A NIDANATAMAK (AETIOPATHOLOGICAL) STUDY ON DARUNAKA W.S.R. TO DANDRUFF AND SEBORRHEIC DERMATITIS

Abstract

Introduction: Dandruff is a common chronic scalp condition and is marked by itching and flaking of skin. Dandruff is extremely common disease affecting about 50% of the world population irrespective of gender and ethnicity. It is prevalent between ages 15 to 50. It is termed as Darunaka in Ayurveda. Most of Ayurvedic texts refer this complaint of Darunaka under minor disease (Kshudra Roga). This disease is given under the heading of Kshudra roga by some Acharya while in Shirah Kapalagata roga by others. The Adhisthana of this disease is the Keshabhoomi. According to Ayurveda aggravated Dosha in Darunaka are Vata and Kapha, which causes the flakes, dryness and itching of the scalp skin. In Ayurveda the nearest correlation of dandruff and Seborrheic dermatitis can be made with “Darunaka”. Darunaka is the non-inflammatory type of Seborrheic dermatitis.Various aetiopathological (general as well as specific) factors are responsible for the pathogenesis of Darunaka. Material and Method: This survey study was done on 100 patients of Darunaka with classical signs and symptoms aged 16-70 were randomly selected from NIA hospitals,jaipur,irrespective of sex,religion & socio-economic factors etc. Result: The study highlighted that excessive use of vata and kapha vardhaka ahara vihara,lifestyle factors and stress were prominent etiological factors responsible for the pathogenesis of Darunaka.