AYURVEDIC MANAGEMENT OF EXFOLIATIVE CHELITIS: A CASE REPORT

Exfoliative cheilitis, a rare form, is characterized by the continuous peeling of the vermilion border. It typically begins with typical or slightly red lips, followed by the development of a thickened surface that eventually peels. In this case report, a patient with a 7 to 8 year history of habitual lip biting and emotional stress presented with episodic cycles of thickening, cracking, and peeling of the lower lip, which was more severe than the upper lip. The patient also experienced pain and burning sensations, exacerbated by sun and cold exposure. Based on clinical presentation, the diagnosis of Vata pittaja Oshta Prakopa (Exfoliative Cheilitis) was made. An Ayurvedic management approach, including both Shamana (palliative) and Shodhana (purificatory) therapies, was employed. The treatment resulted in significant improvements, reducing dryness, scaling, thickening, yellowish-brown crusts, cracking, and burning sensations. Shodhana Chikitsa continued to prevent the recurrence of symptoms. This case report is significant as, to date, there are no Ayurvedic journals that have documented the management of Exfoliative Cheilitis using Ayurvedic treatments, highlighting the uniqueness and potential efficacy of this approach in treating this rare condition.