Ayurveda Management on Palmoplantar Psoriasis- A Case Study

Abstract

Psoriasis is an immune-mediated disease and a chronic proliferative inflammatory skin ailment. Probably it is associated with a genetic predisposition that can be triggered by stress. It can have negative impact on the physical, emotional and psychological wellbeing. Around 5% of all the psoriasis sufferers have palmoplantar psoriasis. It has a strong genetic component but environmental factors such as infections can also play an important role in the presentation of the disease. Palmoplantar psoriasis typically affects the skin of the palms and soles. Its morphologies are hyperkeratotic, pustular, or mixed. This disorder result in a substantial functional impairment and are chronic in nature. As a result, they are linked to a significant decline in life quality. Kushta roga is Vaivarnya and Dushti of twacha. Vipadika is included under Kshudra Kushta, characterized by Sputana in soles and palms with Vedana. Kushta is a disease of Bahudosha, Bhurodosha, the line of treatment to be adopted is Antah Parimarjana and Bahir Parimarjana chikitsa. This present study is on one such similar case of a male patient with thick skin lesion over both palms and soles with itching sensation, scaling of lesions & hyperpigmentation suffering over a period of 4 years. The treatment plan was based on the Samprapti of Vipadika Kushta. Assessment were done based on DLQI and PASI score. Nitya Virechana along with Shamana Chikitsa were selected as the line of treatment. Within few months of the treatment, the psoriatic lesions and associated signs and symptoms were healing effectively, subjective improvement in the quality of life. No adverse events were reported during the course of therapy and no recurrence was noticed as of reporting the present case report.