Author Information :

Dr.Vishal Chaudhary

Pages : 18

Issue Details :

December 2025-Issue-1

Acknowledgements :

ABSTRACT

Background: Burn injuries, both superficial and deep, are a prevalent clinical problem, and their treatment is usually standard using conventional methods such as topical antibiotics and wound dressings. In recent times, unconventional treatments such as Ayurvedic therapies have been explored for their use in burn management.

Objectives: To determine the efficacy of Ayurvedic treatment modalities in burn management, particularly wound healing, relief from pain, and recovery time.

Materials and Methodology: Exhaustive search in different databases was done to screen relevant studies measuring the effectiveness of Ayurveda therapy for burns. The retrieved studies were analyzed for quality and key outcomes of healing time, pain relief, and epithelialization were gleaned for extraction. The included studies in the review were dominated by case studies, case series, and reviews of various Ayurvedic modalities.

Results: Five studies were examined, and various Ayurvedic treatments yielded positive outcomes. Prominent treatments were topical oils, drugs, and mixed treatments for dosha imbalance. Observations indicated that Ayurvedic treatment facilitated quicker healing, was pain-relieving, and reduced scarring. The studies were weakened by small participant numbers and lack of control groups.

Conclusion: Ayurvedic therapies hold promise as complementary treatments in burn care, providing individualized care strategies that target both physical and environmental influences. Yet, the necessity for stronger, controlled studies is imperative to validate their efficacy and determine their role in contemporary burn care.

Keywords: Ayurvedic treatments, burn care, wound healing, pain reduction, epithelialization, traditional medicine, complementary therapies, personalized care

INTRODUCTION

Burn injuries remain a major public health problem worldwide, impacting more than 11 million people every year, with an estimated 180,000 deaths due to burns annually—mostly in low- and middle-income nations [1]. In this category, second-degree burns, or partial-thickness burns, are most conspicuous in being particularly common, often sustained in home injuries, occupational trauma, or heat damage as a result of scalds, flame, and chemical exposure [2]. The injury consists of tissue injury up through the epidermis into the superficial or deep dermis and producing typical presentations including blistering, severe pain, edema, and wet, erythematous skin [3].

Although second-degree burns are less virulent than full-thickness burns, they are also complicated. Cellulitis, a life-threatening subcutaneous tissue and skin infection, usually complicates the wound healing process in such wounds. Cutaneous barrier compromise leads to exposure of underlying tissue to colonization by bacterial pathogens like Streptococcus pyogenes and Staphylococcus aureus [4]. Clinically, cellulitis manifests as erythema with spread, induration, heat, and tenderness over the burned area. Hematogenous spread of infection occurs in bad cases, manifesting as lymphangitis, abscess, or SIRS, for which hospitalization and intravenous antibiotics are required [5].

With such risks involved, early and prompt management of second-degree burns is vital—both to close the wound early and to prevent secondary infection and complications.

Limitations of Traditional Treatment Regimens

Routine therapeutic protocols for second-degree burns typically include wound debridement, topical antimicrobial therapy (e.g., silver sulfadiazine), analgesia, and aseptic dressings [6]. Though intended to prevent infection, reduce inflammation, and promote re-epithelialization, these are far from ideal.

1. Development of Antibiotic Resistance: Repeated and prolonged application of topical and systemic antimicrobials may promote selection of multiresistant strains of bacteria, making future treatment efforts challenging and healthcare expenses high [7].

2. Delayed Healing and Painful Removal of Dressings: Conventional gauze dressings have the potential to stick to the wound bed and cause further trauma and pain when they are removed. This could delay the spontaneous healing process and cause patient nonadherence [8].

3. Hypersensitivity Reactions: Some topical formulations, such as silver-based compounds, can cause allergic contact dermatitis or local hypersensitivity reactions, which result in perpetuation of inflammation and tissue injury [9].

4. Scarring and Dyschromia: Even under optimal management, the majority of patients develop hypertrophic scars or post-inflammatory pigmentary change, which can cause loss of function or emotional distress from altered aesthetics [10].

These limitations underline the urgent need to explore other or additional therapeutic modalities that not only accelerate the healing rate of tissue but also lower the accompanying risks of infection, scarring, and resistance.

Rationale behind Investigating Ayurvedic Techniques as Single Remedies

Ayurveda, the ancient Indian system of medicine, offers a comprehensive and effective approach to the treatment of burn wounds. Burn wounds in Ayurvedic literature are referred to as "Dagdhavrana," and second-degree burns are comparable to the category of "Durdagdha," which is defined by blistering, scalding pain, and destruction of the second layer of tissue or dermis [11].

Ayurvedic medicines aims to balance the tridoshas (Vata, Pitta, Kapha) and uses polyherbal drugs with wound-healing (Vrana Ropana), anti-inflammatory (Shotha Hara), and antimicrobial (Krimighna) activity. Such remedies are not only biocompatible but are cost-effective, too, and have fewer side effects than synthetic pharmacologic drugs.

Some of the most encouraging Ayurvedic treatments for second-degree burns are:

A medicated ghee preparation, Madhuchistadi Ghrita has been conventionally applied to chronic ulcers and burns because of its emollient, antimicrobial, and epithelizing actions. It is composed of such ingredients as beeswax, ghee, and honey that are known to enhance collagen production and angiogenesis in the wound bed [12]. In a reported case study of a second-degree scald burn, Madhuchistadi Ghrita daily application resulted in significant epithelialization within seven days and complete healing by day fifteen [13]. Its lipid base also helps retain moisture in the wound, prevents bacterial colonization, and increases patient comfort.

Patoladi Vikeshika is a new Ayurvedic contact layer dressing infused with herbal extracts like Patola (Trichosanthes dioica), Nimba (Azadirachta indica), and Haridra (Curcuma longa). It is a protective interface between the wound and secondary layers, minimizing adherence and pain on dressing change [14]. Clinical trials have been proven effective in the treatment of second-degree burns by promoting re-epithelialization and limiting infection rates causing unwanted reactions or scarring [15].

Ropana Ghrita, an herb-strengthened preparation with ghee, is conventionally used in non-healing wounds and burns. The addition of new leaves of Tinospora cordifolia has rendered the remedy to be more beneficial for the cure of extensive burn wounds. The evidence from clinical experience revealed in one study that the integrative treatment resulted in 60% wound healing by 60 days together with gratifying decreases in discharge, scar, and pain [16].

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