Ekakushtha, a skin condition in Ayurveda, is characterized by:
– Silvery plaques like fish scales
– Itching
– Tendency to spread all over the body
– Dominance of Vata and Kapha doshas
– Faulty dietary habits and psychogenic stress as contributing factors
It can be correlated with psoriasis-like diseases.
Case Definition:
– Dry, scaling, erythematous or maculopapulous patches
– Adherent silvery white scales
– Itching (may or may not be present)
Differential Diagnosis:
– Sidhma: White, shiny patches with or without itching and exfoliation
– Dadru: Circular patches with elevated periphery and severe itching
Line of Treatment:
1. Nidana Parivarjana (avoiding causative factors)
2. Shodhana Chikitsa (detoxification):
– Vamana (induced vomiting)
– Virechana (induced diarrhea)
– Rakta Mokshana (bloodletting)
3. Shamana Chikitsa (palliative treatment):
– Pachana (digestive enzymes)
– Raktashodhana (blood purification)
– External applications (Lepa, Taila, and Dhara Chikitsa)
4. Rasayana Chikitsa (rejuvenation therapy) for Rasa-Rakta Prasadana (nourishment of blood and plasma)
Treatment is also based on the involvement of doshas (Vata, Pitta, and Kapha).
Investigations: None specific.
Note: This is an Ayurvedic perspective on Ekakushtha (psoriasis-like disease), and the treatment approach may differ from conventional medical practices.