AYURVEDIC MANAGEMENT OF VICHARCHIKA (ECZEMA) A SINGLE CASE STUDY

Eczema is a chronic, non-infectious, relapsing inflammatory skin disorder characterised by intense pruritus, erythema, vesiculation, oozing, crusting, and lichenification, significantly impairing quality of life. In Ayurveda, this condition closely correlates with Vicharchika, a Kshudra Kushtha characterised by Kandu (itching), Pidika (papules), Shyava Varna (blackish brown discoloration),and Bahusrava (excessive exudation). A 42-year-old male patient presented with bilateral pretibial lichenified hyperpigmented plaques with thick crusting, scaling, follicular papules, and intense itching of 15 years duration - a classical presentation of Vicharchika. Treatment comprised Shodhana and Shamana Chikitsa. Virechana Karma was performed as the principal purificatory procedure, preceded by Abhyantara Snehapana with Mahatikta Ghrita and Bahya Snehan-Swedana. Following Virechana, the patient demonstrated marked clinical improvement with significant reduction in hyperpigmentation and pruritus. This case affirms the classical Ayurvedic understanding of Vicharchika and validates the efficacy of a systematic Shodhana-Shamana approach in chronic eczema management.