Effect of Shodhana and Shamana Chikitsa in Mukhadushika (Acne Vulgaris) A Case Study

Acne vulgaris is a chronic disease that occurs in young adults when hair follicles are clogged with dead skin cells and oil from the skin. It is characterized by both inflammatory (papules, pustules and nodules) and non-inflammatory (Comedones, open and closed) lesions.In Ayurvedic classics, in the context of Kshudra Rogas, it is mentioned that Mukhadushika occurs in yuvavastha and its signs and symptoms are similar to that of Acne vulgaris. It is due to vitiation of Vata, Kapha and Rakta having the Shalmali thorn like thick or hard painful eruptions which are impregnated with Meda. We hereby report a case of acne vulgaris which was treated under an allopathic physician with oral and topical antibiotics and found no relief so she came to Panchakarma OPD at Ch. Brahm Prakash Ayurved Charak Sansthan. According to chronicity and severity of disease, Shodhana Chikitsa and Shamana chikitsa was given. Vamana and Virechana karma (Shodhana Chikitsa) along with the topical application of lodhradi lepa and internal administration of Brihat Manjisthadi Kwath (Shamana Chikitsa) was administered for a period of 1month. Substantial clinical improvement was observed. During treatment, all the signs and symptoms of the patient were reduced.