Ayurvedic Management of Psoriatic Arthritis- A Case Study

Abstract

Psoriatic arthritis (PsA) is an inflammatory musculoskeletal disease with both autoimmune and autoinflammatory features characteristically occurring in individuals with psoriasis. The prevalence of PsA in the Indian population was reported in 8.47% cases of Psoriasis. The symptoms such as skin manifestations and pain in the small joints presented in PsA very much resemble to Gambhira Vatarakta mentioned in Ayurveda classics. Even though, the main culprit involved in Vatarakta is Vata and rakta. Also, dhatus like rasa, mamsa, asthi, and majja are involved in the pathogenesis. The treatment principle focuses on controlling inflammation and affected joints to prevent joint pain and further disability. A 46-year-old male patient visited IPD of Kayachikitsa with complaints of pain and swelling in small joints along with presenting with flaky scales and itching over the scalp region, low back, and both lower limbs. The management was done on the basis of following treatment modalities: - Ama pacana, rakta prasadanam, sodhananga snehapanam, virechana, and Rasayana. The assessment was done before and after the treatment by using the PASI score and EULAR criteria. It was observed there was a relief for symptoms and changes in biochemical parameters. To stabilize the positive response of this treatment, Samana chikitsa and Rasayana were advised as a follow-up for a period of one month.