Management of Eka Kustha (Psoriasis) in Pediatric Patient Through Virechana Karma and Shaman Chikitsa: A Case Report

Introduction: Reported prevalence rates of childhood psoriasis in India generally range from 0.5% to 2% among pediatric populations. Modern medicine science uses PUVA, corticosteroids and antimitotic drug for the treatment of psoriasis which is associated with serious side effects. Ayurveda may provide safe and long-lasting effects and better life to patient through its uniqueness. Psoriasis is a Chronic, inflammatory, hyperproliferative papulosquamous disorder involving skin, nails, scalp and joints. Eka Kushtha, one of the types of Kshudra Kushtha which consists of the signs and symptoms i.e. Aswedanam, Mahavastu and Matsyashakalopam Avastha which can be correlated with psoriasis due to the resemblance in symptoms. Clinical findings: A female child aged 12 years presented with symptoms of red, scaly, dry, silvery lesions with itching over the scalp for last one month. Eka Kushtha(Psorasis) of moderate severity was diagnosed on the basis of variable scaly plaques with marked erythema, scaling, and induration. Therapeutic interventions, and outcomes: Shodhana Chikitsa through Virechana Karma followed by Shamana Chikitsa as mentioned in Ayurveda classics were followed. Improvement in the clinical symptoms were observed. Conclusion: Encouraging results noticed in this case report give insight that Virechana along with Shamana Chikitsa is safe and effective in managing psoriasis in the pediatric age group.