Ayurveda Management of Pruritus Vulvae and Vulvovaginitis in Diabetic Patient: A Case Study

Abstract

Pruritus vulvae, a common complaint, affect approximately 10% of patients attending the gynecologic clinic. The most common cause of this condition is infections of the vulva caused by Candida albicans or Trichomonas vaginalis. Diabetes is among the potent risk factors that causes Candidiasis. Present report provides details of management of this condition with Ayurveda in a 40-year-old woman with severe itching and burning in the vulvar region for a month while concurrently managing her diabetes with allopathic medication. Clinical examination revealed significant inflammation and discoloration of the vulva and vaginitis. As per Ayurveda the case can be diagnosed as Acharna Yonivyapada as the main symptom given is itching vulvae. The treatment included internal medicines like Ashwagandhadi Choorna, Mamejak Ghanavati and Avipattikar Choorna along with local therapies comprised of Avagahana using Panchavalkala Kwatha and Lepana with Gandhak Malam, chosen for their properties to alleviate itching, combat infections, and restore healing and balance of Dosha. The patient was treated with Sthanik chikitsa for a period of 45 days, except menstrual days. Over the period of two months, the patient was recovered with complete cessation of pruritus vulvae and normalization of skin color in the affected areas. These encouraging results highlight the potential efficacy of Ayurvedic interventions in addressing pruritus vulvae, especially in patients with diabetes who are prone to such conditions due to factors like elevated sugar levels in urine.