Management of Recurrent Ear Keloid With Vibhitaki Kshara Sutra – An Ayurvedic Case Report

Background: Keloids are benign fibroproliferative disorders caused by excessive collagen deposition during wound healing. Auricular keloids are cosmetically distressing and are associated with high recurrence rates despite conventional treatments such as intralesional steroid injections and surgical excision. In Ayurveda, keloids can be correlated with Vrana Granthi for which Kshara Sutra therapy is indicated. Case Presentation: A 25-year-old female presented with a recurrent keloid over the left ear lobule, persisting for two years following ear piercing. She had previously undergone injection therapy and surgical excision, after which recurrence occurred. Vibhitaki Kshara Sutra ligation was performed under aseptic conditions. Results: The keloid mass underwent gradual necrosis and sloughed off completely within 14 days. Complete wound healing was observed in 2 months. No complications or recurrence were noted during follow-up. Conclusion: Vibhitaki Kshara Sutra ligation is a safe, minimally invasive, cost-effective, and efficient Ayurvedic modality for the management of recurrent auricular keloids with satisfactory cosmetic outcomes and minimal recurrence risk.