Ayurvedic Management of Ek-Kushtha (Psoriasis): Review Article

Abstract

Ek- Kustha is a kind of Kshudra Kushtha that resembles psoriasis in its clinical presentations and is primarily caused by an imbalance of the Vata and Kapha doshas. It bears a greater resemblance with Psoriasis, which is a long-lasting autoimmune and chronic inflammatory skin disorder clinically characterized by erythematous, sharply demarcated papules and rounded plaques, covered by silvery micaceous scale predominantly affecting the skin of elbows, knees, gluteal cleft, and scalp. Some people may have severe Psoriasis is involving their entire body. The quality of life of patient with Psoriasis is often diminished because of the appearance of skin. The mainstays of psoriasis treatment include immune system suppressing drugs like methotrexate, PUVA, vitamin D3 lotion, and steroid creams. Some contemporary therapeutic methods do have serious drawbacks, particularly when used for an extended period of time. These modern treatment modalities are not devoid from grave complications mainly in long term use. Owing to these reasons, there is a need for treatment having good efficacy and no toxicity profile. So this case study was conducted considering Psoriasis as Ek-kuhstha and Ayurvedic management was planned accordingly. Drastic results were witnessed by Shodhana (Vasantik Vaman & Shardik Virechana) and Shamana (Some internal herbo-mineral preparations, External oil application).