LEPROSY (KUṢṬHA): A CRITICAL AYURVEDIC REVIEW WITH THERAPEUTIC COMPARISON TO MODERN MEDICINE

Leprosy (Hansen’s disease) is a chronic infectious disease caused by Mycobacterium leprae, affecting the skin, peripheral nerves, and mucosa. Ayurveda describes this condition under Kushta Roga, a broad category of dermatological disorders involving systemic imbalance of Tridosha and Dhatus. This review integrates classical Ayurvedic concepts with modern biomedical understanding, highlighting etiology, classification, clinical features, and management. Additionally, it presents a comparative analysis of Ayurvedic and allopathic treatments, emphasizing the scope for integrative approaches in improving patient outcomes.