EFFICACY OF ‘MADHUSIKTHADI LEPA’ IN PADADARI

Abstract

Padadari is one of the commonest & most negligible diseases. It is observed that people are least bothered about their feet than their face. The feet bear the whole body weight. In India 80 % of population live in rural area. Most of them work in farms in wet soil and water also. So incidence of cracking the skin of the foot is very common. Poor people ignore this problem due to lack of consciousness about foot care or may be due to costly drugs. In Ayurveda, Padadari is described in Kshudra roga by Sushruta, Madhavanidana, Bhavaprakasha, Yogaratnakara etc. The signs, symptoms, pathogenesis and treatment of Padadari are mentioned in details which indicate that this disease was affecting the people since ancient times. It is mentioned that Padadari is caused due to Vataprakopaka hetu such as Aticankramana (i.e. excessive walking especially barefooted). In the initial stage of disease patient does not have any complaint. But as the disease progresses, it can lead to severe symptoms as acute pain, burning sensation, itching and even bleeding from cracks. Study was a small scale trial including 50 patients with a small duration of 11days. But after studying 15 patients for one more week (total 14 days), it was observed that 12 patients (80%) were totally symptom free. So we concluded that Madhusikthadi lepa gives better effects in long duration with proper Pathyapalana.