CONCEPTUAL REVIEW OF VIPADIKA W.S.R. TO PALMO-PLANTAR PSORIASIS

Abstract

Background: Vipadika is described in Ayurveda under Kshudra Kushtha, characterized by Pani-Pada Sphutana (cracks over palms and soles), Rukshata (dryness), Vedana (pain), and sometimes Kandu (itching). It is mainly a Vata-Kapha Pradhana Vyadhi involving Twak, Rasa, and Rakta Dhatu. In modern science, it can be correlated with palmo-plantar psoriasis, a chronic inflammatory skin disorder presenting with hyperkeratosis, scaling, fissuring, and pain. The chronic and recurrent nature of the disease makes its management challenging. Aim: To study Vipadika conceptually and correlate it with palmo-plantar psoriasis. Objectives: To understand the Ayurvedic concept of Vipadika. To study Nidana, Samprapti, and Lakshana of Vipadika. To correlate Vipadika with palmo-plantar psoriasis. To review the modern perspective of palmo-plantar psoriasis Materials and Methods: This is a conceptual and literature-based review. Data were collected from classical Ayurvedic texts such as Charaka Samhita, Sushruta Samhita, and Ashtanga Hridaya, along with modern dermatology textbooks and research articles. The collected information was analyzed to establish correlation between Vipadika and palmo-plantar psoriasis. Results: The review shows that Vipadika closely resembles palmo-plantar psoriasis in terms of clinical features such as dryness, fissures, pain, and scaling. The involvement of Vata and Kapha Dosha in Ayurveda correlates with hyperkeratosis and inflammatory changes seen in modern pathology. The disease shows chronicity and recurrence in both systems, highlighting similar pathophysiological patterns. Conclusion: Vipadika can be effectively correlated with palmo-plantar psoriasis based on similarity in symptoms and pathogenesis. Understanding this correlation helps in better diagnosis and opens scope for Ayurvedic management approaches focusing on Vata-Kapha Shamana, Ropana, and Twachya Chikitsa.