DIFFERENTIAL DIAGNOSIS OF KANDU IN VARIOUS TWAK VIKARA (SKIN DISORDERS)

Dr. Shubhangi Masugade*, Dr. Jyoti Meghdambar and Dr. S. R. Saley

ABSTRACT

Itching or Pruritis is known as Kandu in Ayurveda. Kandu is not described as a separate entity, but is presented in form of purvarupa (prodromal symptoms) - kasa, kustha or as rupa (symptoms)- kustha, amlapitta, udarda, asadhya lakshana (symptoms showing bad prognosis) in our ayurvedic literature. Approximately 280 million people globally from which 4% of population suffer from itching. Itch is sensation that cause desire or reflux to scratch, which is most comman sign in any skin disease Many studies shows that itch receptors are found only in top two skin layers, epidermis and dermis. It is never felt in muscles or joints. Skin disease occurs separately like eczema, contact dermatitis or it is presented with other disease like Jaundice, Diabetes when that parent disease is treated kandu also disappears. So, kandu is primary sign seen in many skin disorders. Hence, when a patient approaches with kandu there is need of differential diagnosis from Ayurvedic point of view.

Keywords: Kandu, tvaka vikara, differential diagnosis.