Abstract

ROLE OF SHODHANA CHIKITSA IN THE MANAGEMENT OF BULLOUS PEMPHIGOID WITH SPECIAL REFERENCE TO VISHPHOTA: A CASE REPORT

Dr. Megha K., Prof. Dr. Atal Bihari Trivedi, Dr. Soumitri Sahoo

Abstract

Background: Bullous pemphigoid (BP) is a chronic autoimmune blistering disease characterized by pruritus and the formation of tense bullae. In Ayurveda, it may be correlated with the condition of Visphoṭa. Shodhana Chikitsa, particularly Virechana, is recommended for the management of certain diseases caused due to Pitta and Rakta vitiation. Objective: To discuss the role of Shodhana Chikitsa in a case of bullous pemphigoid and observe the clinical response. Methods: A 63- year-old male patient, who had been suffering from generalized itching, red rashes, and oral blisters for the past seven years, was enrolled at Chaudhary Brahm Prakash Ayurved Charak Sansthan, New Delhi. The patient had positive BP180 antibodies. The patient was managed with Deepana-Pachana, Snehapan, Abhyanga, Swedana, Virechana, Samsarjana Krama, and Rasayana Chikitsa with Gandhaka Rasayana. Subjective assessment data and Bullous Pemphigoid Disease Area Index (BPDAI) were used to evaluate the response to treatment. Results: The patient’s itching, redness, and blister formation were reduced, with the scores decreasing from 4 to 2, 3 to 1, and 2 to 0, respectively. The patient’s discharge was also observed to be diminished, although the healing of wounds was partially observed. The total score of the patient according to the BPDAI was reduced from 38 to 18, which is a 52.6% decrease. The skin blister/erosion, skin urticaria/erythema, and mucosal blister/erosion scores were also reduced. Conclusion: It can be concluded that the treatment procedure helped reduce some of the signs and symptoms of BP along with the patient’s BPDAI score. However, due to the nature of the study, no conclusion can be drawn regarding the treatment’s efficacy or the modification of the disease.

Keywords: Autoimmune Disorder, Bullous Pemphigoid, Shodhana Chikitsa, Vishphota.