Eczema
Eczema, also known as Atopic Dermatitis, is a chronic inflammatory skin condition characterized by itching, redness, dryness, and sometimes vesicular eruptions with oozing. In Ayurveda, it can be correlated with Vicharchika, a type of Kshudra Kushta. It may affect people of all ages and is commonly observed in children but can persist or reoccur in adults. Factors like genetic predisposition, environmental triggers, stress, and dietary habits can aggravate the condition.
Patient Name: Mr. RK
Age/ Sex: 28 yrs/ Male
Presenting complaints:
Ø Itching and dry skin with recurrent rashes on hands and feet since 1.5 years
H/O Presenting complaints:
A 28-year-old male patient was admitted in our hospital with complaints of recurrent dry, itchy rashes over both hands and feet for the past 1.5 years. He had history of seasonal flare-ups, aggravated by cold weather and certain foods. He previously took topical corticosteroids and antihistamines with temporary relief. Lesions were associated with mild oozing and crusting at times.
Vital Parameters:
BP: 122/80 mm Hg Pulse: 76/min
Height: 168 cm Weight: 62 Kg
Ahara: Mixed diet
Vihara: Irregular sleep pattern, sedentary lifestyle
Appetite: Mandagni
Micturition: Normal
Bowel: Vibaddha
Sleep: Disturbed due to itching
General Systemic Examination:
Gait: Normal GC: Normal CVS: S1S2 heard
CNS: Oriented to time and place
RS: NVBS heard PA: Soft, no organomegaly
Clinical Examination:
Skin over dorsum of hands and feet shows dry, scaly patches with excoriation. Itching present. Some areas with lichenification.
Dasavidha Pariksha:
Prakruthi: Pitta Kapha
Vikrutha Dosha: Kapha Vata
Dushya: Rasa, Rakta, Twak
Sara: Raktasara
Samhanana: Madhyama
Satva: Madhyama
Aharasakthi:
- Abhyavaharanasakthi – Madhyama
- Jaranasakthi – Mandya
Vyayamasakthi: Avara
Vaya: Youvana
Pramana: Madhyama
Ashtavidha Pariksha:
Nadi: Kapha Vata
Mala: Vibaddha
Mutra: Sadharana
Jihwa: Saam
Sabda: Sadharana
Sparsha: Ruksha
Drik: Sadharana
Akruthi: Madhyama
Nidana Panchaka:
Nidana:
- Ahara – Excessive intake of curd, dairy products, seafood, and fermented food
- Vihara – Daytime sleep, exposure to cold, stress
Purvarupa: Mild itching and dryness
Rupa: Redness, itching, dryness, scaling, sometimes oozing and thickening of skin
Upasaya: Application of cooling and moisturizing substances, avoiding triggers
Anupasaya: Cold exposure, consumption of curd and spicy food
Samprapthi Gataka:
Dosha: Kapha Vata
Dushya: Rasa, Rakta, Twak
Agni: Mandagni
Ama: Saama
Srotas: Rasavaha, Raktavaha
Srotodushtiprakara: Sanga
Sadhyasadhyata: Krichrasadhya
Samprapthi Flow Chart:
Mithyaharavihara
↓
Kapha Vata vriddhi
↓
Agnimandya → Ama
↓
Srotorodha (Rasa, Rakta dushti)
↓
Twak dushti
↓
Vicharchika lakshanas (itching, rashes, dryness, scaling)
Diagnosis: Eczema (Vicharchika – Kshudra Kushta)
Treatments given:
The patient was admitted for 21 days of inpatient care. Treatment included internal medication, external applications, and Panchakarma procedures.
- Shodhana – Virechana (purgation) with prior Snehapana and Swedana
- Shamanaushadhi – Herbal decoctions and powders targeting Kapha Vata and skin health
- Lepa – External application of medicated pastes
- Parisheka – Pouring of medicated decoctions over lesions
- Dietary restrictions and lifestyle corrections advised
Outcome scales after 21 days of treatment:
Symptoms | Before treatment | After treatment |
Itching | 8 (VAS) | 1 |
Redness | Moderate | Minimal |
Dryness | High | Low |
Oozing | Occasional | Absent |
After 21 days of inpatient treatment, the patient reported significant reduction in itching, redness, and dryness. Advised to continue external applications, dietary modifications, and internal medications for 1 more month for long-term control.
