Role of poly-herbo-mineral combination in management of kunakha (paronychia)

Paronychia, a bacterial or fungal infection affecting the area where the nail meets the skin, often impacts individuals engaged in frequent water-related work. Typically resolving within a week, the condition can persist and worsen with exposure to water, chemicals, or unclean substances, leading to chronic infection and significant cosmetic concerns. In Ayurveda, this condition is referred to as Kunakha, a term originating from "Ku" (bad) and "Nakha" (nail) in Hindi. Kunakha, associated with Asthi dushti (Bone tissue) and characterized by nail discoloration, pain, and chronicity, corresponds to Kshudraroga in Ayurvedic texts, particularly the 13th chapter of Nidana Sthana by Acharya Susruta. The condition results from vitiated Tridosha with Pitta preponderance, leading to Vata and Pitta Prakopa (vitiation) upon nail damage, thus causing pain and discomfort. Kunakha is also known as Chippa or Anguliveshtaka in ancient Ayurvedic literature, with Acharya Charaka referring to it as Aksata. This case report demonstrates significant relief from paronychia through comprehensive Ayurvedic treatment, including Shaman Chikitsa (pacifying treatment).

A south 63-year-old Asian male patient came to Mahatma Gandhi Ayurved College Hospital and Research Center Salod (Hirapur), Wardha, Maharashtra, India. Patient had symptoms of pain and blackish discoloration in index finger nail and thumb finger nail of right hand since 3 months. Associated with pain patient has swelling and tenderness along with pus discharge which was on and off in origin.

The findings highlight the potential efficacy of Ayurvedic interventions in managing chronic and recurrent nail infections, offering a promising alternative for conditions that are otherwise challenging to treat with modern medicine. Despite being resistant to conventional modern therapies, the patient experienced substantial improvement, with no recurrence observed even after 1 year post-treatment.