KITIBHA KUṢṬHA AND PSORIASIS: AN INTEGRATIVE REVIEW OF AYURVEDIC AND MODERN PERSPECTIVES

Kitibha Kuṣṭha, described under Kuṣṭha roga in Ayurveda, shows close clinical resemblance to psoriasis, a chronic immune-mediated dermatological disorder. Both conditions are characterized by dryness, roughness, scaling, discoloration, and itching, reflecting the predominance of Vata and Kapha doṣas in Kitibha Kuṣṭha and inflammatory immune pathways in psoriasis. This review aims to integrate classical Ayurvedic concepts with contemporary biomedical understanding to establish a correlation between the two conditions. Ayurvedic literature explains the etiopathogenesis through doṣa-duṣya saṃmūrchana involving Twak, Rakta, Mamsa, and Lasika, precipitated by nidānas such as viruddha āhāra and improper lifestyle. Modern medicine attributes psoriasis to genetic predisposition, immune dysregulation, and environmental triggers, including stress. Current allopathic management is largely symptomatic, relying on topical and systemic therapies with limitations in long-term use. In contrast, Ayurveda offers a holistic approach comprising śodhana (purificatory therapies), śamana (palliative measures), and strict adherence to pathya āhāra and vihāra, aiming at disease modification and prevention of recurrence. The integrative understanding highlights the potential of Ayurvedic interventions in providing safe, cost-effective, and sustainable management of psoriasis.