Changes

== Introduction ==

== Introduction ==

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The term ''kushtha'' literally means disfigurement of skin. Thus all the dermatological manifestations have been clubbed under the term ''kushtha''. For which Charak has devoted two full chapters, the fifth chapter in [[Nidana Sthana]] dealing with the etiopathogenesis and the seventh chapter in the [[Chikitsa Sthana]] deals with etiopathogenesis and treatment. Dermatological diseases have been classified into four groups, which include seven types of ''kushtha'' (dermatosis), seven types of ''visarpa'' (a form of acute dermatitis like erysipelas), seven types of ''pidaka'' (papular presentations) and three types of ''kilasa'' (vitiligo) ([[Sutra Sthana]] 19/3). However, looking to the clinical importance, acuteness and progression, one full chapter has been devoted to ''visarpa'', one of the major dermatological conditions (Cha.Chi. 21).Some other clinical presentations like Urticaria (''udarda, kotha''), ''nilika'' (bluish discoloration of the skin), ''tilalklaka'' (mole), ''piplu''(port wine mark on skin), ''vyanga'' etc. have also been explained briefly at other places. Detailed description and classification of ''pidaka'' (papules) is given in the seventeenth chapter of [[Sutra Sthana]].  

The term 'kushtha' literally means disfigurement of skin. Thus all the dermatological manifestations have been clubbed under the term kushtha. For which Charak has devoted two full chapters, the fifth chapter in [[Nidana Sthana]] dealing with the etiopathogenesis and the seventh chapter in the [[Chikitsa Sthana]] deals with etiopathogenesis and treatment. Dermatological diseases have been classified into four groups, which include seven types of kushtha (dermatosis), seven types of ''visarpa'' (a form of acute dermatitis like erysipelas), seven types of ''pidaka'' (papular presentations) and three types of ''kilasa'' (vitiligo) ([[Sutra Sthana]] 19/3). However, looking to the clinical importance, acuteness and progression, one full chapter has been devoted to ''visarpa'', one of the major dermatological conditions (Cha.Chi. 21).Some other clinical presentations like Urticaria (''udarda, kotha''), ''nilika'' (bluish discoloration of the skin), ''tilalklaka'' (mole), ''piplu''(port wine mark on skin), ''vyanga'' etc. have also been explained briefly at other places. Detailed description and classification of ''pidaka'' (papules) is given in the seventeenth chapter of [[Sutra Sthana]].  

Some scholars like William Monier and others have translated the word ''kushtha'' as leprosy which is incorrect, because skin manifestations of advanced ''kushtha'' resemble leprosy, but there is absence of Mycobacterium leprea. In advanced stages of ''kushtha'', secondary infection with bacteria occurs (''jantudagdha'' or eaten by microorganism). Skin disorders are innumerable, and accordingly a broad pathogenesis and management has been described. Among the two broad groups, ''Mahakushtha'' (major dermatosis) has seven types which include the conditions where all the seven pathological components are involved. The disease progresses beyond the skin and may lead to destruction of limbs. Whereas ''kshudra-kushtha'' (minor dermatosis) has eleven types which includes the conditions where some of the seven pathological components are involved, have few symptoms, disease runs a chronic course and is usually curable. ''Kushtha'' is described in such a fashion that it may explain any of the dermatological conditions of present era. Their pathological features can be ascertained and treatment protocol can be established.

Some scholars like William Monier and others have translated the word kushtha as leprosy which is incorrect, because skin manifestations of advanced kushtha resemble leprosy, but there is absence of Mycobacterium leprea. In advanced stages of kushtha, secondary infection with bacteria occurs (''jantudagdha'' or eaten by microorganism). Skin disorders are innumerable, and accordingly a broad pathogenesis and management has been described. Among the two broad groups, ''Mahakushtha'' (major dermatosis) has seven types which include the conditions where all the seven pathological components are involved. The disease progresses beyond the skin and may lead to destruction of limbs. Whereas ''kshudra-kushtha'' (minor dermatosis) has eleven types which includes the conditions where some of the seven pathological components are involved, have few symptoms, disease runs a chronic course and is usually curable. kushtha is described in such a fashion that it may explain any of the dermatological conditions of present era. Their pathological features can be ascertained and treatment protocol can be established.

The concept of micro-organism and parasitology was established by Charak and he had the knowledge that micro-organisms are responsible for the causation of dermatological manifestations (Cha. VI. 7/11). Their treatment is to be followed like the treatment of ''kushtha''. In the symptomatology of ''kushtha'' presence of ''krimi'' is described as one of the symptoms, which denotes visible worms usually maggots (''samsvedaja krimi'')(Cha. Ni. 5).

The concept of micro-organism and parasitology was established by Charak and he had the knowledge that micro-organisms are responsible for the causation of dermatological manifestations [Cha.Sa. [[Vimana Sthana]] 7/11]. Their treatment is to be followed like the treatment of kushtha. In the symptomatology of kushtha presence of ''krimi'' is described as one of the symptoms, which denotes visible worms usually maggots (''samsvedaja krimi'').

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==Sanskrit Text, Transliteration and English Translation==

==Sanskrit Text, Transliteration and English Translation==

Now we shall expound the chapter "Kushtha Nidana" (Diagnosis and etiopathogenesis of Skin diseases). Thus said Lord Atreya.[1-2]

Now we shall expound the chapter "Kushtha Nidana" (Diagnosis and etiopathogenesis of Skin diseases). Thus said Lord Atreya.[1-2]

=== Pathogenic factors in ''kushtha'' ===

=== Pathogenic factors in kushtha ===

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The pathology of skin diseases origin from the deranged physiology of seven factors connected to skin. They are ''vata, pitta'' and ''kapha'' ''doshas'' in aggravated state and ''dhatus'', namely, ''tvak'' (the word ''tvak'' represents skin. Since the skin is organ in which ''rasa dhatu'' is present, ''tvak'' word is used instead of ''rasa dhatu'' ), ''mamsa, shonita'' and ''lasika'' that get deranged due to aggravated ''dosha''. So seven type of ''kushtha'' are manifested by these seven morbid factors. Thus preliminary and manifested ''kushtha'' gradually afflicts the whole body. [3]

The pathology of skin diseases origin from the deranged physiology of seven factors connected to skin. They are ''vata, pitta'' and ''kapha'' ''doshas'' in aggravated state and ''dhatus'', namely, ''tvak'' (the word ''tvak'' represents skin. Since the skin is organ in which ''rasa dhatu'' is present, ''tvak'' word is used instead of ''rasa dhatu'' ), ''mamsa, shonita'' and ''lasika'' that get deranged due to aggravated ''dosha''. So seven type of kushtha are manifested by these seven morbid factors. Thus preliminary and manifested kushtha gradually afflicts the whole body. [3]

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=== Possible types of ''kushtha'' ===

=== Possible types of kushtha ===

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Variation in single ''dosha'' cannot cause ''kushtha''. Even in ''kushtha'' with similar presentations, the clinical features in terms of sensation in skin, colour, site of skin lesion, other symptoms, and treatment may vary depending on the variation in vitiation of (qualities of) ''dosha''. Therefore there are seven or eighteen or innumerable types of ''kushtha''. The variations in qualities of vitiated ''dosha'' lead to further differentiation in types of diseases, except in incurable conditions. As there might be innumerable types of ''kushtha'' leading to expansion of text, only seven types of ''kushtha'' are described here. [4]

Variation in single ''dosha'' cannot cause kushtha. Even in kushtha with similar presentations, the clinical features in terms of sensation in skin, colour, site of skin lesion, other symptoms, and treatment may vary depending on the variation in vitiation of (qualities of) ''dosha''. Therefore there are seven or eighteen or innumerable types of kushtha. The variations in qualities of vitiated ''dosha'' lead to further differentiation in types of diseases, except in incurable conditions. As there might be innumerable types of kushtha leading to expansion of text, only seven types of kushtha are described here. [4]

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=== Seven types of ''kushtha'' ===

=== Seven types of kushtha ===

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Thus, there are seven types of specific ''kushtha'', however depending on degree of superior and inferior involvement of etiology, permutation and combinations ''kushtha'' may be innumerable. [5]

Thus, there are seven types of specific kushtha, however depending on degree of superior and inferior involvement of etiology, permutation and combinations kushtha may be innumerable. [5]

=== Common etiological factors of ''kushtha'' ===

=== Common etiological factors of kushtha ===

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The common etiological factors for all types of ''kushtha'' are briefly described below:  

The common etiological factors for all types of kushtha are briefly described below:  

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*Continuous exposure to sudden interchange use of cold and hot without following gradual change rule (exposure to sudden change in temperature),  

*Continuous exposure to sudden interchange use of cold and hot without following gradual change rule (exposure to sudden change in temperature),  

*indulges in excessive oleation,  

*indulges in excessive oleation,  

Above causative factors lead to simultaneous aggravation of all the ''tridosha'', weakness in the skin etc. four ''dushyas''. Aggravated ''doshas'' lodge themselves in these weakened factors and after localization, further vitiate them and manifest ''kushtha''. [6]

Above causative factors lead to simultaneous aggravation of all the ''tridosha'', weakness in the skin etc. four ''dushyas''. Aggravated ''doshas'' lodge themselves in these weakened factors and after localization, further vitiate them and manifest kushtha. [6]

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=== Premonitory signs of ''kushtha'' ===

=== Premonitory signs of kushtha ===

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Thereafter (above pathogenesis), ''kushtha'' is manifested. The specific diagnosis (of types) for nomenclature is based upon sensation, discoloration, site of lesion, effect of lesion.  

Thereafter (above pathogenesis), kushtha is manifested. The specific diagnosis (of types) for nomenclature is based upon sensation, discoloration, site of lesion, effect of lesion.  

   

   

''Kapala kushtha'' has the following specific manifestations:

''Kapala kushtha'' has the following specific manifestations:

''Kakanaka kushtha'' has following features:

''Kakanaka kushtha'' has following features:

In this type, the skin is having color of ''Gunja'' (Abrus precatorius) seed in the beginning but later on associated with symptoms of all sinful ''kushtha'' subsequently having many colors. This is incurable, while others are curable. [8]

In this type, the skin is having color of ''Gunja'' (Abrus precatorius) seed in the beginning but later on associated with symptoms of all sinful kushtha subsequently having many colors. This is incurable, while others are curable. [8]

=== Prognosis ===

=== Prognosis ===

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The incurable disease never give up its incurability (never become curable). The curable disease may sometimes become incurable due to misconduct (not following the diet and lifestyle regulations properly). The six (types of) ''kushtha'' are curable except ''kakanaka''. However if not treated properly, they may become incurable due to lack of timely management, improper management and constantly excess aggravation of ''doshas''. [9]

The incurable disease never give up its incurability (never become curable). The curable disease may sometimes become incurable due to misconduct (not following the diet and lifestyle regulations properly). The six (types of) kushtha are curable except ''kakanaka''. However if not treated properly, they may become incurable due to lack of timely management, improper management and constantly excess aggravation of ''doshas''. [9]

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=== Complications of ''kushtha'' ===

=== Complications of kushtha ===

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During this stage, a patient of ''kushtha'' afflicts with complications such as- excessive discharge, ulceration of body parts, sequestration of body  parts (necrosis of phallenges), thirst, fever, diarrhea, burning sensation, debility, anorexia, indigestion. Such types of ''kushtha'' should be known as incurable. [11]

During this stage, a patient of kushtha afflicts with complications such as- excessive discharge, ulceration of body parts, sequestration of body  parts (necrosis of phallenges), thirst, fever, diarrhea, burning sensation, debility, anorexia, indigestion. Such types of kushtha should be known as incurable. [11]

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=== Summary ===

=== Summary ===

== Tattva Vimarsha (Fundamental Principles) ==

== Tattva Vimarsha (Fundamental Principles) ==

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*''Kushtha'' is the result of combined and simultaneous involvement of all the three ''dosha'' and subsequently vitiation of the four body constituents i.e. ''rasa'' (''twak'', or skin), ''mamsa''(muscle tissue), ''rakta''(blood), and ''lasika''(lymph).

*kushtha is the result of combined and simultaneous involvement of all the three ''dosha'' and subsequently vitiation of the four body constituents i.e. ''rasa'' (''twak'', or skin), ''mamsa''(muscle tissue), ''rakta''(blood), and ''lasika''(lymph).

*There can be infinite clinical presentations of ''kushtha'' (skin diseases) depending upon severity of combination of above mentioned vitiating factors.

*There can be infinite clinical presentations of kushtha (skin diseases) depending upon severity of combination of above mentioned vitiating factors.

*While diagnosing the severity of ''kushtha'', the depth of lesion can be assessed according to involvement of skin, muscle, blood and lymph respectively. The treatment should be planned accordingly, targeting these constituents and should be based upon predominantly vitiated ''dosha''.  

*While diagnosing the severity of kushtha, the depth of lesion can be assessed according to involvement of skin, muscle, blood and lymph respectively. The treatment should be planned accordingly, targeting these constituents and should be based upon predominantly vitiated ''dosha''.  

*The varieties in vitiated qualities of ''doshas'' (like ''ruksha'' etc.) depend upon dietary and lifestyle causative factors. ''Kushtha'' can be classified based upon the criteria like specific sensation in skin, change in color of skin (pigmentation), site of lesion, spread of lesion, clinical features.

*The varieties in vitiated qualities of ''doshas'' (like ''ruksha'' etc.) depend upon dietary and lifestyle causative factors. kushtha can be classified based upon the criteria like specific sensation in skin, change in color of skin (pigmentation), site of lesion, spread of lesion, clinical features.

*Continuous exposure to change in temperature (thermal sensitivity), change in fluid volume and muscle mass inside body, incompatible dietary and lifestyle factors are main causative factors of ''kushtha''. Similarly sudden changes in above factors may lead to acute condition of skin disease.  

*Continuous exposure to change in temperature (thermal sensitivity), change in fluid volume and muscle mass inside body, incompatible dietary and lifestyle factors are main causative factors of kushtha. Similarly sudden changes in above factors may lead to acute condition of skin disease.  

*If the curable ''kushtha'' are not timely treated, it leads to favorable environment to growth of micro-organisms. The micro-organisms grow on the vitiated ''twak, rakta, mamsa,'' and ''lasika'' leading to various severe skin lesions.  

*If the curable kushtha are not timely treated, it leads to favorable environment to growth of micro-organisms. The micro-organisms grow on the vitiated ''twak, rakta, mamsa,'' and ''lasika'' leading to various severe skin lesions.  

*The curable disease can become incurable due to improper management, exposure to causative factors and aggravation of ''dosha''.

*The curable disease can become incurable due to improper management, exposure to causative factors and aggravation of ''dosha''.

== Vidhi Vimarsha (Applied Inferences) ==

== Vidhi Vimarsha (Applied Inferences) ==

Three chapters are devoted to dermatological disorders, present chapter and [[Chikitsa Sthana]] chapter 7 ([[Kushtha Chikitsa]]) and 21([[Visarpa Chikitsa]]). The present chapter deals with seven types of ''kushtha'', while in [[Kushtha Chikitsa]], all eighteen types have been described and have been given the name of ''Mahakushtha'' (major) and ''Kshudra kushtha'' (Minor). After reviewing the symptoms of seven major types it is clear that it covers a progressive disorder of skin leading to loss of organs and impaired sensation (sensory neuropathy). According to some commentators ''Kshudra kushtha'' is a  group of mild and localized skin diseases, which runs a chronic course.

Three chapters are devoted to dermatological disorders, present chapter and [[Chikitsa Sthana]] chapter 7 ([[Kushtha Chikitsa]]) and 21([[Visarpa Chikitsa]]). The present chapter deals with seven types of kushtha, while in [[Kushtha Chikitsa]], all eighteen types have been described and have been given the name of ''Mahakushtha'' (major) and ''Kshudra kushtha'' (Minor). After reviewing the symptoms of seven major types it is clear that it covers a progressive disorder of skin leading to loss of organs and impaired sensation (sensory neuropathy). According to some commentators ''Kshudra kushtha'' is a  group of mild and localized skin diseases, which runs a chronic course.

Most of the diseases are classified on the basis of ''dosha'' predominance. There is variable interplay of three ''dosha'' and four ''dushya'' in ''kushtha'', which can present as seven types, eighteen types and innumerable types on the basis of symptoms, color, location, prognosis and treatment. (see chart).

Most of the diseases are classified on the basis of ''dosha'' predominance. There is variable interplay of three ''dosha'' and four ''dushya'' in kushtha, which can present as seven types, eighteen types and innumerable types on the basis of symptoms, color, location, prognosis and treatment. (see chart).

''Kushtha'' and ''visarpa'' - both the diseases have the same seven causative factors (three ''dosha'' and four ''dhatu'' type disorders), where ''kushtha'' is chronic and ''visarpa'' is acute and may be life threatening,  In ''visarpa'', ''rakta'' is dominant which makes it spread rapidly, treatment is bloodletting. In case of ''kushtha'' all seven factors are involved with little bit variation.

kushtha and ''visarpa'' - both the diseases have the same seven causative factors (three ''dosha'' and four ''dhatu'' type disorders), where kushtha is chronic and ''visarpa'' is acute and may be life threatening,  In ''visarpa'', ''rakta'' is dominant which makes it spread rapidly, treatment is bloodletting. In case of kushtha all seven factors are involved with little bit variation.

=== Causes of ''Kushtha'' ===

=== Causes of kushtha ===

Diet and lifestyle play a significant role in health and disease. What, how and when diet should be taken is important. In ''kushtha'', alternating opposite character of food like hot/cold, nourishing/ non nourishing foods if taken one after the other is an etiological factor. Many other such etiological factors have been listed. All the etiological factors mentioned, also help in the growth of parasites like maggots at the involved skin.  

Diet and lifestyle play a significant role in health and disease. What, how and when diet should be taken is important. In kushtha, alternating opposite character of food like hot/cold, nourishing/ non nourishing foods if taken one after the other is an etiological factor. Many other such etiological factors have been listed. All the etiological factors mentioned, also help in the growth of parasites like maggots at the involved skin.  

Environmental factors like diet and lifestyle, in the presence of genetic predisposition impair the immune system with increased susceptibility to secondary infection. ''Viruddhahara'' (incompatible foods) has similar effect through epigenetic mechanism.

Environmental factors like diet and lifestyle, in the presence of genetic predisposition impair the immune system with increased susceptibility to secondary infection. ''Viruddhahara'' (incompatible foods) has similar effect through epigenetic mechanism.

Early diagnosis is important and stages have been described for disease manifestation. ''Poorvarupa'' (prodromal symptoms) occur in the fourth stage of disease manifestation and if the disease is diagnosed at this level, early control and better treatment may be possible. Though in the stage of ''poorvarupa'' it may not be possible to diagnose the type/subtype of disease, however type of ''dosha'' can be decided and accordingly treatment can be started. (7)

Early diagnosis is important and stages have been described for disease manifestation. ''Poorvarupa'' (prodromal symptoms) occur in the fourth stage of disease manifestation and if the disease is diagnosed at this level, early control and better treatment may be possible. Though in the stage of ''poorvarupa'' it may not be possible to diagnose the type/subtype of disease, however type of ''dosha'' can be decided and accordingly treatment can be started. (7)

=== Classification of ''kushtha'' ===

=== Classification of kushtha ===

The ''mahakushtha'' has been classified under seven types as per their ''dosha'' predominance accordingly symptomatology of these has been described. All the body physiology and pathology is designated to a particular ''dosha'' thus the diseases are basically diagnosed on the basis of three ''dosha'' and their combinations. The color, texture, secretions, margins, and types of pain associated with these lesions, as wsell as their progression have been classified on the basis of three ''dosha''.

The ''mahakushtha'' has been classified under seven types as per their ''dosha'' predominance accordingly symptomatology of these has been described. All the body physiology and pathology is designated to a particular ''dosha'' thus the diseases are basically diagnosed on the basis of three ''dosha'' and their combinations. The color, texture, secretions, margins, and types of pain associated with these lesions, as wsell as their progression have been classified on the basis of three ''dosha''.

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==== Layers of skin ====

 

=== Layers of skin ===

Charak and Sushruta both have enumerated the layers of skin and the thickness of layers and diseases occurring in these layers have also been narrated. Their possible modern equivalence as given by some scholars in Ayurvedic texts is as follows:

Charak and Sushruta both have enumerated the layers of skin and the thickness of layers and diseases occurring in these layers have also been narrated. Their possible modern equivalence as given by some scholars in Ayurvedic texts is as follows:

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*we have correlated the relative terms in modern dermatology that are selected by considering the origin of the disease and thickness of layer explained in [[Ayurveda]].

=== Dosha specific variation in kushtha  ===

Various Vedic texts on the subject have tried to classify all signs and symptoms on the basis of ''tridosha'' thus this serves a good tool to diagnose the lesions as per three ''doshas'' seen in the following table:

Various Vedic texts on the subject have tried to classify all signs and symptoms on the basis of ''tridosha'' thus this serves a good tool to diagnose the lesions as per three ''doshas'' seen in the following table:

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Thus on the basis of symptomatology of it can be inferred that maha-kushtha is a group of skin diseases that includes Leprosy. However, there is ample scope to include, diagnose and treat any other syndromes available today or occurring in future on the basis of this description of kushtha.(shloka 8 -1 to 6)

 

Prognosis of kushtha:

Thus on the basis of symptomatology of it can be inferred that maha-kushtha is a group of skin diseases that includes Leprosy. However, there is ample scope to include, diagnose and treat any other syndromes available today or occurring in future on the basis of this description of kushtha.(verse 8)

 

=== Prognosis of kushtha ===

Prognostic criteria for curability or incurability has been given much importance. Text cautions that incurable will not leave its nature, however curable conditions can become incurable due improper treatment. With the availability of newer treatments and better diagnostic tools many syndromes which, were listed as incurable have become palliable. The management of leprosy is one example of change in the approach to management with the help of antibiotics, but, with limitations. The outcome of treatment can be significantly changed if the current antibiotic treatment is supplemented with Ayurvedic management.  

Prognostic criteria for curability or incurability has been given much importance. Text cautions that incurable will not leave its nature, however curable conditions can become incurable due improper treatment. With the availability of newer treatments and better diagnostic tools many syndromes which, were listed as incurable have become palliable. The management of leprosy is one example of change in the approach to management with the help of antibiotics, but, with limitations. The outcome of treatment can be significantly changed if the current antibiotic treatment is supplemented with Ayurvedic management.  

After the fifth stage of the therapeutic intervention i.e. rupa (proper manifestation) if the disease is not managed properly or the intervention is ineffective the disease progresses further and produces symptoms of upadrava (complications). These symptoms and signs have again been classified on the basis of tri-dosha. As the rasa(twak), rakta, mamsa and lasika ( lymphatic tissue) are involved in the manifestation of kushtha, its progression to the deeper tissues like meda, asthi, majja and shukra will lead to complications. This includes permanent disfiguration of organs, loss of phalanges and infection of wounds by maggots causing severe damage to the tissues like bones. (shloka (10-16)

 

After the fifth stage of the therapeutic intervention i.e. rupa (proper manifestation) if the disease is not managed properly or the intervention is ineffective the disease progresses further and produces symptoms of upadrava (complications). These symptoms and signs have again been classified on the basis of tri-dosha. As the rasa(twak), rakta, mamsa and lasika ( lymphatic tissue) are involved in the manifestation of kushtha, its progression to the deeper tissues like meda, asthi, majja and shukra will lead to complications. This includes permanent disfiguration of organs, loss of phalanges and infection of wounds by maggots causing severe damage to the tissues like bones. (verse 10-16)

 

If the symptomatology described by Charak and Dhatugata symptoms of Sushruta are compared, it is evident that the symptoms described for rasa dhatu represent poorvarupa. Rakta and mamsagata symptoms are listed as rupa of kushtha. The symptoms listed as medagata are the disfigurement of the organs, falling of limbs and flaring of skin lesions. The symptoms listed as asthigata kushtha are saddle nose, kerato- conjunctivitis, growth of maggots in lesions and loss of speech. This list of dhatugata kushtha described by Sushruta covers almost all the complications of leprosy. Thus taking into the consideration of Dhatugata stage of the disease further insight in the management of the disease as Sushruta has advised to increase the intensity of the treatment taking into the consideration of the dhatu involved.

If the symptomatology described by Charak and Dhatugata symptoms of Sushruta are compared, it is evident that the symptoms described for rasa dhatu represent poorvarupa. Rakta and mamsagata symptoms are listed as rupa of kushtha. The symptoms listed as medagata are the disfigurement of the organs, falling of limbs and flaring of skin lesions. The symptoms listed as asthigata kushtha are saddle nose, kerato- conjunctivitis, growth of maggots in lesions and loss of speech. This list of dhatugata kushtha described by Sushruta covers almost all the complications of leprosy. Thus taking into the consideration of Dhatugata stage of the disease further insight in the management of the disease as Sushruta has advised to increase the intensity of the treatment taking into the consideration of the dhatu involved.

Sushruta in Ni 7/21-26 has explained the symptomatology on the basis of dhatugata stage of the dosha. Rasa, lasika, rakta and mamsa are dushya, in this disease hence complications arise when the dosha proceed to the deeper dhatu, meda and majja.

 

Sushruta has explained the symptomatology on the basis of dhatugata stage of the dosha.[Sushruta Samhita Nidana Sthana 7/21-26] Rasa, lasika, rakta and mamsa are dushya, in this disease hence complications arise when the dosha proceed to the deeper dhatu, meda and majja.

 

Samswedaja Krimi (Maggot/micro-organisms infestation with sweating) is a complication is to be kept in mind for treatment purpose.

Samswedaja Krimi (Maggot/micro-organisms infestation with sweating) is a complication is to be kept in mind for treatment purpose.

This has been stressed that treatment should be done at the earliest stage otherwise even the most curable disease becomes incurable.

This has been stressed that treatment should be done at the earliest stage otherwise even the most curable disease becomes incurable.

Leprosy can be referred in seven types of Kushtha. Vivid description of the disease is available in the texts and almost all the aspects of pathogenesis is detailed including its contagiousness. The serious complications like disfigurement of limbs and loss of phalanges has also been described.

Leprosy can be referred in seven types of Kushtha. Vivid description of the disease is available in the texts and almost all the aspects of pathogenesis is detailed including its contagiousness. The serious complications like disfigurement of limbs and loss of phalanges has also been described.

=== Research works on ''Kushtha''===

=== Research works on kushtha ===

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! rowspan="1"| Name of author and title of thesis

! rowspan="1"| Name of author and title of thesis