INTRODUCTION

In Ayurveda, various skin diseases have been described under the term Kushtha. Vicharchika is a type of kshudrakushtha ,characterized by skin eruption with dark discoloration, itching and profuse discharge, being involved of three doshas with the dominance of kapha acc to Acharya charak. Authors like Vagabhatta, Madhavakara and Bhavamishra do agree with him whereas Sushruta, ‘the father of surgery’ has mentioned the symptoms as dryness of the skin with intensive itching and marked thickening of skin, with the dominance of pitta. Similarly difference of opinion exists between the other texts like Kashyapa, Harita, Bhela etc, However All the authors have concluded with the fact that itching and eruption are cardinal symptoms.

Vicharchika has been included under raktapradoshaja vikara. Being a type of kustha, recurrence & chronic course is common. It is skin disease with predominance of kapha with clinical features like kandu, srava, pidika, shyavata, rookshata, raji, ruja and daha mainly in extremities. It has social impact, affects psychological status and disturb the social life due to its appearance, severe itching disturbing the routine.

NEED OF STUDY

In maximum of cases, patients come to ayurveda treatment after not getting satisfactory cure from  modern medicine, naturally by the time the disease has attend the chronic state , hence it is the need of the hour to find out safe and effective medicine for Vicharchika on a long term and here comes the role of Ayurveda.

To overcome the problem of high rate of recurrence,  this trial drug has been selected which is effective in destroying all types of kushtha as mentioned in the phalashruti of trial drugs .These drugs helps to destroy the samprapti of vicharchika (Eczema) due to its ushna virya and katu-kashaya  rasa and enchances the cure rate to the patient of vicharchika and check its recurrence.

AIM: To evaluate and compare the efficacy of “Navaka Kashaya & Manjisthadi Tail” in the management of Vicharchika w.s.r. to Dry eczema with Standard Control Drugs (Betamethasone oint. & Tab Hydroxyzine).

OBJECTIVE

·       Evaluation and comparison of effect of trial drugs  on signs and symptoms of Vicharchika with special reference to Dry Eczema.

·       Evaluation and comparison of effect of trial drugs on  EASI Score.

·       Evaluation and comparison of effect of trial drugs on Extent of  impairment in QoL by using DLQI(Dermatology Life Quality Index)

RESEARCH QUESTION

Is there any difference in effect between the trial drugs and standard control drugs in the management of Vicharchika with special reference to Dry Eczema?

HYPOTHESIS

Null Hypothesis (H₀): There is no difference between the effect of  Trial drug (“Navaka Kashaya and Manjisthadi Tail”) and standard control drug(Betamethasone oint. & Tab Hydroxyzine) in the management of Vicharchika w.s.r to Dry Eczema.

Alternative Hypothesis:

(H₁): There is  difference between the effect of trial drug( “Navaka Kashaya and Manjisthadi Tail”)  and standard control drug (Betamethasone oint. &tab Hydroxyzine)  in the management of Vicharchika w.s.r. to Dry Eczema.