Āyuṛveda management of keratosis pilaris - a case report

Keratosis pilaris (KP) is the condition of the skin with extensive keratin follicular plugging. It may be associated with the erythema. The upper arm extensor area, shoulders, back of neck and thighs, as well as face and the upper trunk are the areas of presentation. Available medications for KP give only symptomatic relief, while some produce serious side effects. There is no proven universal treatment for the disease that can provide complete recovery. Āyuṛveda management of KP is not yet reported.

A 26-year-old male patient, presented with main complaints started with papular lesions over his right shoulder, chest and upper back along and later with pustular lesions in the past 2 weeks. The condition was associated with redness, mild swelling and itching. The case was diagnosed as Keratosis pilaris based on its presentation, site, and pathogenesis. Also by analyzing the extent of vitiation of doṣas (morbidities), the Vata kapha pitta hara line of treatment was adopted, which was accomplished in two phases i. e. Śodhana Cikitsa and Śamana Cikitsa.

Both internal and external treatments along with diet restrictions were found effective in arresting the pathogenesis and recovery in a short period. All the symptoms associated with the condition were completely cured with no signs of re-occurrence.