Subhash Rai1, Vidhyaprabha R2, Deepthi Surendran3
1Professor, Dept. of Shalya Tantra, Yenepoya Ayurveda Medical College, Naringana, Mangalore, Karnataka
2Associate Professor, Dept. of Shareera Rachana, Yenepoya Ayurveda Medical College, Naringana, Mangalore,
Karnataka – 575018
3Assistant Professor, Dept. of Shareera Rachana, SDM College of Ayurveda, Ujire, DK District, Karnataka
Corresponding Author: Subhash Rai
ABSTRACT
Contact dermatitis is a common skin condition characterized by rashes caused due to contact with chemical or physical irritants, allergic substances or sunlight. The initial exposure to irritant triggers an immune response which later on each exposure causes T cell reaction resulting in inflammation of the effected skin. The contemporary treatment involves identifying and avoiding the irritant as well as topical steroid application which is a palliative approach and does not give a permanent solution to the condition which at times progresses to chronic contact dermatitis. In Ayurveda this skin condition may be correlated to vicharchika kushta. This case report is of a 40-year-old female who came to OPD with itchy oozing rashes with burning sensation which was diagnosed as chronic contact dermatitis. The treatment protocol opted was amahara, jaloukavacharana and shamana. The patient was assessed during regular follow up at 7th, 15th and 21st days and showed significant relief with the treatment. The case is a proof that Ayurveda has the solution for chronic contact dermatitis which often does not respond to contemporary treatment protocol.
Key words: Dermatitis, vicharchika, jalouka, leech therapy.