Abstract

AYURVEDIC MANAGEMENT OF ICHTHYOSIS VULGARIS (EK-KUSHTA): A CASE REPORT

Rutuja Ahire, Gunvant Yeola*, Dr. Shubham Shirsath

Abstract

Ichthyosis Vulgaris is the most common hereditary disorder of keratinisation, characterised by dry, rough skin with fine, adherent, fish-scale-like desquamation, most prominent over the extensor aspects of the extremities. Conventional management with emollients and keratolytic offers only symptomatic and temporary relief, with frequent relapse on discontinuation. A 68-year-old female patient presented with generalised dry, rough, scaly skin, characterised by fine, adherent scales over both lower limbs, extending to the trunk and upper limbs, associated with itching for 2 years. Treatment was carried out over eight weeks in two consecutive stages. Days 1–14 comprised an Aamapachana stage limited to a daily Gomutra-rranda taila avagaha (medicated bath), with no internal medication. From day 15 through day 56, twice-daily bahya snehana with lukewarm Narikela taila was combined with internally administered mahatiktaka ghritam (5 ml twice daily before food) and kushthaghna mahakashaya (5 ml thrice daily before food). Marked improvement was observed in scaling, dryness, roughness and pruritus, objectively documented using a standardised assessment scale, with good patient tolerance and no adverse events during the course of therapy. This case suggests that an individualised Ayurvedic protocol addressing vata-kapha dushti and twakgata dosha sanchaya may offer safe and effective symptomatic and disease-modifying benefits in Ichthyosis Vulgaris (Ek-kushtha), warranting further evaluation through controlled clinical studies.

Keywords: Ichthyosis Vulgaris, Ek Kushta, Kushta Roga, Twak Vikara.