AYURVEDIC MANAGEMENT OF KOTA: A CASE STUDY

Abstract

Skin is the largest and protective organ of the body that comes in contact with the external world. The skin has many roles in the maintenance of life and health. Pathological Manifestations in the skin are caused by both external and internal factors. Nowadays skin diseases are more common due to improper lifestyles and habits. Urticaria is one among them. The present case study is about, a 30-year-old female patient, visited our hospital (KC OPD) with a chief complaint of itching, redness, and mild burning sensation all over the body for nine years. We diagnosed her with Kota. Kota is mentioned in Ayurveda as one among the Twak Vikara. Most of the Acharyas are explained Sheethapitha, Udarda and Kota under a single chapter because of almost similar symptomatology. The main symptoms of Kota are Mandala (elevated round), Kandu (itching), Raga(redness), Bahuni (number) and Sanubandatha (frequency of attack). In comparison to symptomatology, Urticaria is quite similar like Kota. In India, approximately 15-20% of the general population will have Urticaria once in their life. Chronic Urticaria is defined as urticaria persisting daily or almost daily for more than 6 weeks. Chronic autoimmune urticaria or chronic idiopathic urticaria has no discernable external cause. It can cause severe impairment on the quality of life. There is no complete treatment for this, but medicines and lifestyle changes can help the patient to feel better according to modern science. In Ayurveda it is a Sadhyavyadhi, Treatment adopted here are Vamana, Virechana, Siravyada followed by Patolakaturohinyadi kashayam, Nimbadi guggulu, Vilwadigulika, Manibadram Guda. This case study proves the Ayurvedic management in Urticaria is very effective with promising results. Keywords: Kota, Urticaria, Shodhana, Shamana Aushadhis