Abstract

CRITICAL REVIEW OF KITIBHA KUSTHA WITH SPECIAL REFERENCE TO LICHEN PLANUS

Anu Mariam Varghese*

.

Abstract

Lichen planus is an autoimmune chronic inflammatory papulosquamous disease of unknown origin that affects the skin, mucous membranes, nails and hair. Papulosquamous disorders manifest as papules surmounted by scales. Skin lesions in lichen planus clinically present as flat-topped, purple papules with pruritus. Skin diseases represent a significant burden in now days, affecting millions of people every year. In Ayurveda there are different types of skin diseases which are mentioned under kushta prakarana. Kitibha kushta is one among them which is mentioned in our classical textbooks. It is characterized with symptoms like, Ruksha (dry and rough), Kinakarasparsa (Thickened rough or dry skin on touch), Kandu (Itching), Parusha (Lichienified lesions), Asitham (Hyperpigmentation), etc. Morphologically the lesions of lichen planus and kitibha have a close resemblance. Modern management incudes corticosteroids, immunosuppresents, PUVA therapy, etc. Ayurveda treatments incudes sodhana (Purifactory), samana (Pacifying) and rasayana (Rejuvenative and palliative) therapies to mitigate the disease from its root cause.

Keywords: Kitibha kushta, Lichen planus, Papulosquamous.