Abstract

Background: Conditions related to the skin are among the top concerns in clinical practice. In Ayurveda, the term ‘Kushta’ refers to all skin diseases. Unhealthy lifestyle, lack of activity, poor hygiene, mental stress, and bad eating habits also play a role in the development of skin disorders. Eka Kushta, a subtype of Kshudra Kushta (minor types of Kuṣṭha – mild to moderate dermatological conditions) is characterised by dry, scaly lesions. In this case, Tridoṣa (three regulatory bio-energies—Vāta, Pitta, and Kapha) along with Rasa (primary nutritive fluid), Rakta (blood tissue), Māṃsa (muscle tissue), and Ambu (body fluids) are commonly involved in the pathophysiology. Objective: The objective of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of Ayurveda treatment approach in the management of psoriasis. Case Details: A 74-year-old male patient visited Parul Ayurveda Hospital in Vadodara on 21/04/ 2025. He had been experiencing intermittent black, irregular patches on his feet and left hand for the last 2-3 years, along with itching that intensified at night. The condition worsened over time, and he received no relief from other treatments. Based on the clinical presentation and Ayurveda evaluation, the condition was classified as Kushta. The patient was managed conservative treatment (Shamana), external therapy including Prakshalana (therapeutic cleansing) using Panchavalkala decoction combined with Triphala (a poly-herbal formulation and Tankana Bhasma (Sodium borate - processed borax). Results: Progressive clinical improvement was observed during follow-up visits. There was a marked reduction in scaling, itching, plaque thickness, erythema, and induration. No new lesions developed during the treatment period. By the 5th month, near-complete resolution of pruritus and scaling was achieved, with only mild residual hyperpigmentation remaining. PASI assessment demonstrated a substantial reduction in disease severity, approaching clinical remission.Conclusion: This case highlights the potential effectiveness of Ayurveda treatment regimen in the management of chronic psoriasis. The observed clinical improvement suggests that Ayurveda interventions may provide a safe and effective therapeutic option for improving symptoms and quality of life in patients with psoriasis. However, larger clinical studies are required to further validate these findings.

Key words: Psoriasis, Eka Kushta, Ayurveda, Detoxification therapy, Conservative treatment