A REVIEW ARTICLE ON VATA PREDOMINANT SKIN DISEASES IN AYURVEDA

*Dr. Yogesh Kumar Pandey, Dr. Abhilaasha Meena, Professor (Dr.) Manubhai Gaur and Dr. Pooja Sabharwal

ABSTRACT

Skin functions as antimicrobial, chemical and mechanical barrier. In Ayurveda literature, skin diseases are described in various texts. Approximately 166 skin diseases are described in brihattrayi, out of which 21 are vata predominat skin diseases. Although, most of skin diseases are described under the kushtha yet description of some of other skin diseases are scattered. Compilation and critical analysis of skin diseases from Charak samhita, Sushrut samhita, Vagbhatta, Chakradatta, Sharangdhar, Vangsen samhita and Bhela samhita is presented in this study. It is observed that basic treatment protocol is for all vata predominant skin diseases snehan (~oleation), swedana (~fomentation) and snigdha upnaha (~ununctuous poultice). All therapies (oral medicine and therapy) having properties opposite to that of vata dosha are useful in vata predominant skin diseases. Compilation of and critical study of all vata predominant skin diseases, emphasizes the fact that all vata predominant skin diseases have similar therapeutic approach. Vata predominant skin diseases can be properly diagnosed and treated with the help of this critical analysis.

Keywords: Vata, skin diseases, Dermatological manifestations.