The Role of Shamana Chikitsa in the Management of Sheetapitta (Chronic Urticaria)

Abstract

Sheetapitta is a common dermatological disorder described in Ayurvedic literature. Due to continuous contact with cold breeze, Kapha and Vata gets vitiates in the body and with association of Pitta spreads inside and outside of the body affecting Rasa and Raktha dhatus resulting in erythematous wheals, itching, swelling and discomfort which is described as Sheetapitta. It closely resembles urticaria in contemporary medicine. Chronic urticaria significantly impairs quality of life due to persistent itching, recurrent skin lesions and associated angioedema. This is a case study of 23-year-old female patient diagnosed with Sheetapitta. The patient presented with recurrent reddish rashes all over the body, severe itching and bilateral upper eyelids swelling of one-year duration. The patient was managed with Shamana chikitsa for a duration 6 months with T. Nirocil, Brihat Haridra Khanda, Rohitakarishta, T. Jaundex and T. Laghu Sutashekhara Rasa. Clinical assessment was done by using the Urticaria Activity Score (UAS), which showed progressive improvement from a score of 6 at before treatment to 0 after treatment. The occurrence of urticarial episodes, severity of itching and duration of symptoms reduced substantially. This case study highlights the effectiveness of Shamana Chikitsa in the management of urticaria and supports the classical principles of Sheetapitta Chikitsa.