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. 2014 Apr-Jun;33(4):236-41.
doi: 10.4103/0257-7941.147432.

A clinical trial for evaluation of leech application in the management of Vicarcikā (Eczema)

K M Pratap Shankar  1 , S Dattatreya Rao  2 , Shaik Nafeez Umar  3 , V Gopalakrishnaiah  4
Affiliations

A clinical trial for evaluation of leech application in the management of Vicarcikā (Eczema)

K M Pratap Shankar et al. Anc Sci Life. 2014 Apr-Jun.

Abstract

Background: Skin diseases are among the most common health problems worldwide and are associated with a considerable burden. Eczema is such a skin ailment which cause psychological, social and financial burden on the patient and their families. Management of eczema with antibiotics, antihistamines, steroids etc., are available but even after their use relapses, recurrences and other complications are very common.

Aim: The aim of this study was to assess the efficacy of leech application in the management of vicarcikā (Eczema) with standard clinical parameters viz. Eczema Area and Severity Index (EASI) score, SCORing of Atopic Dermatitis (SCORAD) Index and Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI).

Materials and methods: An open labeled clinical trial study without control group was conducted with 27 patients having the classical symptoms of vicarcikā (Eczema), selected as per the inclusion and exclusion criteria from outpatient department and inpatient department sections of Shalya Department, S.V. Ayurvedic Hospital, Tirupati. Minimum four sittings of leech application were carried out with 7 days interval. Pre- and post-treatment evaluation of the patient was done with Eczema Area and Severity Index (EASI) score, SCORing of Atopic Dermatitis (SCORAD) Index and Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI).

Statistical analysis: Analysis of the data was done with Student's paired t-test.

Results: The total EASI score showed considerable reduction up to 54.45% (P < 0.01) and the SCORAD Index significantly reduced by 55% (P < 0.01). The life quality of the patient calculated by DLQI improved significantly by 62.36% (P < 0.01).

Conclusion: Leech application gives significant relief for the symptoms of eczema. The life quality of the patient also improved significantly after leech therapy. No adverse reactions were reported during the entire course of study.

Keywords: Dermatology Life Quality Index; Eczema Area and Severity Index score; Scoring of Atopic Dermatitis Index; eczema; leech application.

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Conflict of interest statement

Conflict of Interest: None declared.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Eczema Area and Severity Index score. BT: Before Treatment, AT: After Treatment
Figure 2
Figure 2
SCORing of Atopic Dermatitis index. BT: Before Treatment, AT: After Treatment
Figure 3
Figure 3
Dermatology Life Quality Index. BT: Before Treatment, AT: After Treatment
See this image and copyright information in PMC

References

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