Management Of Furunculosis With Ayurveda- A Case Report

Abstract

Background:Bacterial skin infections are prevalent in dermatology, with Staphylococcus aureus as a frequent causative pathogen. Furunculosis, a skin infection caused by Staphylococcus aureus, involves the formation of furuncles or boils, which are acute, necrotic infections of hair follicles and has a propensity for recurrence. Purpose:The study aims to assess the usefulness of Ayurveda interventions, including Panchakarma therapies and oral medications, for managing recurrent dermatological conditions, specifically furunculosis.Methodology:A 25-year-old male suffered from furunculosis in scalp region, presenting with pustules on his scalp accompanied by mild pain and tenderness to touch. The Ayurvedic diagnosis was considered Pidika(~Pustule in the head region). He was advised oral medication including Kaishor Guggulu(~Resin formation of Tinospora cordifolia predominant medicine)750mg BD, Khadirarishta(~Fermented formulation of predominantly Acacia catechu) 20 ml BD, Jwarahar Kashay(~decoction of Azadirachta indica, Curcuma longa, Swertia chirayita, Glycyrrhiza glabra, Picrorhiza kurrooa, Tinospora cordifolia, Phyllanthus emblica, Terminalia bellirica and Terminalia chebula) 20 ml BD, Arogyavardhinivati(~Tablet of Picrorhiza kurroa predominant herbomineral formulation)500 mg BD, and a combination of Rasamanikya(~Purified Arsenic tri-oxide)125 mg, Suddha Gandhaka(~Purified Sulphur) 500 mg, Amlaki Churna(~Powder of Emblica officinalis)2 gm, and Vidang Churna(~Powder of Embeliaribes)1gm. Virechana(~Therapeutic purgation) and Vaman(~Therapeutic emesis) procedures were also administered to the patient. Result:Initially, the patient exhibited widespread pustules across the scalp, resulting in a “Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI)” score of 12. The majority of pustules resolved after 15 months of ayurvedic treatment and DLQI score was also reduced to a score of 3. Conclusion:This unique case highlights the potential efficacy of Ayurvedic treatment in managing furunculosis condition.