Review of Nidan and Chikitsa of Vipadika with special reference to Palmoplantar Psoriasis

Abstract

The vipadika kushtha mostly occurs on palms and soles in the form of cracks with severe pain. Palmoplantar psoriasis is a condition in which deep painful, symmetrical cracks on palm and soles, partially or completely dry, red, and thickened often with fissures are formed. Compared to dermatitis of the hand and other forms of psoriasis, Palmer is quite hard. Palmo-planter psoriasis produces significant functional and social disability. It is the second most common type of psoriasis followed by chronic plaque-type psoriasis.  It is characterized by sphutanam (cracks) either in palms or soles or in both with teevra vedana (severe pain). The pain present in vipadika is so intense that it severely affects the quality of life of the patient. Despite it being a minor condition it cripples the daily activities of patients. Vata is the main causative dosha for vipadika. Treatments like sneha sweda, lepa, intake of medicines acted as hetu-pratyaneeka and vyadhi pratyaneeka which relieved the subject from vipadika.  Based on the symptoms of vipadika, The present article attempts to highlight details of vipadika correlating with palma-plantar psoriasis. Comparatively, it is seen Ayurvedic chikitsa is more beneficial than treatment explained in modern medicine.