Ayurvedic Management of Severe Erythrodermic Psoriasis: A Case Report

Erythrodermic psoriasis (EP) is an uncommon, aggressive and inflammatory variant of psoriasis characterized by a severe, in some cases life-threatening. EP affects about 1%–2% of psoriasis patients with generalized erythema and scaling covering the entire body surface. It may arise from any type of psoriasis and occurs in adults, children and babies. In Ayurveda, EP is correlated with Eka Kushta occurring mainly due to imbalance of Vata and Kapha Doshas, resembling Psoriasis in its clinical manifestations. A 46-yr year old male patient with a history of Type-2 Diabetes Mellitus presented with complaints of peeling scaly rash all over body associated with edema in hands and foot, patient was unable to walk due to excessive pain in both legs. The condition started seven months back in his extremities and face, and then rapidly spread over his whole body. Ayurvedic management protocols such as Sodhana (bio-purification), Shamana (palliative therapy), and Sthanika Chikitsa (local therapies (comprising of local application) along with Yogic Pranayama and Yagya Chikitsa were administered to manage both diabetes (Madhumeha) and EP. The VAS score resolved from 8 to 0 after treatment and the patient was referred to Kayachikitsa department for further management of Type-2 DM. A concerted and judicious selection of therapeutics from the three spectra of Sodhana, Shamana, and Sthanika Chikitsa resulted in positive outcomes. This study may give further scope of research in this area, similar in nature to structured clinical trials.