The Effect Of Vaman Karma And Shaman Aushadhi In Pyoderma- A Case Study

Abstract

Pyoderma means any skin disease that is pyogenic (having pus). These include superficial bacterial infections such as impetigo, impetigo contagiosa, ecthyma, folliculitis, Bockhart's impetigo, furuncle, carbuncle, tropical ulcer. Autoimmune conditions include Pyoderma gangrenosum. Pyoderma affects more than 111 million children worldwide, making it one of the three most common skin disorders in children along with scabies and tinea.^[1]

            In Ayurveda, skin diseases are included under the heading of Kushtha (~ Leprosy)   and Kshudra Rog (~ Skin diseases). In this case, type of Pyoderma may be correlated with Shataru (~ one type of Skin disease in Ayurveda) according to their sign and symptoms in Ayurveda. Shataru is Tridoshaj Vyadhi (Vata-Pitta-Kapha) having Kapha-Pitta dominance.^[2] Charak has explained Vaman-Virechan Chikitsa (~ Emesis-Purgation therapy) in Kushtha Vyadhi (~ Leprosy).^[3] Charak has explained the line of treatment according to predominance Doshas i.e. Ghrutapan (~ intake of medicated ghee) in Vata dominant, Vaman (~ Emesis) in Kapha dominant and Virechan (~ Purgation) in Pitta dominant Kushtha (~ Leprosy).^[4] In this case the effects of Vaman Karma (~Emesis) followed by Shaman Chikitsa (~Oral Medication) in Shataru with respect to Pyoderma were elaborate.

Methods: A Female patient of 23 years of age. She was apparently normal before 4 months, developed small skin lesion over upper, lower limb, scalp, abdomen and back of the body, associated with severe itching and pus discharge distributed all over the body, treated with Shodhan (Purification) and Shaman (Mitigation) Chikitsa .

Results: Skin Lesions and itching had shown dramatic improvements. Clinically encouraging results were observed on sign and symptoms.

Conclusion: Shodhan Chikitsa followed by Shaman Chikitsa is helpful in the management of Pyoderma correlated with Kushtha.