A CRITICAL UNDERSTANDING OF KSHUDRA KUSHTA

The skin is a vital organ that serves as the body’s first line of defence and plays a crucial role in maintaining homeostasis. Skin diseases are among the most common health concerns worldwide and often result in significant physical, psychological, and social burdens. In Ayurvedic literature, skin disorders are classified under the broad term Kushta, which is further divided into Mahakushta (major) and Kshudra Kushta (minor) based on severity and doshic involvement. The eleven types of Kshudra Kushta include Eka, Charmakhya, Kitibha, Vipadika, Alasaka, Dadru, Charmada, Paama, Visphota, Shataru, and Vicharchika. Kushta is considered a complex disease involving all three doshas (Tridosha) in varying combinations and manifestations, such as dosha-amshamsha vikalpa, anubandha, sthāna vibhāga, vedanā, varṇa, samsthāna, prabhāva, nāma, and chikitsā, making accurate diagnosis and treatment challenging. The present study aims to differentiate various types of Kshudra Kushta, thereby enriching comprehension, facilitating precise diagnosis, and establishing connections between Ayurvedic and modern clinical viewpoints.