A Comparative Clinical Study of Saptachchhadakshara and Apamarga Kshara in the Management of Charmakeela w.s.r. to Warts

Abstract

Charmakeela, described under Kshudraroga in Ayurvedic classics, closely resembles viral warts of modern dermatology. Acharya Sushruta advocated Kshara Karma as the treatment of choice for such growths due to its ability to excise, scrape, cauterize, and promote healing simultaneously. Objective: To compare the efficacy of Apamarga Kshara and Saptachchhada Kshara in the management of Charmakeela using standardized subjective and objective parameters. Materials and Methods: A randomized comparative clinical study was conducted on 20 patients divided into two groups of 10 each. Group A received Apamarga Pratisaraneeya Kshara, while Group B received Saptachchhada Pratisaraneeya Kshara. Assessment was carried out on Days 1, 3, 7, 14, and 21 using subjective parameters (pain, size perception, itching) and objective parameters (tenderness and lesion size). Results: Group A demonstrated faster eschar separation and greater percentage relief in pain, tenderness, and lesion size compared to Group B. Conclusion: Both Ksharas are effective and safe in Charmakeela management; however, Apamarga Kshara showed superior efficacy in rapid lesion resolution.