A case report on Ayurveda management of Staphylococcal scalded skin syndrome: An experience

Staphylococcal Scalded Skin Syndrome (SSSS) is a severe skin infection resulting from specific exotoxin-producing strains of Staphylococcus species. The clinical presentation of the disease resembles Agni visarpa (~acute spreading eruptions), which occurs due to aggravation of Vata-Pitta pradhana tridosha . In the case study, an 82-year-old female presented with multiple blisters with sero-purulent discharge, swelling, redness, and pain in both feet and left hand, along with generalized weakness. A clinical diagnosis of SSSS was established, and Ayurveda treatment was initiated on the principles for the management of Visarpa , and Vrana chikitsa (~wound management), with emphasis on both local and systemic therapies. Internal medications such as Gandhaka rasayana and Kaishora guggulu , along with local application of Gandhakadi malahara and regular dressing, helped in the rapid cure of the condition. The patient was discharged after one week, and follow-up on 21 st day showed near-complete healing of the skin lesion, with a marked improvement observed in wound healing assessment scale from Grade 3 to Grade 0 in terms of Ruja (~pain), Raga (~erythema), Daha (~burning sensation), Srava (~discharges), and Vrana ropana (~wound healing). Hence, the case study showcases and emphasizes the importance of Ayurveda intervention for effective management of SSSS.