Evaluation of the efficacy of three Ayurveda regimens in the management of Sidhamakushta on the head (Psoriasis on the head)

Abstract

Sidhamakushta is a disease explained in Ayurveda which shows many similar features of Psoriasis. Main symptoms of this disease are the skin inflammation and appearance of silvery white scales. This disease is generally known as ?Potukabara? in Sri Lanka. It can affect any part of the human body. Most often discrete lesions are found on the upper parts of the body. This study aimed at evaluating the efficacy of three Ayurveda regimens in the management of Sidhamakushta on head. The study was carried out at the dermatology clinic of Gampaha Wickramarachchi Ayurveda Teaching Hospital, Yakkala, Sri Lanka. Hundred and five (105) patients were randomly selected based on a pre -determined inclusion criteria and they were divided into three equal groups, A, B and C. The three groups were given the selected Ayurveda modalities as an internal mode of therapy. In addition, each group was given separate external treatments as an external mode of therapy. The patients of group A, B and C were given EA1 EB2 and EC3 respectively as the external treatment. Healing effect was monitored by observing itching, scaling, redness, thickness and the surface area of the lesion. The follow up period was three months. Data were collected by using PASI score. Clinical outcomes were statistically analyzed using SPSS (V13) and Minitab (V14). Among three groups, a significant drop of surface area of the head of the patients after the first week of receiving treatment can be observed in group B. The recorded drop is from 5.66 percent to 5.21 percent.(p-value = 0.001) All the treatments given to three groups started positively responded from the first week for the symptoms such as itching and scaling with respect to patient?s head. (p-valus = 0.000 for group each group) Group A and B have shown a significant healing effect on redness and thickness after the first week. (p-valus = 0.000 for group A and B). In conclusion group B showed the fastest healing effect based on all four symptoms.