Abstract

Background: Lichen planus pigmentosus (LPP) is a chronic pigmentosus disorder of unknown etiology. It is a distinct clinical entity commonly encountered in the Indian population. All skin diseases are described under the heading of kushtha roga (skin diseases) in Ayurveda. LPP seems more akin to charma kushtha, described as chudra kushtha due to the resembling signs and symptoms. Methods: A 20 –year-old female presented with asymptomatic symmetrically distributed hyperpigmented macules since 5 years that were clinically diagnosable as Lichen Planus Pigmentosus (LPP). Patient was given shiravedha (bloodletting ) followed by topical application of gandhakadruti malahara (ointment). Results: Significant reduction in the hyper pigmentation was observed after 5 month of treatment. Conclusion: The case report shows that Ayurveda treatment in the form of shiravedha (bloodletting ) followed by topical application of gandhakadruti malahara gives clinically significant result in chronic Lichen planus pigmentosus.

Key words: Ayurveda, Gandhakadruti malahara (ointment), Kushtha, Lichen planus pigmentosus