A Study on Karappan (கரப்பான்)

AIM AND OBJECTIVES: Among chronic skin diseases, Karappan is the most common disease affecting all age groups. An estimated one in 10 people are affected at some point in their lives. World statistics shows, approximately 10 percent to 20 percent of the world population affected by this disease. So the author is much interested in choosing this disease as the topic for dissertation and treating the same with the help of “Karuncheeraga churanam” internally and “Brahmathandu thylam” externally. The objectives of this dissertation are: 1. To study the incidence of the disease with respect to age, gender, socio-economic status, habit and family history. 2. To ascertain that according to the mukkutram theory, karappan’s effect varies with respect to body constitution (prakriti), taste (suvai) and seasonal variation (Paruvakalam). 3. Relevant evidence from various Siddha literature and other system of medicine to be attached. 4. To know the correlation of aetiology, signs and symptoms of karappan in Siddha aspect with eczema in modern aspect. 5. To have essential clinical investigations. 6. To evaluate the biochemical and pharmacological efficacy of trial drug. 7. To pave way for further research work in future. 8. Siddha system of medicine should reach the mass of the masses. SUMMARY: The Siddha description about the types of karappan are found in yugi and Agathiar’s text. Twenty patients from the inpatient department and forty patients from the outpatient department from both sexes were selected after thorough evaluation of history, clinical findings and laboratory results. Ennvagai thervugal were used for the diagnostic purpose. Majority of the patients were male (70%) and particularly above 40 years and 53.3% from poor socio-economical background. The disease was observed to occur mostly in piththa kaalam. Biochemical analysis revealed the drug karuncheeraga churnam has calcium and ferrous iron. Pharmacologically, Karuncheeraga churanam (internal drug) has • Moderate anti-inflammatory(acute &chronic)action, • Significant antihistamine action and • Moderate analgesic action. Brahmathandu thylam (external drug) has • Moderate anti-histamine action and • Mild anti inflammatory action. In an average of 48 days treatment majority of the patients shown good recovery from signs and symptoms and their laboratory investigation results were encouraging after the treatment, as illustrated in the tabular columns. None of them developed any adverse effects. The progress exhibited was quite encouraging. CONCLUSION: The treatment with Karuncheeraga churanam and Brahmathandu thylam showed remarkable improvement in karappan patients. Along with medication the patients were advised over their dietary habits and hygienic routines. There was appreciable clinical improvement of the disease and also enhancement of general health. The cost of trial medicines were less economical and can affordable by patients below poverty line. The raw materials of the drug are available in almost all season and preparation of the drug is also very simple. No adverse side effects like aggravation of itching were reported during the entire course of treatment. Hereby the author concludes that the treatment with Karuncheeraga churanam and Brahmathandu thylam for Karappan is very effective in point of efficacy and safety