Abstract

JALOUKAVACHARAN IN THE MANAGEMENT OF HERPES ZOSTER – A CASE STUDY

Dr. Lakshmikant Shukla*, Dr. Manjusha S. Kalmegh and Dr. Ruturaj M. Gaikwad

ABSTRACT

Background: Herpes zoster is an acute viral disease characterized by painful skin rashes along with blisters caused due to reactivation of varicella zoster virus(VZV) within patient’s body. Risk factor for herpes zoster includes old age, poor immune system and patient receiving biological agent (tumor necrosis factors inhibiting). The administration of best antiviral drugs or steroids or NSAIDS does temporary suppression of pain without much relief in burning sensation. Due to low immunity further chance of complications like post herpatic neuralgia is there. Signs and symptoms of herpes zoster are very much similar to Kaksha. Acharya sushruta has directly defined Raktamokshan in chikitsa of kaksha especially when pitta dosha is aggravated. Jaloukavcharan is the method used for pittaj vyadhi. Present endeavor was to provide an effective way of management of Herpes Zoster in adult age of 45 years old male by leech application. 45 years old patient came to OPD with acute vesicular eruption with complaint of pain and burning sensation since 2 days. After local examination it was diagnosed with herpes zoster and choice of treatment was leech therapy. Consecutively 2 sittings given. Leech application procedure was found very effective in herpes zoster without any side effects.

Keywords: Herpes zoster, kaksha, raktamokshan, jaloukavacharan, leech.