Skin Diseases { चर्मरोगाः }
In Ayurveda, skin diseases are broadly categorized under "Kushta Roga" (कुष्ठ रोग). These include both minor and major skin conditions, ranging from rashes and itching to chronic diseases like eczema and psoriasis. According to Ayurveda, any skin disorder occurs when there is an imbalance in the doshas and dhatus in our body. Vata skin disorders lead to dryness and a rough appearance. They can cause cracks and fissures. Pitta skin disorders can cause redness, burning pain, the formation of pus, ulceration, and fever. Kapha skin disorders cause white discolouration, itching, swelling, fluid retention, etc.
The skin diseases are classified into mainly two main categories – Mahakustha [महाकुस्थ] and Kshudrakustha [क्षुद्रकुस्थ]. Mahakustha refers to “major skin diseases“, while Kshudrakustha refers to “minor skin diseases“. Here are the seven types of Mahakustha and eleven types of Kshudrakustha as described in Ayurveda. Eczema [विचर्चिका Vicharchika ], Leprosy[कुष्टः Kushta], Psoriasis [कितिभा Kitibha], Lichen Planus [सिद्धम् Sidhma], Leucoderma/Vitiligo [कोठा Kotha], Herpes/Zoster [विसर्पा Visarpa], Purpura [चर्मा रक्ता Charma Rakta ) are considerd as Mahakustha and Acne [दारुणका Darunaka], Scabies [पामा Pama], Ringworm [ददरु Dadru], Alopecia [इन्द्रलुप्त Indralupta], Psoriasis [कितिभा कुष्ठः Kitibha Kustha], Palmo-Plantar Psoriasis[विपादिका Vipadika], Mycosis Fungoides [एक कुष्टः Eka Kushta], Lichen Simplex [अलास्का Alasaka], Eczema [विपादिका Vipadika], Contact dermatitis [चर्मदला Charmadala], Blister [विस्फोट् Visphota] and Erysipelas [स्फोटा Sphota] are considerd as Kshudrakustha.
General Ayurvedic Therapies for Piles
- Shodhana (Detoxification): Virechana, Raktamokshana, and Basti cleanse toxins and purify blood.
- Shamana (Pacification):Herbal formulations and Lepas reduce doshic imbalance and inflammation.
- Rasayana (Rejuvenation): Rejuvenating herbs to nourish skin and boost immunity.
- Bhaisajya (Herbal Medicines): Internal and External herbal formulations.
- Ahara (Diet): Light, easily digestible, non-spicy, and bitter foods; avoid dairy, oily, sour, and fermented foods.
- Vihara ( Lifestyle):Maintain hygiene, manage stress, and follow a balanced routine with yoga and meditation.
Note: Modern Medicine focuses on diagnosing and treating diseases, while in Ayurveda, the treatment for the
same disease can differ significantly for each person, because Ayurveda focuses on balancing the body, mind, and spirit by considering the
individual’s constitution (Prakriti), imbalances (Vikriti), and the interrelationship between the body and the environment hence
Ayurveda, the treatment for the same disease can vary for different individuals.
