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Case Report

Effect of Ayurvedic Drugs on Scalp Psoriasis (Kitibha Kustha)

Shashi Gupta, Atul Kumar, Nitanshi Gupta

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Indian Journal of Ancient Medicine and Yoga 19(2):p 107-115, April - June 2026. | DOI: https://doi.org/10.21088/ijamy.2455.8621.19226.9

How Cite This Article:

Shashi Gupta, Atul Kumar, Nitanshi Gupta. Effect of Ayurvedic Drugs on Scalp Psoriasis (Kitibha Kustha). Ind J Anct Med Yoga. 2026; 19(2): 107-115.

Timeline

Received : December 18, 2025         Accepted : January 21, 2026          Published : June 23, 2026

Abstract

Psoriasis is a prolonged immune mediated skin ailment, categorized by erythematous, scaly plaques prime affecting the elbows, knees, scalp, and trunk.Distressing approximately 0.5% to 3% of the global population, psoriasis has a noteworthy impact on quality of life and associated with numerous comorbidities including psoriatic arthritis, cardiovascular disease, and depression. The condition arises from a complex interaction between genetic susceptibility, environmental triggers and immune system regulation. Here is a case 62 year old male patient who reported to the outpatient department with complaints of frequent itching, scaling and erythematous patches over the scalp for the last eight years with erratic exacerbations during winter season. The patient also complained of occasional oozing, tenderness and psychological distress due to constant irritation and visible scaling over hair and shoulders. In ayurveda it can be correlated to Kitibha kustha. This case highlights the longlasting relapsing nature of scalp psoriasis and emphasis. No significant family history of psoriasis was noted. On clinical examination, multiple erythematous, well-demarcated plaques covered with thick, adherent, silvery-white scales were observed over the parietal, frontal, and occipital regions of the scalp. Differential diagnoses considered were seborrheic dermatitis, tinea capitis, and lichen simplex chronicus. However, based on classical clinical findings and diagnostic criteria, a final diagnosis of scalp psoriasis was made. This case highlights the chronic, relapsing nature of scalp psoriasis and emphasizes the need for classical ayurvedic management approaches to control symptoms, improve cosmetic acceptability, and enhance quality of life in geriatric patients. Early recognition, differential diagnosis, and patient-centred holistic care are crucial for long-term management.


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Data Sharing Statement

There are no additional data available. All raw data and code are available upon request.

Funding

This research received no funding.

Author Contributions

All authors contributed significantly to the work and approve its publication.

Ethics Declaration

This article does not involve any human or animal subjects, and therefore does not require ethics approval.

Acknowledgements

We would like to express our gratitude to the patients, their families, and all those who have contributed to this study.

Conflicts of Interest

No conflicts of interest in this work.


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Cite this article

Shashi Gupta, Atul Kumar, Nitanshi Gupta. Effect of Ayurvedic Drugs on Scalp Psoriasis (Kitibha Kustha). Ind J Anct Med Yoga. 2026; 19(2): 107-115.


Licence:

Attribution-Non-commercial 4.0 International (CC BY-NC 4.0)

This license enables reusers to distribute, remix, adapt, and build upon the material in any medium or format for noncommercial purposes only, and only so long as attribution is given to the creator.


Received Accepted Published
December 18, 2025 January 21, 2026 June 23, 2026

DOI: https://doi.org/10.21088/ijamy.2455.8621.19226.9

Keywords

Charma rogaErythematous plaqueKitibha KusthaPsoriasisScaling

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Received December 18, 2025
Accepted January 21, 2026
Published June 23, 2026

licence


Attribution-Non-commercial 4.0 International (CC BY-NC 4.0)

This license enables reusers to distribute, remix, adapt, and build upon the material in any medium or format for noncommercial purposes only, and only so long as attribution is given to the creator.


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