Focal Plantar Keratoderma Associated with Chronic Cornified Callosities Managed by Ayurveda

Palmoplantar keratoderma (PPK) is a rare heterogeneous group of disorders characterized by hyperkeratotic thickening, painful fissures, and callosities of the skin of palms and soles. Diffuse, focal, and punctate are three distinct clinical patterns of PPK. In Ayurveda, the morphological features of this disease can be correlated to Vipadika , which is a Vata Kapha predominant condition described in Ayurveda classics . This case report of a 34-year-old male born to nonconsanguineous parents, presented with plantar keratoderma with symptoms of hyperkeratinization over both soles associated with callosities, deep fissures, foul smell, and pain. He consulted a dermatologist and underwent multiple surgical debridements with relapse of lesions every time. The assessment was made based on the clinical presentation, histopathology of the skin, and potassium hydroxide mounting of skin scrapings. The condition was managed by internal medications and external therapeutic procedures described in the general treatment principles of Kushta . Further management was according to Dosha status and continued for 4 months. The patient got significant results by 4 months of medication, and these results uphold the applicability of the fundamental principles of Ayurveda in curing diseases based on the assessment of derangement of Tridosha .