A COMPARATIVE CLINICAL STUDY OF AYURVEDIC AND CONVENTIONAL TREATMENT APPROACHES FOR THE MANAGEMENT OF ECZEMA

Background: Eczema is a chronic inflammatory disorder that profoundly affects patients’ quality of life and functional capacity. In Bangladesh, both Ayurvedic and Modern (Allopathic) treatment approaches are commonly practiced; however, evidence comparing their relative effectiveness remains limited. The study aimed to compare treatment patterns and patient-perceived outcomes between Ayurvedic and Modern medical approaches among individuals diagnosed with eczema in the Pahartali area of Chattogram District.
Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 66 previously diagnosed eczema patients. Data were collected using a structured, interviewer-administered questionnaire focusing on socio-demographic characteristics, disease duration, treatment modalities, consequences of eczema, and perceived treatment outcomes. Descriptive statistics were used to summarize findings.
Results: Most participants (75.76%) had been suffering from eczema for more than six months, indicating chronic illness. A majority (63.64%) used Allopathic medicine, while 36.36% relied on Ayurvedic treatment. Complete recovery was reported by only 9.09% of Allopathic users, and none among Ayurvedic users.
Conclusion: The findings indicate that neither Ayurvedic nor Modern treatment alone results in a complete cure for eczema. Allopathic medicine appears to provide faster relief from acute symptoms, whereas Ayurvedic therapy offers gradual yet moderate improvement. An integrative treatment strategy may yield more favorable long-term outcomes for eczema patients.