Holistic Ayurvedic Management of Psoriasis with special reference to Eka Kustha

Abstract

Psoriasis is a chronic, autoimmune, inflammatory skin disorder characterized by erythematous, well-demarcated papules and plaques covered with silvery scales, commonly affecting the elbows, knees, scalp, and gluteal cleft. As a visible skin condition, it often leads to psychological distress, including depression and social isolation. A 52-year-old male patient presented with brownish, silvery patches on his back associated with itching and irritation for past two years with no relevant family history. He was diagnosed case of plaque psoriasis. The symptoms get aggravated during the cold season. In Ayurveda psoriasis can be correlated with Eka Kustha having resemblance with its sign and symptoms. Eka Kustha is a type of Kshudra Kustha predominantly caused by the vitiation of Vata and Kapha doshas. Management was planned based on Ayurvedic principles after proper evaluation of patient. Treatment protocol with Shamana Ausadhis like Trikatu Churna, Panchatikta Ghrita, Aragyavardhani Vati, Gandhaka rasayana, Kaishore Guggulu, Khadirarishtam, Multani Mitti lepana, local application of Brihat Dhantaphala Thailam along with Pathya and Apathya were instructed. Significant improvement was observed in both subjective parameters- Vaivarnatwa (discolouration of skin) and Kandu (pruritus/itching). The objective parameter was assessed using the PASI score before and after treatment. Before treatment the PASI score was 6.5 which subsequently got reduced to 1.04 after the treatment, hence the percentage of improvement was 84%. This treatment protocol can be taken into further consideration for the management of macular amyloidosis which is effective and therapeutically safe.