Ayurveda multimodal treatment approach for the management of generalized plaque psoriasis: a case report

Abstract

Background: Plaque psoriasis typically presents with large, oval-circular plaques over the scalp, trunk, and extensor body surface. In Ayurveda, all the skin diseases depict under the heading “Kustha” (skin diseases). Among them, “Ekakustha” (psoriasis) is further explained under the title “Kshudra Kustha” (minor skin diseases). It is characterized by the hyperproliferation of the epidermal cells resulting in plaque formation over the lesions and may get severe and progress into the pustular subtype. Aim: Plaque psoriasis is compared with Ekakushtha in Ayurveda because of its resemblance to disease condition that is described in the Ayurveda classics. The aim of this study was to treat a patient with Ayurveda multimodal treatment approach. Materials and Methods: We, herein, reported a case of a woman aged 29 years complaining about reddish lesions over the scalp, peripheral area of eyes, trunk, back, and upper and lower extremities with intense pruritus since the last 8 months. Itching leads to scaling and trickling of blood from lesions. The patient was diagnosed with generalized plaque psoriasis. This case was treated by internal as well as topical medicament with the cessation of known etiological factors. Results: A significant reduction in the symptoms within 98 days of treatment without reported relapse manifestation of previous symptoms. The scores of 18, 10, and 2 were observed before treatment, after treatment, and after follow-up period, respectively, on the symptomatic relief in signs and symptoms of Ekakushtha. The Psoriasis Area Severity Index (PASI) score was adopted as the assessment of severity of case. The PASI score is zero after the treatment and 12.2 before the treatment. The Ayurveda multimodal treatment approach gives miraculous result in this type of complex nature of psoriasis disease.