AN AYURVEDIC APPROACH TO VIPADIKA (PALMOPLANTAR PSORIASIS): A CASE STUDY

In Ayurveda, all dermatological disorders are collectively described under the term Kushta. Classical Ayurvedic texts enumerate eighteen varieties of Kushta, among which eleven are categorized as Kshudra Kushta. Vipadika, clinically correlated with palmoplantar psoriasis, is one such condition. Various Acharyas have described the clinical features of Vipadika with slight variations. According to Ashtanga Hridaya, the characteristic symptoms include Panipāda Sputana (fissures over palms and soles), Tīvra Vedanā (severe pain), Manda Kandu (mild itching), and Sārāga Piḍikā (erythematous macules). This condition significantly interferes with daily activities and often leads to psychological distress due to cosmetic concerns. The present case report involves a 62-year-old male patient presenting with itching on the plantar aspect of both feet, painful cracks over the soles, burning sensation, and difficulty in walking. There was no past history of systemic illness or surgical intervention. Dietary history revealed regular consumption of pickles twice daily. Following Ayurvedic management, including classical Ayurvedic medicine, marked improvement was observed. Burning sensation reduced initially, followed by gradual relief in fissures, itching, and pain on walking. The total duration of treatment was one months, with periodic follow-ups every 7 days, resulting in complete remission of symptoms.