Abstract

CLASSICAL APPROACH OF THE VYANGA W.S.R. MELASMA

*Dr. Kumari Neelam, Dr. Kalpesh Jajoria, Dr. Saurabh Jain, Prof. Sunil Kumar

Abstract

Melasma is a common, acquired and symmetrical hypermelanosis characterized by more or less dark brownish maculae, with irregular contour, but clear limits, on photoexposed areas, especially the face, forehead, temples, and more rarely on the nose, eyelids, chin, and upper lips. In Ayurveda, vyanga has been explained as one of the Kshudra Rogas[1] (minor ailments). Vayu aggravated by krodha and ayasa, get linked with pitta and suddenly produces a thin, grey coloured circular patch when reaches the face. Both modern and Ayurvedic sciences have considered the use of topical as well as oral medications and their combinations for the treatment of vyanga. In Ayurveda, vyanga has been treated both by antah-parimarjan and bahi- parimarjana chikitsa. Several Ayurvedic texts, including Sushruta Samhita, Ashtanga Samgraha, and Hridaya, have elaborated on the pathophysiology and treatment of vyanga. However, the available references are scattered. As a result, a comprehensive review and compilation of Ayurvedic texts and literatures is required. This review may be helpful in better understanding of comparative pathophysiology and management of Vyanga vis a vis Melasma.

Keywords: Melasma, Vyanga, Kshudra Roga, Antah-parimarjan, Bahi-parimarjana.