A COMPARATIVE CLINICAL STUDY OF SNEHA DAGDHA AND LAUHA SHALAKA DAGDHA AFTER CHHEDANA KARMA OF KADARA W.S.R. TO CORN

Abstract

Background: Kadara is described among the Kshudra Rogas in Ayurvedic classics and clinically resembles corn, a localized hyperkeratotic lesion commonly associated with pressure and friction. Pain, tenderness, difficulty in walking and recurrence are important clinical concerns. Classical management includes Chhedana Karma followed by Dahana Karma/Agnikarma. However, comparative clinical evidence regarding different methods of Dahana Karma after excision is limited. Aim: To evaluate and compare the clinical efficacy of Sneha Dagdha and Lauha Shalaka Dagdha after Chhedana Karma in the management of Kadara w.s.r. to corn. Materials and Methods: An open-label, prospective, non-randomized, two-arm interventional comparative clinical study was conducted on 30 patients presenting with clinical features of Kadara at the Department of Shalya Tantra, Government Ayurvedic College and Hospital, Raipur. Patients were allocated into two groups of 15 each. Following Chhedana Karma, Group A received Sneha Dagdha Agnikarma using heated Tila Taila, while Group B received Lauha Shalaka Dagdha Agnikarma using a red-hot iron rod. Treatment was continued for 28 days with regular assessment, followed by follow up every 15 days for 3 months. Pain, tenderness, unit healing time and recurrence were assessed. Results: Both groups demonstrated significant improvement in clinical parameters. In Group A, mean pain score decreased from 2.00 to 0.20 by Day 28, corresponding to 90.00% relief. In Group B, it decreased from 2.00 to 0.13, corresponding to 93.50% relief. Mean tenderness decreased from 2.07 to 0.33 in Group A (83.90% relief) and from 2.00 to 0.27 in Group B (86.50% relief). Intergroup comparison showed no statistically significant difference in pain or tenderness. Mean unit healing time was 31.40 ± 5.166 days in Group A and 32.47 ± 5.410 days in Group B (p=0.585). No recurrence was observed in Group A, whereas 2 patients (13.33%) in Group B developed recurrence. Conclusion: Both Sneha Dagdha and Lauha Shalaka Dagdha following Chhedana Karma produced significant symptomatic improvement and satisfactory healing in patients with Kadara w.s.r. to corn. The intergroup differences in pain, tenderness and unit healing time were not significant. No recurrence was observed in the Sneha Dagdha group during the follow-up period, whereas recurrence occurred in two patients treated with Lauha Shalaka Dagdha.