Skin Disorders – Ayurveda Perspective

Key Points: –

• Skin Diseases in Ayurveda

• Causes of Skin Diseases

• Pathology of Skin Diseases

• Symptoms of Skin Diseases

• Treatment of Skin Diseases

• Preventive Measures of Skin Diseases

Skin Diseases in Ayurveda:

In modern world skin diseases are getting more and more prevalent. Pollution, Diet, Lifestyle, Infections are the main causes in increasing number of skin diseased individuals. Along with older version some new patterns of skin diseases are also observed in clinical practice.

The ancient medical science ayurveda has detailed description of skin diseases, in its literatures like Charak Samhita and Ashtanga Hrudaya. In ayurveda skin diseases are lablled as ‘Kushtha’. Vitiated doshas, by disturbing dhatus creates discoloration of skin. The disease is known as ‘Kushtha’.

One of the most authentic literatures of Ayurveda ‘Ashtanga Hrudaya’ states that some of the Kushtha– Skin diseases are contagious and can spread from one individual to other.

Causes of Skin Diseases

Causes of Kushtha lies in Aahara– Diet and Vihara– Lifestyle. Those are as follows:

Viruddhahar:

• Unhealthy food combinations, like milk and meat, honey and ghee, honey and meat, curd with chicken, heating of honey and fish with sugar etc.,
• Excessive consumption of sour food
• Excessive consumption of salty food
• Exertion after food intake
• Heavy to digest food
• Uncongenial food
• Consumption of food when having indigestion
• Consumption of food prior to the digestion of previous food
• Food like – Fish, Black Gram, Radish, Sesame, and extra sweet items.

Some Habbits Like:

• Day sleep
• Drinking cold water
• Suppression of natural urges
• Sinful acts

Pathophysiology of Kushtha:

One or many etiological factors, combinedly vitiates the three humors namely Vata, Pitta and Kapha. Vitiated Tridosha further vitiates skin, blood, muscles, and lymph. These seven factors in Pathophysiology of Kushtha, creates skin discoloration and generates 18 types of Kushtha, 7 types of MahaKushtha, 7 major types of skin diseases, 11- types of  Kshudrakushtha and 11 minor types of skin diseases.

Prodromal features of Kustha

• Excess sweating or no sweating
• Greasy or dry skin
• Skin discoloration

• Burning, Itching or Pricking sensation
• Delayed healing of wounds
• Skin discoloration after wound healing

These are the preliminary signs and symptoms of Kushtha.

Symptoms of Kushtha:

Symptoms of Kushtha varies as per type of Kushtha. Every skin disease has a unique pattern of symptoms.

Ayurveda Maharshi Charak states that there are numerous patterns of skin diseases and nomenclature of every pattern is difficult. He further advice Ayurveda consultants to understand the dominant dosha in pathophysiology and treat the Kushtha accordingly.

Treatment of Skin Diseases in Ayurveda:

Treating skin diseases in Ayurveda is based on the dominant dosha in the pathophysiology. Based on the dosha dominant following Panchakarma or cleansing process are done.

1. Vata dominant Kushtha: – Oral administration of medicated ghee – Snehanam
2. Kapha dominant Kushtha: – Vamana Medicated emesis
3. Pitta dominant Kushtha: – Rakta moshana –bloodletting and Virechna – Purgation.

In skin disorders particularly chronic skin diseases cleansing process- Panchakarma should be done repeatedly.

Ayurveda has effective herbal medicinal therapies for different types of skin diseases.

Harbs like Neem, Aargwada, Khadir, Patol, Sariva, Manjishtha, Haridra and Karanj have been proven effective in various skin disorders.

Preventive measures for skin diseases:

We can follow some measures to prevent skin disorders. Those are as follows.

• Always eat fresh food
• Vegetables and fruits should be part of your daily diet
• Take food having all the six tastes
• Consume easy to digest food
• Include unctuous food in diet like cow ghee
• Take hygienic food
• Timely food consumption keeps you fit
• Avoid excess intake of fish, meat, eggs, and paneer.
• Avoid fast food
• Take bath daily
• Avoid use of soaps, shampoos, cream, lotions which are having chemicals in higher concentrations
• Regular Abhyanga keeps the skin healthy

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Benefits of Ayurvedic Treatment

✅ Natural and Safe: No synthetic hormones or chemicals.
✅ Addresses Root Cause: Restores balance rather than suppressing symptoms.
✅ Improves Fertility: Supports healthy ovulation and menstrual cycles.
✅ Weight Management: Helps reduce stubborn weight gain associated with PCOS.
✅ Stress Reduction: Mind-body practices reduce anxiety and emotional distress.

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Conclusion

• Skin diseases are increasing due to pollution, diet, and poor lifestyle.
• Ayurveda identifies these as “Kushtha” and links them to imbalances in the body’s three doshas (Vata, Pitta, Kapha).
• It describes detailed causes, symptoms, and treatments for each type of skin issue.
• Panchakarma (cleansing therapies) and herbal medicines are used for long-lasting relief.
• Ayurveda emphasizes prevention through clean eating, daily care, and avoiding harmful habits.