AN AYURVEDIC APPROACH IN THE MANAGEMENT OF EKA KUSHTHA (PSORIASIS): A SINGLE CASE STUDY

Background: Psoriasis is a chronic, immune-mediated skin disease, often recurring and resistant to long-term conventional management. It resembles Eka Kushtha in Ayurveda, a Tridoshaja Kshudra Kushtha with predominant Vata-Kapha involvement. Objective: To evaluate the efficacy of Ayurvedic Shodhana and Shamana Chikitsa in a case of chronic plaque psoriasis. Methods: A 35-year-old male diagnosed with chronic plaque psoriasis was treated at an Ayurvedic clinic using a classical protocol involving Snehapana, Virechana, followed by internal medicines and topical applications. The treatment lasted 60 days with follow-up for 3 months. Results: Significant reduction in erythema, itching, scaling, and lesion size was observed within 45 days. No recurrence was reported during follow-up. The patient also reported improved quality of life. Conclusion: The combination of Shodhana and Shamana therapies based on Ayurvedic principles offers promising results in the management of Eka Kushtha (psoriasis), reducing relapse and side effects.