Management of Indralupta (Alopecia Areata) - A Case Study

Indralupta is one of the Urdhwajatrugata Vyadhi characterized by the patchy hair loss over hair-bearing skin that includes scalp and beard. According to Sushruta Acharya, Indralupta is due to the vitiated pitta in association with vitiated Vata causing the falling of hairs from the scalp and vitiated Rakta and Kapha block the orifices of the hair follicles which restricts the growth of new hair. Alopecia areata is autoimmune disease presented as nonscarring, circumscribed, smooth patch of hair loss, management is by the intralesional and topical corticosteroids. Shodhana (Raktamokshana) and Shamana Chikitsa is advised for the Indralupta in ayurveda classics. In this present case study 17 years old male patient is treated with Pracchanna Karma (Raktamokshana) followed by Maricha Lepa along with internal medicine. The therapy has shown a remarkable improvement in the signs of Indralupta. The patient obtained considerable relief from the symptoms through the therapy. The treatment proved to be easy, economical, highly effective with in short duration.