Changes

==== Six layers of skin ====

==== Six layers of skin ====

In the context of Kushtha, four aspects of skin are important. First is that it consists of six layers, and each layer is seat of specific type of gradually progressing kushtha.

In the context of ''kushtha'', it is important to note that Ayurveda acknowledges that there are six layers of skin, and each layer serving as a site or seat of ''kushtha'':

 

(1) First layer Udakadhara, external most layer is responsible for water metabolism. Initial pathology of minor types of kushtha starts with excessive sweating/ discoloration/itching swelling/ altered tectile sense in prodromal stage of kushtha indicative of impairment of water metabolism. This layer may be correlated with stratum corneum.  

#The first layer is ''Udakadhara'', which is the external-most layer and is responsible for water metabolism. Initial pathology of minor types of ''kushtha'' starts with excessive sweating/ discoloration/itching swelling/ altered tactile sense in prodromal stage of ''kushtha'' indicative of impairment of water metabolism. This layer may be correlated with stratum corneum.  

(2) Second layer is Asragdhara, which contains the blood metabolites and impurities of blood trigger the pathology of kushtha and manifest as –bluish black, red, rashes/ pricking pains/ and ulceration. This layer may be correlated with stratum lucidum,  

#The second layer is Asragdhara, which contains the blood metabolites and impurities of blood trigger the pathology of ''kushtha'' and manifest as –bluish black, red, rashes/ pricking pains/ and ulceration. This layer may be correlated with stratum lucidum,  

(3) Third layer of skin is the seat of Sidhma and Kilas Kushtha. 3rd layer  may be correlated with stratum granulosum.

#The third layer of skin is the seat of ''sidhma'' and ''kilas kushtha''. The third layer  may be correlated with stratum granulosum.

(4) Fourth layer is seat of Dadru and Krushtha. 4th layer may be correlated with stratum germinosum (combination of spinosum and basale layers),  

#The fourth layer is seat of ''dadru'' and ''krushtha''. The fourth layer may be correlated with stratum germinosum (combination of spinosum and basale layers),  

(5) Fifth layer of skin is seat of makushtha and severe dermal pathologies. 5th layer may be correlated with Papillary layer.  

#the fifth layer of skin is seat of ''makushtha'' and severe dermal pathologies. The fifth layer may be correlated with papillary layer.  

(6) Sixth layer is the seat of most severe mahakushtha, which are incurable. 6th layer may be compared with Reticular layer.                                                                       (Ch. Sharir 7/ 4)

#The sixth layer is the seat of most severe ''mahakushtha'', which are incurable. The sixth layer may be compared with reticular layer. (Ch. Sharir 7/ 4)

==== Patho-physiology of kushtha ====

==== Patho-physiology of kushtha ====