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Efficacy of Jalaukavacharana (Leech Therapy) in the Management of Chronic Recurrent Furunculosis: A Case Report


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 :

  1. Dhar S, et al. Bacterial skin infections in India. Indian J Dermatol. 2020;65(4):253-261.
  2. Ibler KS, Kromann CB. Recurrent furunculosis - challenges and management: a review. Clin Cosmet Investig Dermatol. 2014;7:59-64.
  3. Murthy KRS. Madhava Nidana of Madhavakara. Chapter 55. Varanasi: Chaukhamba Orientalia; 2012.
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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.

Paper Submission Last Date
31 - May - 2026

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