Role of Ayurveda in the Management of Allergic Dermatitis (Vicharchika) - A Case Study

Allergic dermatitis is a type 4 or delayed-type hypersensitivity response (DTH) by an individual’s immune system to a small molecule (less than 500 daltons), or hapten, that contacts a sensitized individual’s skin. The mechanism involves CD4+ T-lymphocytes, which recognise an antigen on the skin surface, releasing cytokines that activate the immune system and cause the dermatitis¹. Allergic Dermatitis accounts for 20% of contact dermatoses, and allergens differ greatly based upon geography, personal habits, and hobbies, and often, the types of preservatives that are legally permissible². Allergic Dermatitis resembles with Vicharchika in Ayurveda. In Ayurveda all skin disorders have been classified mainly into two groups, mahakushthas & kshudra kushthas, vicharchika has been described under kshudra kushthas. Vicharchika is one of the common skin diseases is most prevalent among rural & urban areas. In Ayurveda “kushhta” is defined as “twachaha kurvanti vaivarnya dustah kusthamushanti tat” the disease which destroys the skin etc dhatus of the human body is called kushtha. Being a variety of kushtha, vicharchika also destroys affected part of the skin. All kushthas are having tridoshaja origin, hence vicharchika can be explained in similar manner.  Vicharchika is characterized by skin manifestation with symptoms such as Kandu (Itching sensation), Pidika (Papule), Shyava Varna (Blackish brown discoloration) and Bahusrava (Excessive exudation). In Ayurveda, Vicharchika has been described under Kshudra Kusthas. It is having the involvement of Tridosha, with Kapha predominant. It included under Raktapradoshaja Vikaras³.

MATERIALS AND METHOD:

Case report- A 56 years old female Teacher by Profession approached Skin outpatient department of Sri Dharmasthala Manjunatheshwara College of Ayurveda and Hospital, Hassan with chief complaints of itching, reddish black discoloration over the face, neck and scalp since 2 years.

Chief complaints- Complaints of reddish black discoloration over face, scalp, neck since Associated with itching since 2 years.

History of Present illness- A Female patient aged 56years with no comorbidities was apparently healthy 2 years ago. After using hair dye, she developed reddish-black discoloration on face, scalp, and neck. Later gradually, she developed with itching sensation. She was treated conventionally and was getting temporary relief, due to recurrence of the symptoms, she approached Agada Tantra OPD of Sri Dharmasthala Manjunatheshwara College of Ayurveda and Hospital, Hasssan for further treatment.

Local examination-

• Site of the lesions - Face, scalp, neck
• Colour- Reddish black discoloration.
• Character of the lesion - Reddish black lesions
• Discharge – Absent
• Superficial sensation on skin - pain(absent), swelling(absent).

Outcome-

• Kandu (Itching)
• Pidaka (Papule)
• Shyava varna (Blackish discoloration)

Treatment:

On 1^st Day of Consultation (23/8/23)

1. Dooshivishari gulika 500mg 1 tablet twice daily after food for 15days
2. Laghu soothashekara vati 500mg 1 tablet thrice daily before food for 15days
3. Nimbadi guggulu 500mg 2 tablets twice daily after food for 15days
4. Manasa mitra vati 500mg 1 tablet at night daily after food for 10days
5. Marichadi taila 10ml once daily for external application
6. Virechana choorna 5g once at night daily with warm water after food for 15days

1^st follow up on 13/9/23 

1. Dooshivishari gulika 500mg 1 tablet twice daily after food for 15days
2. Laghu soothashekara vati 500mg 2 tablets once daily before food for 15days
3. Nalpramadi taila 10ml once daily for external application

2^nd follow up on 27/9/23

1. Dooshivishari gulika 500mg 1 tablet twice daily after food for 15days
2. Laghu soothashekara vati 500mg 2 tablets once daily before food for 15days
3. Haridra khanda 5gm with warm water twice daily before food for 15days
4. Avipattikara choorna 5gm with warm water once at night daily for 15days

3^rd follow up on 11/10/23

1. Dooshivishari gulika 500mg 1 tablet twice daily after food for 15days
2. Laghu soothashekara vati 500mg 2 tablets once daily before food for 15days
3. Patola katurohinyadi kwatha 10ml with water twice daily after food for 15days
4. Atrisor ointment once daily for external application

RESULTS AND OBSERVATION

Before treatment, the patient had itching, reddish-black discoloration on face, scalp, and neck. After treatment, significant improvement was seen in itching, papules, and discoloration. These results highlight the potential of Ayurveda in providing holistic management for allergic dermatitis, addressing both symptomatic relief and underlying imbalances through natural therapies.

Before Treatment