Leads towards management of dermatophytosis (Dadru) with ayurvedic intervention - An experience

Dermatophytosis is a superficial fungal infection of the skin caused by dermatophytes, a group of fungi that invade and grow on dead keratinized tissues. It is common in day-to-day practice affecting all the age groups of the population. Fungal infections have a higher rate of recurrences and if not treated early, can lead to the development of a more extensive nature. In Ayurveda, this clinical entity can be correlated with Dadru kushtha (~skin disease having circular lesion) which is described under the broad heading Kushtha roga (~skin diseases). Vitiated Pitta-kapha dosha causes progressive erythematous cutaneous eruptions in the form of circular lesions with elevated borders and itching that subsides by the administration of Pitta-kapha shamaka internal and external formulations. In the present case, a 23-year-old female patient, with symptoms of Dadru kushtha has been treated successfully with Chakramarda beeja churna, Tankana bhasma, Sarivadyasava, and Marichyadi tailam. Encouraging results were found with complete remission in Kandu (~itching), Daha (~burning sensation), Raga (~redness), Pidaka (~eruptions), and Utsanna mandala (~elevated circular skin lesion) after 28 days of regular treatment with no recurrence during the 15 days of follow-up. Following treatment, a potassium hydroxide examination of a skin sample revealed a substantial reduction in dermatophytes. The present case report illustrates the significance of Ayurvedic treatment including Shamana chukitsa (~pacifying therapy) and Bahirparimarjana chikitsa (~external therapies) in the management of Dadru kushtha.