Management of Eka kushtha (plaque psoriasis) with Shodhana and Shamana in pediatric age group: A case report

Abstract

Abstract: Psoriasis is an auto-immune, chronic, disfiguring skin condition that negatively impacts the quality of life of individuals. Its incidence rate among children has doubled since 1970, equally prevalent among males and females. Eka kushtha, one of the types of Kshudra kushtha (~minor skin diseases) can be correlated with psoriasis due to the resemblance in symptoms. A male child aged 12 years presented with symptoms of round, red, scaly, dry, silvery lesions over the extensor surface of bilateral upper and lower limbs for the last two years. Eka kushtha (~plaque psoriasis) of moderate severity was diagnosed on the basis of variable scaly plaques with marked erythema, scaling, and induration. Shodhana chikitsa (~bio-cleansing therapy) through Virechana karma (~therapeutic purgation) followed by Shamana chikitsa (~palliative therapy) as mentioned in Ayurveda classics were followed. Improvement in the clinical symptoms as well as changes in the scores of the Psoriasis Area and Severity Index and Children’s Dermatology Life Quality Index scale was observed. The presently available treatment principles for psoriasis are based on controlling the symptoms and are associated with serious side effects. Encouraging results noticed in this case report give insight that Shodhana along with Shamana chikitsa is safe and effective in managing psoriasis in the pediatric age group.