Ayurvedic management of Plaque Psoriasis - A Case Report

Background: In Ayurveda almost all skin diseases are explained under Kushta Rogadhikara. Ekakushtha is a Raktapradoshaja, Vata–Kaphapradhana Tridoshaja Kshudrakushta. Psoriasis is a common chronic inflammatory skin condition typically characterized by raised, well defined, erythematous skin lesions of varying size that are surmounted by silvery-white scales. In India prevalence of Psoriasis varies from 0.44 to 2.88%. Aim: The aim was to evaluate the role of Ayurvedic treatment modalities in Ekakushta. Materials and methods: A 5 years old male child was apparently normal before 8 months gradually noticed flaky skin lesions over the foot with itching & peeling of skin & in the extensor surface of both elbows, pitting of nails. There were rough dry patches seen in the back, armpits, groins, forehead gradually seen over palms and foot which was treated with both Shamana and Shodhana Chikitsa. Shodhana was done by Snehapana with Mahatiktakagritha followed by Abhyanga with psora oil and Parisheka Sweda with Nimbakaranjapatra. Acchasnehapana was given and maximum quantity taken was 95ml. Virechana was given with 25g of Trivritleha[6] along with 30ml of Triphala Kashaya and he had 8 Vegas. Samsarjanakrama was done for 5 days. Patient was advised to consume Shamana Aushadis (internal medicines) for 15 days. Result: The study showed significant result with marked improvement in the Lakshanas