An Ayurvedic Management of Kitibha Kushta (Plaque Psoriasis) - A Case study

Abstract

Skin disease makes a great impact as other serious medical conditions when assessed by effects on health-related quality of life. Skin diseases are ranked as the fourth most common cause of human illness, resulting in an enormous non-fatal burden. According to Global burden of diseases, skin and subcutaneous diseases are increasing at an alarming rate since few decades. Due to altered lifestyle, lack of physical exercise, unhygienic, mental stress, over eating, nutrition deficiency, skin diseases are commonly observed. All the skin diseases in Ayurveda  have been discussed under the broad heading of Kushta which is further divided into Mahakusta and Kshudra Kusta. Kitibha Kusta is included under Kshudra Kusta which simulates with signs and symptoms of Psoriasis. Psoriasis is chronic disorder which is commonly encountered in day today’s clinical practices accounting for wide spared prevalence. As it is relapsing in nature it requires treatment for long duration. In this case study, 41 years old male patient  had come to OPD of Agadatantra with chief complaint of Kandu (itching), dry silvery white patches over both the elbow, blackish discoloration over lower limbs, abdomen and back treated with Shodhana Chikitsa [Body purification] using Virechana Karma and Shamana Chikitsa using Panchatikta Guggulu Ghrta, Bilvadi Gutika, Manjista Choorna as Lepa and Marichadi Taila for application. Thus, this paper highlights a case study of Kitibha Kusta (Plaque Psoriasis) treated with Ayurvedic principles.