ROLE OF URBAN LIFE STYLE IN THE MANIFESTATION OF VICHARCHIKA (ECZEMA) – AN OBSERVATIONAL REVIEW

Abstract

Urbanization in India is growing exponentially as a consequence of Globalization and economic development.  The contributing factors of urbanization are availability of better opportunities for job, education, health services, housing and transportation. Despite these beneficial factors urbanization also poses many health hazards to humans. Vicharchika is one of them. This study is carried out with aim to determine the role of urbanization in the manifestation of vicharchika (eczema) and to found out solution to prevent the same. Habitat wise distribution of 268 patients of vicharchika (eczema) registered for various theses of IPGT & RA were analyzed statistically and found that out of 268 patients of vicharchika (eczema) registered for study in various theses, 179 patients were from urban habitat. The possible cause of this higher incidence of vicharchika in urban area is reviewed critically by going through various literature and information on internet. The causes of this high incidence are found to be due to the unhygienic availability, access and utilization of food articles in the cities. Inclination of urbanized people towards outside food is also a major cause of dietary incompatibility (Viruddha Ahara) which is a major cause of vicharchika (eczema). High level of stressors like violence, financial crisis, rising inflation rate, lack of social support etc also leads to abnormality of psychoneuroimmunological system leading to triggering and exacerbation of skin hypersensitivity like vicharchika (eczema). Future research potential in the field of urbanization and genesis of vicharchika (eczema) are also suggested.