Erysipelas (Visarpa)-The Effective Treatment Through Ayurveda
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Erysipelas
Erysipelas is an infection of the upper layers of the skin caused by a bacterial infection characterized by large raised red patches on the skin. The most common cause is group A streptococcal bacteria, especially Streptococcus pyogenes. The condition may affect both children and adults. The term comes from the Greek erysipelas, meaning "red skin". In animals, erysipelas is a disease caused by infection with the bacterium Erysipelothrix rhusiopathiae. The disease caused in animals is called Diamond Skin Disease, which occurs especially in pigs. Erysipelas develop when bacteria enter the skin thru cuts or sores. Skin injuries that increase the chances of developing erysipelas include cuts to the skin, ulcers, or bedsores, insect or animal bites.
Visarpa refers to erysipelas in Ayurveda. In Ayurveda, pitta and rakta vitiation are held responsible for impairment of skin health, color, complexion, and skin diseases such as Visarpa. Impaired digestion causes the accumulation of toxins known as ama. Ama accumulates in body tissues, contaminating them at a deep level along with vitiated pitta and causing rashes to spread like snakes (Sarpa means snake), hence getting the name Visarpa.
Classification Of Visarpa
Ayurvedic scholars have classified Visarpa into the following categories:
- Vataja Visarpa
Vataja Visarpa is the result of obstruction caused by aggravated Vata Doshas. Its clinical features are burning sensation, fever, pain, affected area becoming red, small blackish or reddish blisters with thin clear reddish and scanty discharge. .
- Pittaja Visarpa
Pitta dominant Visarpa causes various problems such as fever, pain, burning sensations, etc. Pustules are formed in the affected part, causing intense pain and a burning sensation.
- Kaphaja Visarpa
Kaphaja Visarpa spreads slowly in the body and causes fever, vomiting, chills, etc. The affected area becomes red with pale-colored eruptions covered by thick skin. They can also leave deep-seated ulcers if not treated on time.
- Agni Visarpa
In Agni Visarpa, the affected area gets covered by red-colored blisters. The person suffers from a severe burning sensation and becomes restless. It spreads rapidly to the vital organs and is considered incurable.
- Kardama Visarpa
Kardam Visarpa is caused by Pitta and Kapha aggravating factors. The affected area looks like mud and hence the name Kardam is given. The affected area gets covered by reddish, pale eruptions that are suppurated and have putrid flesh and skin.
- Granthi Visarpa
It is caused by aggravated Rakta and Kapha-Pitta Dosha. It causes glandular enlargements that are red in color, small and painful, located in the bones, muscles, blood vessels, etc.
Symptoms Of Erysipelas
Some of the symptoms of Erysipelas are:
- A red, swollen, and painful area of skin with a raised edge.
- Blisters on the affected area.
- Fever.
- Chills.
- Feeling unwell.
- Swollen lymph nodes throughout the body.
- Red nose, Inflammation of the skin.
- Secondary - Skin infections, Skin ulcers, Skin color changes.
Causes Of Erysipelas
Erysipelas is usually caused by group A streptococcus bacteria. Other causes are:
- A cut in the skin.
- Problems with drainage through the veins or lymph system.
- Skin sores (ulcers).
- Incompatible food like having milk and fruits together.
- Excessive intake of food materials like Curd, Pickles, Brinjal, Ladies finger, Spicy food, Urad dal, Bakery items, Navadhanya (freshly harvested grains), Dairy products.
- Suppression of vomiting urge.
- Remain awake during the night.
- Stress.
Ayurvedic Treatment For Erysipelas
The main line of management include:
- Langhana
The procedures or substances that create lightness in the body are called Langhana. In Ayurveda, the easiest way to remove ama, or toxic accumulation, is langhana. So it effectively treats erysipelas.
- Rukshna
It helps to remove excess and unnecessary fluid in the body.
- Virechana
The procedure that eliminates the dosha from the adhobhaga of the body is called Virechana. In Virechana, Pitta, Kapha, and Vata doshas get eliminated, respectively, and bring lightness to the body. It reduces the inflammatory process in the body.
- Vamana
Vamana is defined as the procedure which removes the vitiated dosha from the mouth. It reduces unwanted fluidity in the body.
- Lepa
It is an external application paste of herbal drugs. It helps to heal blisters caused by Erysipelas.
- Seka
Seka is an ayurvedic treatment method of pouring a very fine stream of medicated liquid over the blisters to heal them.
- Raktamokshana
Raktamokshana derives its name from Rakta meaning 'blood' and mokshana, meaning 'liberation'. This treatment releases impure blood from the body. Raktamokshana is an effective blood purification therapy, in which the carefully controlled removal of small quantities of impure blood is conducted to neutralize accumulated toxins. It is very effective for treating erysipelas.
Some of the external therapies in Ayurveda to treat Erysipelas are Langhana, Rukshna, Virechana, Vamana, Lepa, Seka, and Raktamokshana.
Preventive Measures
The preventive measures for this disease include:
- Keeping your wounds clean.
- Maintaining good personal hygiene. .
- adequate use of topical antiseptics in the case of skin problems.
- Use moisturizers to prevent the skin from drying out. .
Diet Prescribed By Ayurveda
- Intake of pomegranates, grapes, dates, and gooseberries is good for Visarpa disease.
- One Should Avoid Intake of Lavana (salt), Amla (alkaline), Katu (spicy), and other food items.
- Avoid intake of curd, fermented items, fried items, oily food, and alcohol.
- Avoid exposure to sunlight, Etc.
Herbal Remedies For Erysipelas
The Ayurvedic herbs that will treat the infection and inflammation caused by erysipelas are:
- Amlaki
This Ayurvedic herb enhances immunity and treats various health conditions. It also fights against skin infections and inflammation.
- Haritaki
The excellent antibacterial and antioxidative nature of this powerful herb promote overall skin and hair health. So it cures the infection related to Erysipelas.
- Bibhitaki
Bibhitaki contains many antioxidants, such as ellagic acid, tannins, lignans, and flavones. The compounds may help to improve blood sugar levels and insulin sensitivity, as well as provide anti-inflammatory effects. The presence of strong anti-bacterial, anti-viral, and antifungal properties, helps in preventing infections and uplifting overall health and wellness.
- Manjistha
Manjistha is a perennial herb popular in Ayurvedic medicine. It helps to support your lymphatic system, which is important for healthy skin. Manjistha has anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and antiandrogenic abilities that may help prevent and treat acne.
- Sariva
It is an effective remedy for skin disorders like Erysipelas. The properties are antioxidant, detoxifying, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, diuretic, etc. It helps to purify the blood, restore gastric acid secretion, and also cools the body. .
- Mustha
Mustha is used in treating various skin diseases. It acts as an analgesic, astringent, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, anti-diabetic, anti-oxidant, and more. .
- Guduchi
Due to its Raktashodhak and healing properties, Guduchi is beneficial in the management of erysipelas. It also helps remove toxins from the body. You can apply Guduchi leaf paste on the skin to fasten the wound healing process as it helps increase collagen production and skin regeneration.
- Ashwagandha
Ashwagandha has both antibacterial and antimicrobial properties that fight against different skin infections. Ashwagandha has anti-inflammatory properties also. It is used in the Ayurvedic system of medicine as a rasayana (tonic). .
Amalaki, Haritaki, Bibhitaki, Manjistha, Sariva, Mustha, Guduchi, and Ashwagandha will treat the infection and inflammation. It will also balance the vitiated doshas and boost immunity.
Conclusion
The above-mentioned information related to Erysipelas was taken from various Ayurvedic resources. Always take the advice of an Ayurvedic doctor before starting herbs and herbal medicines for treatment.
References
- Charaka Samhita-21st chapter.
