AN AYURVEDIC MANAGEMENT OF PALMO-PLANTAR PSORIASIS BY BAKULA PATRA- A CASE STUDY

Abstract

Background Skin diseases are a group of diseases that a larger population of the world is suffering from. Care for the skin is emphasised, as it is the largest organ of our body. In Ayurveda, all skin diseases are dealt with under Kushta. Vipadika Kusthta is one of the Kshudrakusta, which occurs due to Tridosha Prakopa. This causes Teevra Ve-dana, Pani Pada Sputana. In the modern system of medicine, Vipadika Kusta can be correlated to Palmo-plantar psoriasis. The national prevalence of Palmoplantar psoriasis is estimated to be 0.12%. The symptoms include elevated and thickened skin surface, scaling, itching, burning sensation, cracks and bleeding. Aim- To evaluate Bakula Patra Kashaya's efficacy in managing Palmoplantar psoriasis. Methodology- In the present case, a fe-male patient aged 74 years complained of itching, burning sensation, cracks, and scaling over bilateral soles and palms for three months. It was initially treated with Bakula Patra Kashaya for fifteen days, and Shodhana was given, which included Snehapana with Panchatiktaka Guggulu Grita for three days, Vishramakala where Sar-vanga Abhyanga with Yastimadhu Taila for three days in the absence of Swedana and on 7th day Virechana with 25gm Trivrut Lehya followed by 60ml Draksha Rasa was given. Results—Vipadika Kusta was assessed using subjective and objective criteria based on Lakshanas, and the score was noted before and after the treatment. The symptoms were significantly improved after the consumption of Bakula Patra Kashaya. Conclusion- Mimosops elengi Linn, belonging to the Sapotaceae family, is indicated in Twak Vikaras. The leaves contain active princi-ples like Quercetin, Hentriacontane, and steroidal saponin, which have wound-healing properties and might have helped heal cracks. Quercetin has anti-histaminic activity, which might have reduced itching.