AN AYURVEDIC APPROACH TO THE MANAGEMENT OF VIPADIKA: A CASE REPORT

All skin diseases in Ayurved have been considered under the headings of kushta. Vipadika is one of the types of the Kshudrakushta which involves Vata-Kapha dosha predominantly as stated by Acharya Charaka. It is characterized by dryness, sphutanam (fissures), and cracking either in palms or soles or in both with thivra vedana. Looking from modern point of view it can be correlated with Plamoplantar psoriasis.It is predominantly caused by the vitiation of vata and kapha doshas invoving the Rasa, Rakta, Mamsa and Twak dhatus. The present case study describes the Ayurvedic management of a 44-year old female who presented with itching, dryness of the skin, discoloration, fissuring and pain predominantly over both soles and the right hand since 1year, along with unsatisfactory bowel evacuation. Clinical examination suggested Vata predominance with Pitta association and features of Mandagni. Management was planned on the basis of Dosha, Dushya and Srotas involvement and included Abhyantara Snehapana,followed by Virechana karma with and subsequent Samsarjana Krama, local application, internal medicines. The case was managed through a Shodhana- and Shamana-oriented Ayurvedic approach. After treatment, 80-85%relief was noted-fissures healed,itching and burning subside, discoloration lightened and skin texture became soft and near normal without any adverse effects.