AYURVEDIC MANAGEMENT OF INDRALUPTA (ALOPECIA AREATA): A CASE REPORT

Abstract

Background: Alopecia areata (AA) is a chronic, immune-mediated, non-scarring hair loss disorder. In Ayurveda, it closely resembles Indralupta, involving the vitiation of Vata, Pitta, and Rakta with Kapha obstructing the Romakupa (hair follicles). Conventional therapies show variable outcomes and high recurrence rates. This case report evaluates a Combined Ayurveda approach for Indralupta. Case Presentation: A 24-year-old male presented with a six-month history of progressively enlarging, well-defined, non-scarring bald patches on the left parietal and occipital scalp, accompanied by mild itching and dryness. The condition had severely impacted his psychological well-being. Therapeutic Intervention: The patient was managed with a multimodal Ayurvedic protocol. Raktamokshana (bloodletting) was done via Jalaukavacharana (leech therapy) and local Prachhana (scarification). This was combined with local applications of Indralupta mashi and daily Shiro Abhyanga (head massage) using Malatyadi Taila. Oral Shamana (palliative) medicines included Combination of Saptamrut loha, Guduchi, Amalaki, Vidanga and Triphala Churna alongside strict dietary and lifestyle modifications (Nidana Parivarjana) done for 45 days. Outcomes: within two weeks of treatment Itching and dryness subsided. Fine, depigmented vellus hairs appeared by week three, progressively maturing into stable, pigmented terminal hair. The Severity of Alopecia Tool (SALT) score significantly improved from 38% at baseline to 5% at the end of the 45-day treatment period. No adverse events occurred and regrowth remained stable at the end of treatment after 45 days and 2 months follow up after 60 days. Conclusion: This case suggests that a comprehensive Ayurvedic protocol Shodhana, Shamana, and Sthanika
Chikitsa provides an effective, safe alternative for managing Indralupta.