Abstract

A SINGLE CASE STUDY ON THE MANAGEMENT OF VRANAGRANTHI (KELOID) WITH SAPTAPARNA KSHARA

Dr. Neha*, Dr. Saurabh Gupta, Dr. Sayantan Chakraborty

Abstract

Background: Keloids are benign dermal fibro‑proliferative nodular lesions that arise from abnormal wound healing, characterized by excessive collagen deposition extending beyond the original wound margins. Despite numerous treatment modalities including surgical excision, intralesional steroids, cryotherapy, laser therapy, and radiation, there remains no universally accepted single effective treatment protocol due to high recurrence rates exceeding 50%. In Ayurveda, keloids can be correlated with Vranagranthi, a condition first described by Acharya Vagbhata arising from vitiated Vata drying up the blood in an unhealed wound. Case Presentation: A 32‑year‑old female patient presented with a keloid over the left ear pinna measuring 8 mm × 6 mm, with associated itching, burning sensation, hyperpigmentation, and pain. The lesion had developed following ear piercing performed two years prior and had progressively increased in size despite previous intralesional steroid injections. The patient was diagnosed as a case of Vranagranthi and treated with Pratisaraneeya Saptaparna Kshara (medicinal alkali prepared from Alstonia scholaris) applied locally once weekly for three sittings, neutralized with lemon juice after application. Results: Assessment was done using the Vancouver Scar Scale at baseline, 7th day, 14th day, and 21st day follow‑ups. Significant reduction was observed in all parameters—itching (G3 to G0), burning (G2 to G0), pigmentation (G2 to G1), pain (G2 to G0), scar size (G2 to G1), and scar height (G2 to G0). The lesion showed marked regression with no recurrence at three‑month follow‑up. Conclusion: Saptaparna Kshara demonstrated significant clinical efficacy in the management of Vranagranthi (keloid) with complete symptomatic relief and no recurrence. This parasurgical Kshara Karma offers a safe, cost‑effective, and time‑saving alternative to conventional treatments.

Keywords: Vranagranthi, Keloid, Saptaparna Kshara, Kshara Karma, Vancouver Scar Scale.