Efficacy of Panchakarma in Hypermelanosis from Chloroquine Side Effect: A Case Report

Abstract

Abstract

Long term use of chloroquine can sometimes lead to adverse drug reactions manifesting as hypermelanosis, rashes, itching, rashes, eruption etc. Skin hyperpigmentation is generally of a bluish black or grayish color and irreversible even after discontinuation of the drug. This condition can be conceived according to Ayurveda, Dushivisha (DV)—a poisonous substance which is not fully endowed with the qualities of poison by nature and because of its mild potency; it remains in the body for many years causing various symptoms, one among them being discoloration of skin. A 26-year-old female was suffering from hypermelanosis of the skin had history of taking chloroquine. Punch biopsy skin studied for histopathology showed epidermis with hyperpigmentation of the basal layer and melanophages were scattered along with infiltration by mononuclear cells. The case was treated on the line of treatment of DV. The patient started showing lightening of the pigments after six months and almost complete remission after 12 months of the treatment. This patient presented with the DV effect of chloroquine was administered two relevant procedures from Panchakarma viz., Vamana and Virechana which eliminated accumulated toxins from the body.

Keywords: Hyperpigmentation, chloroquine, Dushivisha (DV), Panchakarma