Authors :
Dr. Ritu Kumari; Dr. Divyaben Bharatbhai Vasava; Dr. Sumit Kumar; Dr. Deepali Sundari Verma
Volume/Issue :
Volume 11 - 2026, Issue 4 - April
Google Scholar :
https://tinyurl.com/3z6zfj25
Scribd :
https://tinyurl.com/442fc2bn
DOI :
https://doi.org/10.38124/ijisrt/26apr1509
Note : A published paper may take 4-5 working days from the publication date to appear in PlumX Metrics, Semantic Scholar, and ResearchGate.
Abstract :
Background:
Furunculosis is a deep-seated infective disorder of the hair follicle, typically caused by Staphylococcus aureus. While
conventional medicine relies heavily on antibiotics and surgical incision and drainage, chronic recurrent furunculosis
presents a significant clinical challenge due to rising antibiotic resistance (such as MRSA) and high recurrence rates. In
Ayurveda, this condition closely mimics Pidaka, a condition characterized by vitiation of Rakta (blood) and Pitta doshas.
Case Presentation:
A 43-year-old female patient presented to the outpatient department with a one-year history of recurrent, painful, and
erythematous nodular lesions. Despite continuous allopathic management for 12 months, the patient experienced frequent
relapses.
Intervention and Outcome:
The patient was managed utilizing Jalaukavacharana (Leech therapy), a classical Ayurvedic parasurgical procedure
categorized under Raktamokshana (bloodletting). Therapy was administered once weekly for two months (8 sessions),
alongside dietary and lifestyle modifications. Post-intervention, the patient demonstrated complete resolution of the active
lesions, significant reduction in pain and inflammation, and crucially, zero recurrence during the follow-up period.
Conclusion:
Jalaukavacharana offers a highly effective, safe, and minimally invasive alternative for managing chronic recurrent
furunculosis, successfully breaking the cycle of recurrence where conventional antibiotic therapies may fail.
Keywords :
Jalaukavacharana, Hirudotherapy, Recurrent Furunculosis, Raktamokshana, Pidaka, Ayurveda.
References :
- Dhar S, et al. Bacterial skin infections in India. Indian J Dermatol. 2020;65(4):253-261.
- Ibler KS, Kromann CB. Recurrent furunculosis - challenges and management: a review. Clin Cosmet Investig Dermatol. 2014;7:59-64.
- Murthy KRS. Madhava Nidana of Madhavakara. Chapter 55. Varanasi: Chaukhamba Orientalia; 2012.
- Shastri K, Chaturvedi GN. Charaka Samhita of Agnivesha. Sutra Sthana 24. Varanasi: Chaukhamba Bharati Academy; 2015.
- Sharma PV. Sushruta Samhita of Sushruta. Sutra Sthana 14. Varanasi: Chaukhamba Visvabharati; 2014.
- Sharma PV. Sushruta Samhita of Sushruta. Sutra Sthana 13. Varanasi: Chaukhamba Visvabharati; 2014.
- Srikantha Murthy KR. Sushruta Samhita. Sutra Sthana 13/11-12. Varanasi: Chaukhamba Orientalia; 2010.
- Srikantha Murthy KR. Sushruta Samhita. Sutra Sthana 13/20-22. Varanasi: Chaukhamba Orientalia; 2010.
- Craft N, et al. VisualDx: Essential Adult Dermatology. LWW; 2012.
- Hildebrandt JP, Lemke S. Small bite, large impact—saliva and salivary molecules in the medicinal leech. Naturwissenschaften. 2011;98(12):995-1008.
- Markwardt F. The development of hirudin as an antithrombotic drug. Thromb Res. 1994;74(1):1-23.
- Ascenzi P, et al. The leech as a tool for studying protease inhibitors. Mol Aspects Med. 1995;16(4):315-325.
- Porshinsky BS, et al. Clinical uses of the medicinal leech: a practical review. J Postgrad Med. 2011;57(1):65-71.
- Baskova IP, Zavalova LL. Proteinase inhibitors from the medicinal leech Hirudo medicinalis. Biochemistry (Moscow). 2001;66(7):703-714.
- Lashkari K, et al. Jalaukavacharna vidhi in the management of acne vulgaris (yuvanpidika) - A case study. Asian J Med Health Res. 2016;1(1).
Background:
Furunculosis is a deep-seated infective disorder of the hair follicle, typically caused by Staphylococcus aureus. While
conventional medicine relies heavily on antibiotics and surgical incision and drainage, chronic recurrent furunculosis
presents a significant clinical challenge due to rising antibiotic resistance (such as MRSA) and high recurrence rates. In
Ayurveda, this condition closely mimics Pidaka, a condition characterized by vitiation of Rakta (blood) and Pitta doshas.
Case Presentation:
A 43-year-old female patient presented to the outpatient department with a one-year history of recurrent, painful, and
erythematous nodular lesions. Despite continuous allopathic management for 12 months, the patient experienced frequent
relapses.
Intervention and Outcome:
The patient was managed utilizing Jalaukavacharana (Leech therapy), a classical Ayurvedic parasurgical procedure
categorized under Raktamokshana (bloodletting). Therapy was administered once weekly for two months (8 sessions),
alongside dietary and lifestyle modifications. Post-intervention, the patient demonstrated complete resolution of the active
lesions, significant reduction in pain and inflammation, and crucially, zero recurrence during the follow-up period.
Conclusion:
Jalaukavacharana offers a highly effective, safe, and minimally invasive alternative for managing chronic recurrent
furunculosis, successfully breaking the cycle of recurrence where conventional antibiotic therapies may fail.
Keywords :
Jalaukavacharana, Hirudotherapy, Recurrent Furunculosis, Raktamokshana, Pidaka, Ayurveda.