Ayurvedic Management of Kitibha Kushtha (Psoriasis) with Shamana Chikitsa: A Case Report
Vaidya Sarthak Sanjeev, Vaidya Sanjeev Mariya and Sunidhi Khurana
Mariya Hospital, Opposite Bus Stand, Ghikara Link Road, Charkhi Dadri - 127306 (India)
ABSTRACT
Psoriasis is a chronic, immune-mediated inflammatory skin disorder affecting approximately 2–3% of the global population and is correlated with Kitibha Kushtha in Ayurveda, a Kshudra Kushtha characterized by the vitiation of Vata and Kapha Doshas along with Rakta Dhatu. Although Shodhana Chikitsa is considered the classical line of management, Shamana Chikitsa serves as a practical outpatient alternative. A 42-year-old male painter presented with a three-year history of erythematous, scaly plaques over the chest, abdomen, back, and upper limbs, with seasonal aggravation during winter. Previous allopathic treatment had failed to provide sustained relief. Based on classical Ayurvedic features and clinical examination, a diagnosis of Kitibha Kushtha was established. The patient was treated exclusively with Shamana Chikitsa for 30 days using Arogyavardhini Vati, Manjisthadi Vati (Bruhat), Gandhak Rasayan, Haridrakhand Churna, and topical application of 777 oil. Clinical response was assessed using the Psoriasis Area Severity Index (PASI), which showed a reduction from 16.0 at baseline to 0 by Day 30, indicating complete remission. The patient remained asymptomatic without recurrence during a six-month followup. This case demonstrates that a structured Shamana Chikitsa protocol can achieve rapid and sustained remission in Kitibha Kushtha and supports the need for larger controlled clinical studies to further evaluate its therapeutic efficacy.