Management of Childhood Shwitra in the purview of Vitiligo through Ayurveda Protocol: A Case Study

Abstract Background: The most prevalent pigmentation condition, vitiligo, is referred to in Ayurveda as Shwitra because of its distinctive appearance. It results from an imbalance of the three Doshas (Vata, Pitta, and Kapha), which vitiates the Dhatus like Rakta, Mamsa, and Meda. Shwitra is a benign but extremely serious cosmetic condition that negatively impacts a person's social, psychological, and emotional well-being. Objective: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of Ayurvedic treatment for Shwitra patient. Method: Following Ayurvedic principles, a 10-year-old girl with vitiligo vulgaris (Shwitra) complained of a rising area and number of depigmented spots on her skin. Based on the patient's observed indications and symptoms, a treatment plan was developed. The protocol includes Shodhana (Dipana-Pachana, Snehapana followed by Vamana and Virechana), followed by Shamana treatment with a combination of powdered herbal drugs Triphala Churna and Arogyavardhini Vati, Khadirarishta orally along with Avalgujadi Lepa for local application, is part of the protocol. Result: The treatment strategy was shown to have been successful in reversing depigmented patches to repigmentation. As per VETI scoring for vitiligo, the patient was observed to have had significant improvement, with the VETI score changing from 9 before treatment to 1 after treatment. Additionally, there was an improvement in subjective criteria, with 80-85% filling of the hypopigmented patches. Keywords: Ayurvedic Treatment, Vitiligo, Vamana, Virechana, Shwitra, Case report