Role of jalukavacharana (leech therapy) and karanja patra lepa prayoga in the management of varicose ulcer- a case report

Summary of article contents:

Venous ulcer is the common and recurrent form of leg ulcer encountered in general practice which occurs due to chronic venous insufficiency. Around 70 to 90% of chronic leg ulcer is of venous origin. If this ulcer is left untreated or not properly treated, it can lead to cellulitis, gangrene, and even amputation of the affected limb. Conventional treatments include supportive care such as wound dressing, elastic bandages, compression stockings, and physical exercises apart from medications like antibiotics, dietary supplements, and nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs. Surgical interventions though effective are not always affordable. Ayurvedic medicines have proven their potential in many chronic and challenging disorders. In Ayurveda, this condition is clinically correlated with Dushta Vrana. To achieve good approximation and early healing of ulcers Sushruta described Shasti upakramas , in which he has explained visravana by Raktamokshana and lepana as important upakramas . In the present study patient with a chronic nonhealing ulcer has undergone repeated Jalukavacharana therapy and karanjapatra lepana to achieve a healthy granulated wound bed and the wound was successfully treated and therefore discussed in detail. Keywords: Varicose ulcer, Dushta vrana, Jalukavacharanam, Karanja patra lepanam