AN AYURVEDIC MANAGEMENT OF SCLERODERMA: A CASE STUDY

Scleroderma is a rare chronic autoimmune connective tissue disorder characterized by skin thickening, fibrosis, and vascular abnormalities. While conventional therapy primarily focuses on symptom and complication management, there is a need for holistic approach to improve tissue health and overall well-being. This case study explores scleroderma from an ayurvedic perspective, considering its pathology, and management based on concept of Aama and Strotoroadha leading to mansagata rasarakta dushti leading to vata prakopa and its sequele. According to ayurveda, scleroderma can be partially correlated with "Aamvata" due to connective tissue involvement leading to deformities. Though in Aamvata its bony deformities unlike ischemic changes and fibrosis in scleroderma. This study presents a case of a 50-year-old female patient diagnosed with scleroderma, who visited Kayachikitsa OPD of Y.M.T. Ayurvedic College with symptoms including Raynaud’s phenomenon progressing to digital ulcers and sclerodactyly, facial skin tightening, dry mouth, polyarthralgia, gastrointestinal disturbances, and vitiligo. Treatment involved classical ayurvedic formulations such as Sinhanad Guggulu, Ajmodadi Churna, and Rasna Erandadi Kashaya, along with Panchakarma therapies like Vaitarana Basti, Panchkolakshara Basti, Snehana with Vishagarbha Taila and Valuka Pottali Swedana. Patient was assessed for upto 3 months. Following these interventions, the patient showed approximately 70% improvement, including digital ulcer healing, pain relief, gastrointestinal symptom resolution, and skin discolouration improvement. The study highlights the potential role of Ayurvedic interventions in eliminating deep seated toxins (Aama) which slower down disease progression, helps in relieving symptoms thereby enhancing quality of life in autoimmune disorders, while emphasizing the need for further clinical research to establish it’s efficacy.