Overcoming Therapeutic Challenges in Paediatric Alopecia Areata: An Ayurvedic Case Report

Abstract

Indralupta, mentioned under Shira Kapala Roga by Acharya Vagbhata is a condition that closely resembles Alopecia Areata (AA) in contemporary dermatology. AA is an autoimmune disorder of hair follicle that causes non-scarring patchy hair loss. The management of AA in paediatric patients still remain challenging. The use of topical corticosteroids and immunomodulatory agents are not well tolerated by paediatric age group. This case report documents the outcome of Ayurvedic treatment protocol in an 11-year-old female presented with non- scarring patchy hair loss over the scalp. The patient was managed on an outpatient basis from March to July 2024 through a combination of internal medications and external therapies. The internal medications included Rajanyadi Churna, Krimighna Vati, Manibhadra Gulam and Patoladi Ghrita to ensure agnideepana, srotosodhana and krimiharatwa. Pracchana karma followed by application of Datura swarasa and subsequent local application of Eladi Keram along with Indralupta Mashi was performed in a phased approach aimed at stimulation of hair follicles. Clinical assessment was done during each visit. Progressive hair regrowth was observed over the treatment period with complete hair restoration by the end of treatment period. No adverse effects were noted during this period. The successful outcome suggests that Ayurvedic approach integrating internal medicines and judicious use of Pracchana karma may be effective in the management of paediatric Indralupta. Further studies are needed to validate these findings.