Ayurvedic understanding and management of kitibha kushta (plaque psoriasis) in children - a case report

Summary of article contents:

Kushta is a Raktavaha Srotas vyadhi . It is a disease in which there will be discolouration, loss of sensation of touch, appearance of rashes, excess or no perspiration. This disease is related to skin and appendages and may even show systemic manifestations. There are eighteen types of Kushta . Seven out of them are coming under the category of Maha Kushta and eleven are considered as Kshudra kushta . Its clinical features are Shyaava , Kinakhara sparsha , Parusha . In another context, features like Sraavi,Vritta, Ghana, Ugrakandu, Snigdha Krishna are also told. Plaque Psoriasis is one among the different types of psoriasis. It is characterised by dry, raised, red skin lesions or plaques covered with silvery scales. A 14-yearold female patient was brought to the Out Patient Department of Kaumarabhritya, SDM College of Ayurveda and Hospital, Hassan by parents with complaints of multiple blackish brown plaques all over the body associated with severe itching since 9 months. Condition aggravates during intake of spicy and junk food items in excessive quantity. This condition can be understood as Kitibha kushta . After a detailed evaluation and thorough clinical examination, started with Deepana Pachana, Snehapana and later SarvangaAbhyanga, Nadi Sweda and Vamana was done. There were significant improvements in the condition of the patient. Later, she was discharged with medicines, especially to prevent its recurrence and to be continued at home for a period of 15 days. Keywords: Kitibha Kushta, Snehapana, Vamana