Ayurvedic management of Vaipadika - A Case Study

Vaipadika is one among eleven Kshudra Kushtas characterized by Pani Pada Sputana (cracking of palms and soles), Teevra Vedana (intense pain), Manda Kandu (mild itching) and Saraga Pidaka (reddish lesions). It is a Vatakapha predominant condition. Palmoplantar psoriasis effecting hand and foot shares similar clinical features as that of Vaipadika. It causes itching, pain, and rashes on the palms of the hands, sides of the fingers or on the soles of the feet. As Kushta is a Bahudoshaja Vyadhi, it requires Shodhana Chikitsa (purificatory therapies). But Kshudra Kushtas like Vaipadika respond well to OP based Shamana Chikitsa (pacification therapy). The current case report is an attempt to appreciate the effect of Shamana Chikitsa in the management of Vaipadika Kushta (Palmoplantar psoriasis). A sixty-three-year-old female patient approached the outpatient department with complaints of cracked left palm associated with itching, burning sensation and pain in the last one year. Though it is a chronic case, the patient was able to get relieved within four visits which created a promising faith towards Ayurvedic treatment.