Abstract

A CASE STUDY - MANAGEMENT OF SHWITRA THROUGH AYURVEDA

Surabhi S. Kulkarni* and Pradnya S. Swan

Abstract

Introduction: Shwitra is a skin disease with unknown etiology in which partial or complete loss of skin pigmentation happens which develops in white patches. It has unpredictability on extent and rate of spread. It can be correlated to vitiligo in modern science, considered as autoimmune disorder which destroy the melanocytes in the skin. Shwitra is caused by imbalance of Tridoshas vitiating Rakta, Mansa, Meda Dhatu etc. Shwitra is harmless but a very serious cosmetic problem which affect the emotional, psychological and social wellbeing of affected person. Prevalence of vitiligo in india is upto 4 %. Thus, present article of treating the condition with ayurvedic treatment protocol. It shows the marked improvement in condition so it become a new hope to provide effective and safe treatment. Aim: To evaluate the effect of Ayurvedic management in Shwitra. Objective: 1. To analyse the effect of Ayurvedic management of Shwitra. 2. To collect the information regarding etiology, pathogenesis and treatment of Shwitra according to Ayurveda & modern science. Material & Method: A 11-year-old female patient came to Twacharog Vibhag OPD, Government Ayurvedic College & Hospital, Nagpur with chief complaints of white patches at outer side of upper eyelid of both eyes near inner canthus and at medial side of right ankle joint since last 4 month but patches are gradually increasing. The patient was treated with Ayurvedic Chikitsa. Information regarding Shwitra is collected from references books, Samhitas, Research papers etc. Discussion: In Shwitra discolouration of skin or white patches appeared due to deficiency of melanin pigment. Shwitra is an Tridoshaj Vyadhi with involvement of Rasa, Rakta, Mansa, Meda etc dhatus. Hetu Parivarjan, Shodhana, Shamana, local application is the main while treating Shwitra. Conclusion: Ayurvedic Chikitsa explained by our Aacharya‟s like Shodhana (Nitya Mrudu Virechana), Shaman (use of various formulations like Aarogyavardhini Vati, Swayambhuv Guggul etc.), and External application of Bakuchi are very effective in treatment of Shwitra which will be documented for further case studies.

Keywords: Shwitra, Vitiligo, White patches, Skin disorder.