A Case Report on Ayurveda Management of Prurigo Nodularis

Abstract

Prurigo nodularis is a chronic dermatological disorder characterized by intensely pruritic, hyperkeratotic nodules associated with excoriation, secondary infection, and significant impairment in quality of life. Conventional management often provides only symptomatic relief with frequent recurrence. In Ayurveda, similar clinical presentations can be understood under the spectrum of Raktapradoshaja vikara and Visarpa with predominance of Pitta and Kapha dosha along with Rakta and Mamsa dhatu involvement. The present case report highlights the Ayurvedic management of a 19-year-old female patient who presented with multiple hyperpigmented nodular eruptions associated with severe itching, burning sensation, and serous discharge persisting for ten years. The treatment protocol adopted was a multimodal approach including Deepana-Pachana, Shamana, Shodhana, and external therapies. Shodhana procedures including Vamana and Virechana were performed in a planned sequence followed by Peyadi and Samsarjana Krama respectively. Assessment was carried out using subjective and objective parameters including pruritus grading, lesion characteristics, oozing, and quality-of-life indices. Marked reduction in itching, discharge, redness, and nodular induration were observed. The patient also showed significant improvement in sleep and daily functional capacity. This case demonstrates that an integrative Ayurvedic approach can effectively manage chronic pruritic dermatoses like prurigo nodularis and improve patient quality of life.