Abstract

LICHEN PLANUS: AN ACUMEN THROUGH AYURVEDA

Aditya Shahaji Favade* and Sadhana Prithviraj Chavan

Abstract

Twak (skin) is one of the 5 gyanendriyas (sensory organs) according to Ayurveda, which is responsible for sparshagyan (touch sensation). In Ayurveda all the skin diseases have been narrated under kushtaroga. Kustha’s are additionally classified into mahakushta and kshudrakushta. Lichen planus can be correlated with charmakushta due to their more or less similar clinical appearance. According to Charaka, charmakushta is vata-kapha predominant which is mentioned under kshudrakushta. Charmakushta is also mentioned in Ashtang Sangraha and Ashtang Hridaya. Lichen planus is rare skin disease affecting about less than 1% of world’s population but should not be ignored. It is an inflammatory, papulosquamous disorder affecting either or all of the skin, mucous membranes, hair and the nail which is clinically characterized by erythematous-to-violaceous, flat topped, polygonal papules distributed mainly on the flexor aspects of the extremities, associated with intense pruritus. Beholding into the management in modern medicines, steroids have been the drugs of choice. Their hazards, side effects are well known. There is a need to treat the patient with effectual and safe treatment based on the dosha dominance. Lichen planus is a crucial entity to manage. Thus, it would be a great vantage if this disease could be managed through traditional system of medicine like Ayurveda, which would prove to be a good accustomed treatment and prevent the development of complications. This article aims at understanding of lichen planus through a modern and Ayurvedic perspective and critically analyzes the treatment options in Ayurveda and recent researches.

Keywords: Lichen planus, charmakushta, medicinal herbs, Ayurvedic chikitsa, pathyaapathya.