Management of Chronic Plaque Psoriasis through Panchkarma: A case report

Psoriasis is a chronic systemic inflammatory skin disorder prevailing in 2%-3% individuals worldwide. Yet no permanent management has been established. Metabolic burdens and comorbidities have been found to be associated with Psoriasis, which make it more critical. The classical management of the disease in Ayurveda includes Vamana Karma (therapeutic emesis) and Virechana Karma (therapeutic purgation). This is a distinct case where a 52-year-old patient, suffering from Chronic Plaque Psoriasis (CPP), unfit for Vamana Karma was treated by VirechanaKarma only. The patient had suffered from Psoriasis since last 14 years and was present with symptoms of scaly lesions and intense itching. The patient was admitted in the IPD and planned for Virechana Karma. After Shodhana, Rasamanikya-125 mg, Vidanga Choorna 2 gm, Kaishora Guggulu-1000 mg, Kamdudha Rasa 250 mg, Khadirarishta-20 ml, and Punarnavadi Kwatha 40 ml, twice a day was advised with daily 3 times local application of Bruhad Marichyadi Taila as regular medication. The assessment was done by Psoriasis Area Severity Index (PASI) score, Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI) score and Numerical Rating Scale (NRS) for itching. The initial PASI, DLQI and NRS scores were 20.6, 18, and 8 respectively which was evaluated to be, 5.8, 4 and 2 respectively in the latest follow-up. This case study demonstrates that Virechana alone may also manage CPP.