CONCEPT OF EK KUSHTHA IN THE LIGHT OF PSORIASIS - A REVIEW

Abstract

In Ayurveda skin diseases are defined under the heading Kushtha. Skin is the first line of defence in our body against any harmful effects. Nowadays skin diseases are more than a cosmetic nuisance as they produce anxiety, depression and other psychological problems that affect the quality of life. Here it is important to remember the citation of Acharya Charaka has cited regarding the relationship between the Twacha and Mana, Twacha is considered as ‘Chetah Samvayi’ i.e. the skin has an eternal relationship with Mana(psyche/mind). Therefore, more than a cosmetic nuisance, dermatological disorders Nowadays skin diseases are affecting mental health more than physical because it disturbs cosmetic harmony, as said in Ayurveda “Kushnati iti Kushtha” means which makes one’s skin look disgraceful or ugly or which destroys Twak and other Dhatus. Ek- Kushtha is a type of Kshudra Kushtha characterised by Aswedanam, Mahavastu, Matyashaklopamam. On the basis of signs and symptoms it can be corelated with Psoriasis. Psoriasis is a complex, chronic, multifactorial, inflammatory disease which involves hyper proliferation of the keratinocytes in the epidermis, with an increase in the epidermal cell turnover rate. At present time, Psoriasis is one of the most common human skin diseases. It ranges in severity from a few scattered red, scaly plaques to involvement of almost the entire body surface.