Ayurvedic Perspectives and Clinical Outcomes in Plaque Psoriasis

Abstract

Psoriasis is a genetically determined chronic papulosquamous disorder with relapses and remission, characterized by the presence of sharply demarcated dull red plaques covered with silvery scales. The present study aimed to assess the efficacy of Ayurvedic management in a 44-year-old male patient clinically diagnosed with plaque psoriasis and admitted to the Department of Kayachikitsa, Government Ayurveda College, Thiruvananthapuram. Treatment was aimed at reducing flare-ups, limit plaque development, avoid infection, and encourage healthy skin repair. Based on Ayurvedic principles, the condition was identified as Kushta with Tridosha involvement, predominantly exhibiting features of Sidhma Kushta with marked Vata Kapha predominance. The treatment protocol consisted of Langhana, Snehapana, repeated Shodhana and Samana therapies, along with appropriate external applications and Rasayana measures. Additionally, dietary regulations and lifestyle modifications were implemented to promote internal purification and enhance overall therapeutic efficacy. The Ayurvedic intervention in this single case of plaque psoriasis appeared effective in correcting the underlying Agnimandya at both the Koshta and Dhatu levels, resulting in significant clinical improvement. Disease severity was assessed using the PASI score, which decreased from 25.4 at baseline to 12.8 following Śodhana therapy and further to 4.1 after completion of the treatment protocol. The condition was approached with two months of symptom-focused treatment.