Ayurveda Management of VITILIGO (SVITRA)

Vitiligo is a progressive, idiopathic, depigmentation disorder of the skin, characterized by hypopigmened white lesions. It has an uncertain etiology for which biochemical, cytotoxic, neural and autoimmune are suggested. Based on the symptoms, vitiligo can be correlated with svitra. Svitra is a chronic illness and is characterized by the whitish discoloration of the skin. Childhood vitiligo deserves special attention as frequently 50% of the disease onset is before 20 years of age and in 25% of the cases it starts before the age of 10 yerars. Skin disorders in Ayurveda are given the name of Kustha. Svitra is considered as one of the varieties of Kustha, caused due to vitiation of Tridoshas (Vata,Pitta,Kapha) and Dhatus like Rasa, Rakta, Mamsa and Meda. Depending upon the duration of the disease and the involvement of Dhatus, the disease becomes prognostically bad. In vedic literature principle line of treatment is mentioned as oral use of Ghrita and external use of Taila followed by sun exposure. In svitra , Vata and Pitta is obstructed by Kapha so in this pathogensis Vata is in Moodavastha and Pitta is in Kshaya Avastha. In this stage early ayurveda management is better option.