Abstract
Plantar hyperkeratosis, characterized by localized thickening of the skin on the plantar surface of the foot, is commonly caused by chronic friction and pressure, particularly in the heel and forefoot regions. It affects approximately 20–65% of adults aged above 65 years and around 18% of the working population, especially women. Thol Thadippu is not specifically mentioned under the 4,448 diseases described in Siddha medicine, it is referred as an indication in Siddha literature and generally means thickening of skin. Its clinical features may thus be related to plantar hyperkeratosis. This study aimed to evaluate the clinical efficacy of Sirattai Thailam, a traditional Siddha herbal oil preparation described in the Siddha Formulary of India (Part I). Sirattai Thailam is primarily composed of ripened coconut shells and prepared using the Kuzhi Thailam method (Bhupuda Thailam), traditionally used to treat thickened skin. A 19 -year-old male with a 4-year history of plantar hyperkeratosis affecting the left heel and metatarsal regions (2nd - 4th) was selected for this study. After cleaning the affected areas with saline, Sirattai Thailam was applied on gauze and dressed daily for 8 weeks. Assessments included surface texture (imaging), hyperkeratosis size (ruler/tracing), quality of life using the Foot Health Status Questionnaire (FHSQ), and patient satisfaction. Over the 8-week period, significant improvement was observed. The hyperkeratosis grade reduced from 3 to 1 on visual inspection. Heel lesion size improved from 4.8 × 5.8 cm to 3.5 × 5.8 cm, and the metatarsal area reduced from 3.8 × 3.4 cm to 3.2 × 3.0 cm. The FHSQ score improved from 75% to 91.15%. The participant reported high satisfaction and good compliance, with no adverse effects. Sirattai Thailam may be of interest as a potential non-invasive treatment for plantar hyperkeratosis, supporting its integration into dermatological care. Further controlled studies are warranted to confirm long-term efficacy and recurrence outcomes.
Keywords
Bhupuda thailam, Kuzhi thailam, Siddha Traditional Medicine, Sirattai thailam, Thol thadippu