Management of Chronic Spontaneous Urticaria Unresponsive to Conventional Treatment Through a Course of Panchakarma Therapies: A Case Report.

INTRODUCTION

Urticaria is a dermatological disorder that manifests as raised erythematous lesions with pruritis and resolves with no changes to the appearance of the skin. In Ayurveda, this condition is similar to "Sheetapitta," which involves an imbalance of Doshas (regulatory functional factors of the body) and is treated through purification techniques like Panchakarma. Recognizing the significance of such treatments, this case explores the effectiveness of Ayurveda purificatory therapies, specifically Shodhana, in managing chronic urticaria.

MAIN CLINICAL FINDINGS AND DIAGNOSIS

A 38-year-old female patient presented with a one-year history of reddish raised skin rashes with intense itching and, swelling all over the body, which did not get subsided by the use of anti-histamines. Initial medical evaluations included a complete blood count and serum IgE levels, which supported the diagnosis of chronic urticaria.

INTERVENTIONS

The patient was admitted to the Panchakarma In-Patient department for a course of Ayurveda purificatory therapies called Panchakarma, which included procedures such as Vamana (therapeutic vomiting), and Virechana (medicated purging). These therapies were tailored to the patient's constitutional needs and the severity of the symptoms.

OUTCOMES

Post-treatment assessments showed significant improvement, evidenced by reductions in the Urticaria Activity Score 7 (UAS7) from 42 to 8, and a decrease in serum IgE levels from 469 IU/ml to 32.9 IU/ml. These findings demonstrate the impact of the treatment on both subjective and objective parameters.

CONCLUSION

The case effectively demonstrates that Shodhana (purificatory procedures), along with supportive Shamana (internal medication), provides an alternative to manage chronic spontaneous urticaria, particularly in cases unresponsive to conventional therapies. This approach not only alleviates symptoms but also addresses the root cause of the ailment as understood in Ayurvedic practice, suggesting a promising area for further research and clinical application.