Exploring alternative approaches: A case report on palmoplantar keratoderma treated with unani medicine

Palmoplantar Keratoderma (PPK) is a heterogeneous group of hereditary and acquired cornification disorders defined by hyperkeratosis of the palms and soles, often resulting in significant discomfort and reduced quality of life. The clinical features include well defined yellowish hyperkeratotic plaques on palm and soles. Treatment typically relies on topical keratolytic agents, including salicylic acid, lactic acid, urea and in more severe cases, systemic therapy with oral retinoids may be required. While there are numerous case reports and published articles on the management of palmoplantar keratoderma within the framework of allopathic medicine, there is a noticeable scarcity of literature addressing the treatment of PPK through Unani medicine. Exploring Unani medicine for chronic skin conditions offers a promising alternative to conventional allopathic treatments, especially when the latter proves ineffective or causes undesirable side effects.

A 10-year-old male child presented with a two-year history of progressive thickening and hyperkeratosis of the palms and soles. The mother of the patient first noticed cracks on his left sole, which gradually progressed into thickened, rough lesions. After 6 months the same kind of lesion was observed on right sole gradually the lesions appear on right palm and then left palm. A diagnosis of palmoplantar keratoderma was made based on clinical findings and patient took the allopathic treatment on and off for several months but there was only minimal improvement and reappearance of lesions after few days, so the patient's family sought Unani medicine as an alternative therapy. After 6 weeks of Unani treatment, the patient showed remarkable improvement, including reduced skin thickening, relief from discomfort, and restored skin flexibility.

This case report highlights the successful resolution of PPK in a 10-year-old male child patient following treatment with Unani medicine. Moreover, it suggests the potential applicability of Unani medicine approach for managing chronic skin diseases. More controlled studies are required to determine its efficacy in other PPK cases. For chronic or complex skin diseases, using Unani medicine instead of traditional treatment may provide a more comprehensive approach and better outcomes.