Dr Rashi Dhasmana, Prof (Dr) Sanjay Kumar Singh
Vol. 8, Jul-Dec 2019
Abstract:
Skin is the major sensory organ as it covers the whole body and is the first organ to interact with environmental stimuli. It reflects internal & external pathology of manydiseases thus helping in their diagnosis. It is the best indicator of general health. Also, beauty and attraction depend upon skin health. In Ayurvedic classics,Switra, described under the heading Kushtha,is a disease caused due to vitiation ofTridosha and dhatus like Rakta, Mamsa and Medas . It can be correlated with Vitiligo in contemporary medicine. It is an autoimmune disease caused due to destruction of melanocytes and characterized by depigmentation appearing as chalk-white patches over skin. So, it is a cosmetic disfigurement which has a major impact on quality of life of patients affecting them not just physically but also psychologically. Its treatment in modern medicine has its own limitations and side effects. As per Ayurvedic classics, main line of treatment for Switra is Shodhana&Shamana (Antaparimarjana &Bahiparimarjana chikitsa). Present work is an attempt made to understand an Ayurvedic approach in the management of Switra or Vitiligo.