A clinical trial for evaluation of leech application in the management of Vicarcikā (Eczema)
Research article published in Ancient science of life (2014)
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.
Abstract sourced from PubMed (NCBI) for the cited record. See the original publication for the authoritative version.
Resumen
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.
Por qué esto importa para la hirudoterapia
Este estudio examinó la eficacia de la aplicación de sanguijuelas en el manejo de vicarcikā (eczema) utilizando medidas clínicas estandarizadas —el Eczema Area and Severity Index (EASI), el índice SCORing of Atopic Dermatitis (SCORAD) y el Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI)— en 27 pacientes que recibieron un mínimo de cuatro sesiones de aplicación de sanguijuelas a intervalos de siete días. Es directamente relevante para la hirudoterapia, ya que reporta datos prospectivos de resultados clínicos que indican reducciones estadísticamente significativas en la gravedad del eczema (EASI ~54%, SCORAD ~55%) y mejoría en la calidad de vida (DLQI ~62%) sin reacciones adversas observadas durante el estudio. Sin embargo, dado que el resumen establece explícitamente que se trató de un ensayo abierto sin grupo control, las mejorías observadas no pueden atribuirse con seguridad a la terapia con sanguijuelas por sí sola frente a la fluctuación natural de la enfermedad o a los efectos placebo; el tamaño muestral modesto y el diseño de un solo brazo justifican la confirmación mediante estudios comparativos controlados antes de poder extraer conclusiones clínicas más amplias.
Citación
A clinical trial for evaluation of leech application in the management of Vicarcikā (Eczema).
Shankar K et al. · Ancient science of life, 2014
Contexto clínico relacionado
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Añadido a la biblioteca ASH: March 18, 2026 · Última actualización del sitio: June 18, 2026