LITERATURE REVIEW AND COMPARATIVE STUDY OF KUSTHA W.S.R TO LEPROSY

*Dr. Renu Kumari, Dr. Shailendra Kumar Singh and Dr. Avadhesh Kumar

ABSTRACT

Ayurveda is upaveda of Atharvaveda. Kushtha is described under Twak Roga in all samhitas and sangraha grantha. Twak Roga (Kuastha) is caused mainly due to Rakta dhatu dushti. The disease Kushtha is characterized by discolouration, loss of touch sensation, appearance of rashes, excessive or no perspiration etc. Kushtha is one of the most chronic disorders as described in Ayurveda. Chronicity of the disease develops deformity & makes the entire body ugly. According to Ayurveda literature, there are some specific etiological factors for kushtha. Like consumption of foods & drinks, which are mutually contraindicatory, liquid, unctuous & heavy. Suppression of natural urges especially vomiting. Indulging in misbehievous acts like insulting Brahmins, teachers, elders & other respectfull persons, along with other sinful & heinous activities, etc. According to the involvement of dosha & dushya kushtha may be sadhya, krichchasadhya & asadhya. Most of the Ayurvedic texts categorise the kushtha Roga into two groups. Mahakushtha & Kshudraushtha which further divided into seven types & eleven types respectively. According to the modern aspect the disease Leprosy is identical to Kushtha. The objectives of the present review article include to discuss co-relation between kushtha roga (dermatological disorders in Ayurveda) with Leprosy & its etiopathogenesis, classification, clinical features & diagnosis.

Keywords: Kushtha roga, Mahakushtha, Kshudrakushtha, Leprosy.