Ayurvedic Management of Vipadika Kusta (Palmar Psoriasis)

In Ayurveda, most skin diseases are mentioned under Kushta. Kushta is broadly classified into Maha Kushta and Kshudra Kushta. Vipadika is a type of Kshudra Kushta (minor skin disorder) which is caused by Vata-Kaphaja dominance and has Lakshana like Pani-Pada Sputana (cracks and fissures in hand and feet), Teevra Vedana (severe pain in the region of fissures), Manda Kandu (mild itching), and Saraga Pidika (red colored macule). This skin disease hampers day-to-day activity and depresses patients because of cosmetic issues. In modern view the symptoms are co-related to palmar psoriasis. In this case report, a 51-year-old female patient with poliomyelitis in bilateral lower-limbs, complaints of itching, redness, and flaky-skin lesion associated with severe pain and burning sensation since 2 years (on and off). She was clinically diagnosed as a case of Vipadika Kusta (palmar psoriasis). The treatment approach exclusively involves Shamana Chikitsa along with Nitya Virechana. Trayodashanga Guggulu, Gandaka Rasayana, Khadirarista and, Nitya Virechana with Trivrit Churna, topically Panchavalkala Qwatha Avagaha followed by Jathyadi Gritha application, along with Pathya- Apathya and significant lifestyle modification. The patient’s response was assessed over 12 weeks and post treatment follow up for 6 months to assess the symptoms improvement and recurrence. After 6 months of follow up patient had significant relief in symptoms. This case highlights the potential effectiveness of Shamana Chikitsa in management of Vipadika Kushta among poliomyelitis patient, offering a promising alternative or complementary approach for chronic cases of relapsing palmar psoriasis.