Study of Nidanpanchak , Ayurvedic Management and Pathya – Apathya of Kushtha (Skin Diseases )

  Skin is outermost covering of the body. Its function as antimicrobial and chemical barrier, and protects body from a number of external hazards. In Ayurveda, skin diseases are described in various texts. Cause of the skin disease is vitiation of tridosha and dhatus in ayurvedic text. Total 166 skin diseases are described in brahttrie. Out of 166 skin diseases, 22 are vata prominent, 24 are pitta prominent, 21 are kapha prominent, 18 are raktaja, 10 are vata pitta prominent,10 are pitta kapha prominent, 17 are vata kapha prominent, 14 are tridoshaja, 13 are agantuj (external causes), and other 17 skin diseases. Although most of skin diseases are described under the kushtha and kshudraroga but description of some other skin diseases is also described under headings of bahaya visarpa, vidradhi, shotha,  nanatmaja vyadhi, shukaroga, granthi arbuda, upadansh and shilipada.  Allergic conditions which are not included in any of these are described as udarda- kotha-uattkotha.