Anti Psoriatic Effect of Leech Therapy in Psoriasis - A Case Report
Mohammed Sheeraz, N Zaheer Ahmed Athar Parvez and Haqeeq Ahmed
Hippocratic Journal of Unani Medicine
Hippocratic Journal of Unani Medicine July – September 2017, Vol. 12, No. 3, Pages 43-50
Abstract
Taqashshur Jild (Psoriasis) is a common, genetically determined and inflammatory skin disorder of unknown cause which affects 1-3 percent of world’s population. Despite the advancement in modern pharmacotherapy, the figure in terms of remission and recurrence of disease, withdrawal symptoms and adverse side effects grossly suggest the limitation in its management. Unani physicians have been successfully treating Psoriasis (Taqashshure Jild) through Irsale Alaq (leech therapy) since ancient times but lacks scientific documentation. Hence, it was decided to carry out a case report to evaluate the safety and efficacy of leech therapy (Hirudinaria granulose) in a case of Psoriasis on scientific parameters. Diagnosis was made on the basis of clinical presentation. Primary outcome measure was based on VAS and PASI. Secondary outcome measure was evaluated by VAS sub score and VAS total score during the study with photographic evidence. Leech therapy was found to have significant effect in the treatment of Psoriasis. PASI was found to be
significant. Further, no side effect was observed during and after the study.