Approach towards kushta (Psoriasis) with ayurveda-A case study

Abstract

Psoriasis is an autoimmune papulo-squamous disorder of the skin, character-ized by sharply defined erythemato-squamous lesions covered with silvery scaling. It is chronic and is well known for its course of remissions and exac-erbations. The worldwide burden of psoriasis is 2%, and the prevalence of psoriasis in India ranges from 0.44% to 2.8%. There is no radical cure for psoriasis due to its autoimmune nature. It can be correlated with Eka Kushtha, one of the types of Kshudra Kushtha. In Ayurveda, Vamana and Virechan karma are indicated in Kushtha, which results in the elimination of vitiated Doshas. The effect of Shodhana Chikitsa can be increased if it is followed by shaman Chikitsa which include both Antaparimarjan and Bahiparimarjan Chik-itsa. So here a 41 years old female patient had complaints of whitish silvery plaques, itching, burning sensation and scaling since one year was successfully treated with Vamana and Virechan Karma, followed by Shamana Chikitsa like Gandhaka Rasayana, Vetapalli oil, S-kin powder, Padachira ointment for external application and Avipattikar Churna-3gm twice a day before food with water for 15 days. Conclusion: The Vamana Karma and Virechan followed by Shamana Chikitsa orally, and local application is highly effective in patients of Eka Kushtha (Chronic Plaque Psoriasis).