Ayurveda interventions in management of chronic plaque psoriasis (Ekakushtha)

Abstract

Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory disease skin disease that is associated with different clinical phenotypes and that may show a variety of clinical manifestations such as interaction of genetic, and immunological and environmental factors. Plaque-type psoriasis (PP) is the most common form of psoriasis, occurring in 85%–90% of all cases. The classical symptoms of PP correspond to Ekakushtha in ayurveda, which is explained under Kushtha (skin) disease. The clinical sign and symptoms, dermatological examination, and previous history confirmed the case as “Plaque psoriasis.” According to classics, the case was diagnosed as Ekakushtha. Internal administration of decoction of drugs Punarnava, Manjistha, and Ushira, and Arogyavardhini Vati along with local application of 777 oil and Jivantyadi Yamaka was suggested to the patient initially for 1 month. After 1 month of treatment, there was a significant improvement in subjective assessment of itching, scaling, dryness, and erythema and PASI score, which was initially 43.6, was reduced to 5.2. Then along with above medication Mahatikta Ghrita was prescribed for 6 months. After 6 months of treatment, there was complete regression of all the symptoms and PASI score was found to be 0. In follow-up period even 10 months without medication, there were no signs of relapse. This case proved efficacy of ayurveda interventions in treating such cases where other systems of medicines have their own limitation.