Clinical Assessment of Chandrashakaladi Vati and Arka Taila in Management of Vicharchika With Special Reference to Dry Eczema: A Case Report

Eczema is a chronic inflammatory skin disease, clinically and histologically very similar to contact dermatitis. Eczema offers a wide clinical spectrum ranging from minor forms presented by a few dry eczematous patches to major forms with an erythematous rash. Vicharchika has been described in Ayurveda texts. It is characterized by symptoms, namely kandu (itching), strava (discharge), pidika (vesicles), rukshata (dryness) and shyava varna (discolouration). This condition has two forms, one of which is ruksha or dry form, and the other is the sravi or the moist form, based on its clinical presentation. The clinical features of ruksha Vicharchika simulate the typical clinical manifestation of dry eczema. In the present case study, a 64-year-old male complained of scaly lesions over both palms, the dorsum of both feet and the anterior aspect of the lower leg associated with severe itching and dryness for eight months. The Ayurvedic diagnosis was made as Vicharchika (dry eczema) based on signs and symptoms. The patient was treated with Ayurvedic formulations, i.e. Chandrashakaladi vati and Arka taila, and the treatment continued for one month. The patient’s condition was assessed for signs and symptoms of dry eczema. During the treatment all the signs and symptoms of Vicharchika reduced to a very high extent. This study shows that cases of eczema can be successfully managed with ayurvedic treatment only without any complications and side effects.