Ayurvedic Management of Vipadika (Palmoplantar Fissured Dermatosis) Through Combined Shodhana and Shamana Chikitsa

Abstract

Vipadika is a Kshudra Kushtha described in classical Ayurvedic texts, characterised by painful fissuring, dryness, burning and itching over the palms and soles, and correlates clinically with chronic palmoplantar eczema/psoriasiform dermatosis in contemporary dermatology. Faulty dietary habits such as intake of incompatible food combinations and improper daily regimen are considered important causative factors. Case Presentation: A 42-year-old housewife presented with painful, deep fissures over both palms and soles of six months’ duration, with a history of habitual daytime sleep and regular consumption of curd-marinated non-vegetarian food and curd with khichadi - both classified as Viruddha Ahara. She was managed with Deepana-Pachana for 5 days, Snehapana with Mahatikta Ghrita for 4 days, a 2-day Vishrama Kala, Vamana Karma, Sansarjana Krama, followed by Virechana Karma and a further Sansarjana Krama, and thereafter Shamana Chikitsa with Manjisthadi Kwath, Tab. Arogyavardhini Vati, Tab. Gandhak Rasayana and Tab. Kaishor Guggulu for 60 days. Results: The Vipadika Assessment Score reduced from 19/24 to 5/24, with near-complete healing of fissures, reduced erythema, and ESR falling from 32 to 16mm/hr. Liver and renal parameters remained within normal limits, indicating good tolerability. Conclusion: A structured Shodhana-Shamana protocol addressing Kapha-Vata-Rakta dushti provided marked symptomatic and objective improvement in Vipadika without adverse effects, supporting the value of classical Panchakarma-based management in chronic dermatoses.