Abstract

A CLASSICAL AYURVEDIC APPROACH TO SCALP PSORIASIS: SUCCESSFUL MANAGEMENT OF KITIBA KU??HA – A CASE REPORT

Dr. Nataraj H. R.*, Dr. Yatheesh K. R., Dr. MDP Ishara

ABSTRACT

Background: Scalp psoriasis (Kitiba Kushtha) affects up to 79% of psoriatic patients, causing severe pruritus, dense silver-white scaling, and profound psychosocial distress disproportionate to the 10% body surface area it occupies. This case study evaluates an Ayurvedic protocol for severe scalp psoriasis. A 34-year-old female physical educator presented with a 5-year history of progressive, severe itching and thick, powdery, scaly plaques covering almost the entire scalp and extending to the nape of the neck. On local examination, diffuse, irregular, coalescing plaques with dense, adherent silvery-white scales over erythematous skin. Treatments like Deepana & Pachana, Abhyanga, and Bashpa sweda, and Sodhana like Virechana, along with Shamana & Topical Management, were performed. Results: Baseline photography showed significant plaque breakdown and flattening. Post-treatment and follow-up revealed a smooth scalp with visible hair stubble. Silvery scaling, dryness, erythema, and tenderness were completely resolved. Conclusion: The patient's symptoms were assessed using the Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI) and the Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI) before and after treatment. The results showed significant improvement, and the patient reported a marked reduction in itching and scaling of the lesions. 

Keywords: Scalp Psoriasis, Kitiba Kushtha, Virechana, Shamana.