An Ayurvedic approach to pediatric multiple Chalazia: A case report

Abstract

Background: A meibomian cyst is a chronic non-infective lipo-granulomatous inflammation of the blocked meibomian gland. An inflamed, blocked meibomian gland, typically on the upper eyelid, results in a chalazion. Ayurveda correlates it with Utsangini. Both Acharya’s Sushruta and Vagbhata provide an explanation of Utsangini under Vartmagata Rogas. According to Sushruta, it comes under Tridoshaja/Sannipataj Sadhya Vyadhi. But according to Vagbhata, it is a Raktaja Sadhya Vyadhi. Both Shodhana and Shamana Chikitsa are mentioned in the treatment of Utsangini. In contemporary science, treatments are intralesional corticosteroid injection and surgical drainage, each with its own merits and demerits. Clinical findings: In the present case report, a 2-year-old female patient was seen in the Shalakya OPD, exhibiting painless swelling of both the right & left upper and lower eyelids. After taking a thorough history and on local examination, the condition was diagnosed as chalazion and treated accordingly. Intervention: As a treatment protocol, surgical incision was advised, but the patient was willing for Ayurveda treatment hence considering the symptomatology, dosha and dushya involvement, sthanika chikitsa - Netra Seka, Avagunthana followed by Shamanoushadis was given. Outcome: After 2 months of treatment, the symptoms were subsided along with a total reduction in the chalazion size and no recurrence was observed after one year of follow-up. Conclusion: This case report sets an example for an Ayurvedic noninvasive approach in the management of pediatric multiple chalazia having the chronicity of 2months and treated with kriyakalpa(Avagunthana, Netra Seka) followed by shamana aushadhis for 5 weeks with no any adverse effects during the treatment. and a lead for further research works.