A clinical study to evaluate the efficacy of asanatwak lepa in ahiputana w.s.r to napkin

Summary of article contents:

Ahiputana is a Kapha Rakta predominant disorder mentioned in Ayurvedic classics; it is one of the most common skin diseases during Infancy and Toddler, usually starts within the age of 3 rd to 12 th week and peaks its incidence in the age of 6 th to 12 th month, up to the age of 5 years 1, which could be compared with “Napkin Rash” of contemporary science. It is caused by several factors, including warmth, excessive waterlogging of the local skin from stools and urine, and increased perspiration with sweat retention. It is said to be a sort of reaction to ammonia formed in the voided urine. The rash may be a mild erythematous reaction covering the perineal region, buttocks and genitalia. In others, it may be severe with papulovesicular lesions and ulcers 2. Many drugs are used for internal administration and external application, and prevention measures have been described in detail in Ayurveda Samhithas and modern science to overcome Ahiputana /Napkin Rash. So, a remedy which would be easy to follow, efficacious, costeffective and free from all the side effects was adopted. Asanatwak lepa 3 is mentioned in Astanga Hrudaya, where the bark of Asana is used to prepare lepa, which hasKaphaghna, Pittaghna, Vranaropaka, Kledaghna and Raktashodhaka properties. Hence, it is indicated in the treatment of Ahiputana. Therefore, an attempt was made to study the clinical evaluation of Asanatwak lepa in Ahiputana w.s.r. to Napkin Rash. The sample size was a minimum of 30 subjects, fulfilling the diagnostic and inclusion criteria selected. Trial drug treatment, i.e. application of Asanatwak lepa, was given to the children—duration-7 days with Followup on the 10 th & 14 th day after treatment. Results obtained after the clinical trial were analysed statistically & all the observations were subjected to creative discussions. The final results showed that after seven days of the treatment, complete cure was observed in 24 (80%) children & there was marked improvement in 6 (20%) children. Keywords: Ahiputana , Asanatwak lepa , Napkin rash INTRODUCTION Ahiputana is considered under Kshudra Roga of acute onset