An Ayurvedic review of Nidan Panchak of Vicharchika.

Abstract

In the modern era, Vicharchika is a significant challenge on account of its incurability and frequent recurrences. Vicharchika is formed from the Dhatu “Charcha Tarjane” by adding ‘Navul’ to it, meaning it signifies a type of disease. Vicharchika denotes a disease that covers the skin in a distinguished manner and produces skin cracks in the hands and feet. Viruddha ahar, Mithya ahar-vihar, and excessive intake of amla and lavana rasa are the main causative factors for the formation of Vicharchika. The main symptoms found in Vicharchika include Kandu (itching), vedana (pain), daha (burning sensation), pidika (eruptions), sraav (oozing), and rukshata (dryness). The intake of an incompatible diet vitiates Agni. The Agni primarily becomes vitiated by the Viruddha type of Ahara. This vitiated Jatharagni provokes the Tridosha, which further creates the skin ailment. The Samprapti (pathogenesis) of Vicharchika is similar to that of Kushtha. Kushtha is primarily born by the vitiation of Tridosha after Nidana Sevana, leading to Dushya Dushti. Vicharchika is considered a curable type of Kushtha. As per the modern science view, eczema is curable, but its successful cure may vary in tropical countries due to humidity, heat, and prevalent unhygienic conditions.