Classical Ayurvedic Management of Acne Vulgaris: A Case Report

Abstract

Acne vulgaris is a chronic inflammatory disease of the pilo-sebaceous unit, characterized by papules, pustules and often scarring, mainly on the face, upper trunk and back. Acne vulgaris is a nearly universal skin disorder affecting 79 to 95% of youths. In today's era, stress, increasing pollution, changes in diet, lifestyle changes, hormonal changes, the number of youths suffering from acne vulgaris problem is increasing. In Ayurveda it can be called as Mukhadushika. It is otherwise called as Yuvanpidika (Acne vulgaris). In Sushruta Samhita, Mukhadushika is mentioned under the kshudraroga. Acharya Sushruta has described Mukhadushika as a particularly thorn-like eruption on the face of adolescents. According to ayurveda, mukhadushika occurs due to vitiation of kapha dosha, vata dosha and raktadushti. In present case study, there is kapha-vata dominancy with involvement of raktadosha. Patient was prescribed the Ayurvedic medicinesLodhradi lepa, Mahatiktaka ghritam, Dashamoola kwath churna on OPD basis. From this case study it can be concluded that ayurvedic formulations are effective in the Mukhadushika (Acne vulgaris).