AYURVEDIC MANAGEMENT OF KRIMIGRANTHI (SEBORRHEIC BLEPHARITIS): A CASE REPORT

Abstract

Krimigranthi, described in Ayurveda as a Kapha-pradhana, Bhedana-sadhya, Sandhigata Netra Roga, can be correlated with chronic (seborrheic) blepharitis, a common eyelid disorder frequently encountered in ophthalmology practice. Classical management of Krimigranthi includes Swedana (therapeutic sudation), Bhedana (therapeutic incision), and Pratisarana (gentle topical application by rubbing). A 30- Gayathri year-old female presented with complaints of white flaky deposits over the upper eyelid margins, itching, lid swelling, and recurrent redness in both eyes for the past one year. Slit-lamp examination revealed white flakes along the upper lid margins, edema of the lid margins, plugging of the meibomian gland orifices, conjunctival congestion, and mucus strands in both eyes. The patient was managed with an Ayurvedic treatment protocol comprising Deepana-Pachana (enhancement of digestion and metabolism), Rakta Shodhana (blood purification), Krimihara (antimicrobial therapy), and Shothahara Chikitsa (anti-inflammatory therapy). Clinical response was assessed at each follow-up using slit-lamp examination. Progressive improvement was observed during the treatment period. Mild reduction in itching, conjunctival congestion, lid swelling, and flaky deposits was noted by the third follow-up. By the fourth follow-up, the meibomian gland orifices were patent bilaterally, indicating improvement in gland function. The findings suggest that the adopted Ayurvedic treatment protocol may be beneficial in the management of chronic seborrheic blepharitis correlated with Krimigranthi.