Effectiveness of Vamana Karma in Kitibha Kustha with special reference to Psoriasis – A Case Study

Any disease pertaining to skin causes adverse impact on psychological and social well-being results in depression, social isolation, loneliness and reduce quality of life. WHO has classified skin diseases a psycho-cutaneous disease which emphasizes the relation between skin and psyche. Hence skin ailments are given high priority by the patients. Skin diseases are commonly observed thanks to altered lifestyle including improper and altered food habits, mental stress, improper sleeping habits and poor hygiene. In Ayurveda, the majority the skin diseases are incorporated under Kustharoga and are classified as Mahakustha (major skin disorders) and Kshudra kustha (minor skin disorders). Kitibha kustha is explained under Kshudra kustha in Ayurvedic Samhitas. The signs and symptoms of Kitibha kustha are same as that of psoriasis explained in modern science. Aim: The aim was to gauge the importance of Vamana karma (bio-purificatory measures) in Kustha. Materials and Methods: A male patient aged 18 years presented with the signs and symptoms of slightly raised well-defined brownish patches over upper middle back, behind both ears and around both alar nasal sulcus associated with itching diagnosed it as Kitibha kustha and was treated with Vamana karma (emesis) followed by prior Deepan karma and Bahya & Abhyantar snehan (internal & external oiling) followed by Swedan (fomentation). Results: At the conclusion of Vaman, Pittantik vamana was achieved. Patient had significant relief from Kandu (itching), scaling and reduction of erythema after the procedure. Photographic changes were kept for comparison. Conclusion: This present case study revealed the importance of Vamana karma in Kitibha kustha (Psoriasis).

A Comparative Clinical Study of Haritkyadi Churna Virechan and Jivantyadi Lepam in the Management of Kitibha Kustha (Psoriasis)

Patients with skin conditions frequently endure physical, emotional, and socioeconomic forms of social embarrassment. Up to 3.5% of the global total and 0.44%-2.8% of Indians suffer with the unpleasant dermatological disorder psoriasis. It is a widespread, chronic, non-infectious skin condition that can affect either sexes and affect any age, with incidence rates ranging from childhood to age one. It is characterized by well-defined, slightly elevated, dry, erythematous macules with silvery scales and a characteristic extensor distribution. In contrast to other dermatological disorders, psoriasis manifests as systemic symptoms like arthritis. The prevalence is highest in the third and fourth decades of life, when patients become unable of doing daily tasks. For some patients, social humiliation is a significant factor which leads to an increase in suicidal ideation. To raise public awareness, the 29th October has been designated as World Psoriasis Day. The Ayurvedic term for skin is "Charma" or "Twacha." Twacha is derived from the word Dhatu-twacha samvarne, which means body covering. The broad categories of Kushtha have been used to discuss all skin conditions in Ayurveda. There are two types of Kustha in Ayurveda. Mahakustha and Kshudra Kustha. Kitibha kustha belongs to Kshudra kustha.