Ayurvedic Management of Shwitra (Vitiligo) - A Case Study

Skin is the outer most covering of the body and is the largest organ of integumentary system. In human being, skin pigmentation (affected by melanin) varies among population and skin type can range from dry to non-dry and from oily to non-oily. In Ayurveda Bhrajak Pitta is responsible for Prabha. Any impairment in Bhrajak Pitta and Vata cause skin diseases. All skin diseases come under Kushta and Shwitra is one of them. Like other types of Kushta, Shwitra is caused due to vitiation of Tridoshas and Dhatus like Ras, Rakta, Mamsa and Meda.[1] In Modern system of medicine similar disease is described as Vitiligo. Vitiligo is a chronic auto immune disorder that causes white lesions on skin. This happens when melanocytes are destroyed causing the skin to turn milky white colour.