Abstract

A CASE STUDY ON MANAGEMENT OF SHWITRA (VITILIGO) BY AN AYURVEDIC REGIME

Dr. Savita S. Bangale*, Dr. Anil Kale, Dr. Dattatray Parde, Dr. Ashwini Patil and Dr. Satwa Darade

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Abstract

Vitiligo is usually patchy depigmentary disorder, due to reduced or absent melanocytes. Most paediatric cases present after first decade of life with well-demarcated milky-white or hypopigmented patches. In Ayurveda vitiligo is known as Shwitra or Kilas. It is one of the varieties of Kushta in Ayurvedic classics caused due to variation of Tridosha (Vata, Pitta, Kapha) and Dhatus like Rasa, Rakta, Mamsa and Meda. The disease is important principally as there is cosmetic concern about it which ultimately leads to many socialized psychological stigma in the life of patient. Ayurveda provide effective and safe treatment protocol for vitiligo. In Ayurvedic management of vitiligo firstly we start with Shodhana by Virechana followed by Shamana chikitsa with internal medication (Bakuchi churna, Khadir churna, Sarivadyasava) and external application (Bakuchi, Hartala, Gomutra lepa). This study shows decrease in hypopigmented patch as well as improvement in the psychological status of the patient.

Keywords: Shwitra, Vitiligo, Hypopigmented patch, melanocytes, Bakuchi, Hartala.