Management of Cutaneous Adverse Drug Reactions via Personalized Ayurvedic Interventions: A Case Report

Abstract

Cutaneous adverse drug reactions (CADRs), challenging medication reactions, significantly impact patient well-being and management. This case report presents the successful management of CADR (Aushadha anurjata janya twak vikara) in Ayurveda. This study uniquely demonstrates the efficacy and long-term success of personalized Ayurvedic interventions in managing treatment-resistant drug-induced dermatitis (ADR) exacerbated by conventional treatments, contributing insights into integrative approaches for drug-induced skin reactions and their potential for sustained remission. The condition involved widespread erythematous rashes, severe burning sensations, and skin scaling, which worsened after conventional medication use. Clinical findings revealed extensive skin involvement, characterized by erythema (redness) and epidermal barrier dysfunction (skin disruption). The patient was diagnosed with inflammatory, drug-induced skin manifestations, corresponding to Pitta-predominant characteristics in Ayurveda, and was prescribed personalized treatments, including herbal and herbo-mineral formulations such as Shirisharishta, Khadirarishta, Panchanimba churna, Rasamanikya, Gandhaka Rasayana, and Tankana Bhasma, and topical applications of medicated oils and decoctions. Out of a total of four visits, treatment led to significant improvement within 2 weeks, near-complete resolution after 3 weeks, and the patient was completely asymptomatic at the fourth visit. He was followed for the next year. One-year follow-up, including biweekly visits (first month), monthly telephone updates (next 5 months), and bimonthly updates (final 6 months), revealed no symptom relapse. This case highlights two key takeaways - the potential of personalized Ayurvedic approaches for managing treatment-resistant drug-induced dermatitis and achieving long-term remission through integrative strategies in complex dermatological cases. This case underscores the need for further research into the role of traditional medicine in managing challenging skin disorders and maintaining prolonged symptom-free periods.