Ekakushtha, a skin condition in Ayurveda

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.