A Case Report of Efficacy of Irsal-E-Alq (Leech Therapy) in Management of Qarooh-E-Khabeesah (Non-Healing Ulcers)

Wani P, Ali H and Riaz A

Published on: 2019-10-29

Abstract

Non-healing ulcer is defined as any wound or ulcer on skin that has been present for 3 – 4 weeks duration without healing. Non-healing ulcers result from peripheral arterial disease (PAD), chronic venous insufficiency (CVI). Arterial ulcers occur when blocked arteries starve the lower extremity of oxygen-rich blood and this leads to tissue ischemia (decreased blood supply). Leg ulcers are present in 1-2% of the adult population. Symptoms may include aching, heaviness, leg-tiredness, cramps, itching and swelling. In umami system of medicine; amle taleeq (leech therapy) which is one among the Ilaj-bil-tadbeer (regimental therapy) has been used since ages in skin disorders. Irsal-e-Alq (leech therapy) seems to be effective in the treatment of non-healing ulcer due to its salivary secretions which it injects during bloodsucking. The saliva of leech contains certain biochemical with vaso-dilating, anticoagulant, anaesthetic, thrombolytic, antibiotic, analgesic, and anti-inflammatory properties. In this case report 10 to 15 leeches were locally applied on alternate day for 4 months. Efficacy of Irsal-e-Alq(Leech theraoy)was assessed on every 15th day by pain or leg discomfort on 4 point scale ranging from 0-3, limb girth at calf, ankle & foot, pigmentation color on 4 point scale, pigmentation area, pain in ulcer on 4 point scale from 0-3, ulcer depth, PUSH Score. Hb% was assessed on every 15th day to check anemia. This case of non-healing ulcers was completely healed, and also showed remarkable improvement in other variables.