AYURVEDIC MANAGEMENT OF VIPADIKA IN AN 18-YEAR-OLD MALE: A CASE REPORT

Introduction: Vipadika is described in Ayurveda as a type of Kshudra Kushtha predominantly affecting the palms and soles. It may present with discoloration, dryness, roughness, fissuring, itching or pain. This case report describes a planned three-month Ayurvedic management protocol for chronic hasta–pada twak vaivarnya diagnosed provisionally as Vipadika. Case presentation: An 18-year-old male presented with discoloration of the skin over the hands and feet for the past 10 years. No significant medical, surgical, medication, allergy or family history was reported. Based on the available clinical findings, a provisional Ayurvedic diagnosis of Vipadika was made. A detailed dermatological examination and appropriate investigations were advised to confirm the diagnosis and exclude other pigmentary disorders. Therapeutic intervention: The treatment was planned for three months. It commenced with dīpana–pācana therapy, followed by śamana sneha in the form of Mahātiktaka Ghṛta, 20 mL orally once daily. Subsequently, śodhanārtha ghṛtapāna with Mahātiktaka Ghṛta was planned according to the patient’s agni, koṣṭha, bala and appearance of samyak-sneha lakṣaṇa. Vamana using Madanaphala and saindhava-jala was planned after appropriate preparation and fitness assessment. Virecana was scheduled approximately one month after vamana. Basti therapy was planned after an interval of approximately 15 days, followed by raktamokṣaṇa and nasya with Anu Taila during the final phase. All śodhana procedures were to be performed under the supervision of a qualified Ayurvedic physician. Results: Post-treatment observations and objective outcome measurements were not available when this report was prepared. Clinical response was planned to be evaluated through changes in lesion colour, extent and associated symptoms, together with standardized photographs, patient-reported improvement and adverse-event monitoring. Conclusion: The proposed protocol presents a sequential Ayurvedic approach involving śamana and śodhana therapies for the management of chronic Vipadika. Confirmation of the diagnosis, careful patient selection, standardized outcome assessment and systematic safety monitoring are essential before drawing conclusions regarding therapeutic effectiveness.