Abstract

MANAGEMENT OF DADRU KUSHTA (FUNGAL INFECTION) IN AYURVEDA- A REVIEW ARTICLE

*Dr. Sonali Dilip Wairagade, Dr. Anuja Vasant Nagrare and Miss. Tanvi Dilip Wairagade

Abstract

Skin is the human body's most significant and the most important organ, since it defends the body from invading pathogens. On the other hand skin is susceptible to infection with superficial fungi. According to the WHO the prevalence rate for superficial mycotic infection is 20-25 percent.[1] Fungi that are pathogenic to humans and affect their skin and diseases are known as dermatophytoses, or dermatomycoses. Fungi are capable of living in dirt, soil, water, and plants. There are also several fungi living in the human body, obviously. There are beneficial fungi and harmful fungi, as are other microbes. When harmful fungi invade the body, they can be hard to kill as they can survive in the environment and re-infect the person who is trying to improve. In this article, we look at who is at greatest risk of fungal infection and what are the symptoms and treatment options. In Ayurveda all skin diseases under the broad heading of kushta have been discussed and clinically it is close to the symptoms of Tinea Corporis. Kushta means that which is certain to destroy and that which produces discoloration over the region of the skin. In the category of Maha kushta the Mandala Kushta described and its signs closely resemble that of mycotic infections. There are two lines of treatment per Ayurvedic management line — Shamana and Shodhana. These can be largely monitored through personal hygiene and supportive therapy. It's widely found in society.  It had been included under Mahakushta by Aacharya Sushruta and Vagbhatta.  It was explained by Aacharya Charaka, under Kshudra Kushta.

Keywords: Tinea corporis, Dadru, Kushta, Ayurveda, Virechana, Panchkarma.