Medicinal Leech Therapy in Acute Herpes Zoster Condition- A Case Report

Herpes zoster is an acute viral skin disease characterized by the painful skin rashes, burning sensation, blisters, and post-herpetic neuralgia caused by varicella zoster virus (VZV). In immune-compromised people, many dermatomes are implicated. In Ayurveda, it is correlated with visarpa having the same clinical presentation as herpes zoster. The study aims to explore the effectiveness of medicinal leech therapy and internal ayurvedic medicinal formulation in acute herpes zoster conditions. A 26-year-old male patient visited OPD (outpatient department) with a complaint of reddish rashes and a small vesicular eruption over the left lateral aspect of the chest associated with a burning sensation and pain. Leech therapy was performed promptly as an emergency treatment, along with internal medication for the next 10 days. This case report concludes that Leech therapy and internal ayurvedic medicine are found to be effective management of acute herpes zoster.