MANAGEMENT OF INDRALUPTA (DRUG INDUCED ALOPECIA)- A CASE STUDY

Abstract

Introduction: Indralupta falls under one of the Urdhwajatrugata Vyadhi characterized by the patchy hair loss over hair-bearing skin that includes scalp and beard. According to the Acharya Sushruta, 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. In contemporary practice, drug-induced alopecia is increasingly observed due to the widespread use of cytotoxic, immunosuppressive, and hormonal medications. Method and Material: Case Presentation: We report a case of a 20-year-old female patient who developed acute hair fall following the administration of multivitamins, temporally correlating with the onset of symptoms. The presentation was consistent with Indralupta features— with smooth bald patches, mild itching, and absence of inflammation. Ayurvedic assessment revealed vitiation of Pitta and Vata with Kapha-Rakta avarana at the hair follicles. No prior history of scalp disorders or systemic illness was noted.