Management of skin disorders through ayurvedic dermatology and internal Ayurvedic medicines

Abstract

Background: Skin (Twak in Sanskrit) is the largest organ and covers the entire body surface. It acts as a chemical barrier and protects the body from various external hazards. Ayurveda emphasizes that prolonged ingestion of food during indigestion, use of Viruddha Ahara (food–food interactions, food processing interactions) and restricted dietary habits i.e. intake of sour, salty, curd, fish etc. excessively are the main causative factors of skin disorders. These causative factors vitiate the Tridosha (Vata, Pitta & Kapha) and affect tissues of Twak (skin), Rakta (blood), Mamsa (muscles), and Ambu (lymphatic tissue) of the body. These seven factors are pathogenic materials of skin disorders. Objectives: The present review is assessed Skin disorders can be managed using Ayurvedic dermatology and internal Ayurvedic medicines. Methodology: Literature available in authoritative Ayurvedic texts, and the research articles published in the journals indexed in Google Scholars, PubMed etc. are the main sources of information for the present review. Result: In Ayurveda, the concept of dermatology is very well addressed. Skin diseases are described under the chapter of Kushtha Roga (minor and major). The drugs used in the management of skin disorders possess the properties of Raktashodana, Raktaprasadhak, Rakta Shamana, Vishagna, Krimighna, Kandughna and Rasayana. Pharmacologically, these drugs are identified as antifungal, antiviral, antibacterial as well as cosmetic agents which not only use in the treatment of skin infections but also for beautification of skin. Conclusion: It is concluded that a good number of herbal and compound medicines are mentioned in Ayurvedic texts for skin care, and management of skin diseases. Most of the dosage forms, including Churna, Kwatha, Vati, Rasashaushadhies, Ghrita, Rasayana, Bhasma, and others, are being administered internally as an ailments of skin disorders.