Assessment of Therapeutic Efficacy of Sarjaadi Pada Pramarjana Yoga in Padadari (Foot Xerosis): A Double-Blind, Randomised, within-Individual, Comparative Clinical Study

Abstract

Foot xerosis is a common yet underrecognized condition characterised by dryness, scaling and fissuring of the plantar skin. It is known as Padadari in Ayurveda. While often dismissed as a minor nuisance, persistent dryness, roughness, scaling and fissuring can cause discomfort, pain and functional limitation. Aim: To evaluate the efficacy of Sarjaadi Pada Pramarjana Yoga (SPPY) in reducing the clinical severity of Padadari compared to a marketed ayurvedic product. Methodology: The study was a prospective, double-blind, within-individual, randomised comparative clinical trial. Thirty participants clinically diagnosed with Padadari were enrolled. In each participant, one foot was randomised to receive SPPY, while the contralateral foot received the comparator (marketed Ayurvedic Padadari balm). Both interventions were applied topically twice daily for 21 days. Clinical evaluations at baseline and weekly intervals were carried out with validated scoring systems. Results: Both SPPY and the marketed comparator demonstrated statistically significant clinical improvement across key outcome measures. However, SPPY showed a comparatively greater magnitude of improvement in reducing dryness and enhancing skin texture. Conclusion: Sarjaadi Pada Pramarjana Yoga is an effective and safe topical intervention for the management of Padadari (foot xerosis).