Management of Plaque Psoriasis through <i>Ayurveda</i> - A Clinical Case Study

Psoriasis is an immune-mediated inflammatory disease that affects the skin and joints and is chronic, non-communicable, painful, disfiguring and disabling. The prevalence of psoriasis in countries ranges from 0.09% to 11.4%. The reported prevalence in India is 0.44 - 2.8%. Even though psoriasis was found long ago, its etiology and treatment are not affirmative. Psoriasis can be correlated to Ekakushtha based on the signs and symptoms described in the classical texts of Ayurveda. Many herbs have been mentioned in Ayurveda to treat psoriasis, however due to the disease’s complicated pathophysiology and relapsing nature, there is need to develop a multimodal treatment protocol. We report a case of plaque psoriasis in a female patient aged 18 in this article. The prescribed course of action was created in accordance with the Ayurvedic-samprapti (pathology). Therapeutic emesis after improving digestion power was done followed by internal medicine Patoladigana decoction, Tablet Arogyavardhinivati, Tablet Gandhakrasayana and Mahatiktaka ghee was given along with Ayyapal oil for topical application on patches. During treatment and 1 year after completion of treatment diet and lifestyle modifications were strictly followed by the patient. Compared to earlier allopathic treatment, the efficacy of the treatment was observed substantially sooner. After treatment, there was no recurrence. During treatment, the wholesome diet as a health promoter was important. Time to time photographic documentation was maintained during whole year of treatment. Ayurvedic external and internal treatment can help to rectify the intricate patho-physiology of persistent psoriasis.