A REVIEW ARTICLE ON DADRU WITH SPECIAL REFERENCE TO FUNGAL INFECTION

About Author

Correspondence Address

Dr. Amol D. Dhanait
Department of Kayachikitsa
Shri Ayurved Mahavidyalaya, Nagpur

Contact No. : 8975775738, Email : dhanaitamol@gmail.com

Date of Acceptance : 27 Jun 2025

Date of Publication : 29 Jun 2025

Article ID : SD-IJAY_138

How to cite this article : http://doi.org/10.55552/SDNJAY.2025.3207

Abstract

Skin is the remotest covering of the body and the largest organ of the body, with a total area of about 20 square bases, which protects us from microbes and the rudiments, helps regulate body temperature and permits the sensation of touch, heat and cold waves. There are numerous skin complaints in the present time, but Dadru (fungal infection) is one of the common skin complaints mentioned in Ayurveda. Dadru can relate with tinea, also known as a fungal skin infection, in the ultramodern drug system. Inordinate severe itching and round red patches are the common clinical incarnations. 10-20 KOH and fungal culture are the specific tools for the opinion of fungal infection. In Ayurvedic classics, Virechana (purgation), Raktamokshna (bloodletting) and Shamana chikitsa (action remedy) will help to cure Dadru (fungal infection). Then we will bandy about Nidana (causative factors), Samprapti (etiopathogenesis), Lakshan (clinical features), Chikitsa (treatment), Pathya-Apathya and preventative styles of Dadru kushta (fungal infection).

KEY WORDS:-  Skin, kshudra kushtha, dadru, bahiparimarjan, antahparimarjan  

Introduction

The skin is the body’s largest organ, made of water, protein, fats and minerals.¹. Skin works as a glass that reflects internal and external pathology and therefore helps in the opinion of the complaint. In Ayurveda. According to Acharya Sushruta, there are seven layers of skin, in which the fourth and fifth subcastes of skin are responsible for kushtha. Where Acharya Charaka describes only about six layers of skin in which the fourth subcaste is responsible for Dadru². All skin complaints in Ayurveda are classified under kushtha, and farther kushtha has been divided into two orders – mahakushta and kshudrakushta. There are about 2000 skin diseases. Depending upon aetiology, they can be classified into colourful groups similar to inheritable, contagious, antipathetic, autoimmune, traumatic, experimental, occupational, climatic, etc. In recent times, there has been a considerable increase in the prevalence of skin problems. Dadru is described under the division kshudra kushtha. 3. In Dadru, the responsible doshas for etiopathogenesis are pitta and kapha doshas. In Dadru, there is a complaint which is characterised by sakandu (itching in the point of lesion), raga (greenishness over the skin), pidaka (pustule over lesion), and mandalmudgata (indirect patches with elevated edges on skin). 5. It is the type of kushtha which has the capacity to foray into the deeper dhatu veritably snappily. Thus, Acharya Sushruta has described it under the title of Mahakushtha. If it's neglected, also the chance of a rush and prognosis may be poor. Dermatophytosis, or ringworm, is a veritable common dermatological issue throughout the world. Then is a repaired interpretation of the handed textbook, aiming for clarity, conciseness, and bettered inflow.

Discussion

The fundamental causes (hetu) of Dadru have been described in detail in both Brihattrayi and Laghutrayi under Kushtha Nidana. Most of the apathya ahara-vihara (unwholesome diet and lifestyle) mentioned in Ayurveda contribute to the causation of Kushtha. As is rightly said,  “Prevention is better than cure,” it is essential that patients are made aware of preventive measures to avoid infection and contamination.

To reduce resistance and enhance treatment effectiveness, proactive steps must be taken so that such diseases can be treated without adverse effects. Patients should also follow appropriate precautions to minimise the recurrence of the condition.

Notably, there is a difference of opinion among various Acharyas regarding the doshic involvement in Dadru, indicating the need for a comprehensive understanding of its pathogenesis.

Conclusion

The skin, being the outermost covering of the body, plays a vital role not only in protection but also in contributing to cosmetic appearance. Hence, timely treatment of skin diseases is crucial for better prognosis. Considering the demands of modern lifestyle and the rising resistance in the human body, Ayurveda must be brought into focus to address such resistant conditions that may pose future health challenges.

Ayurvedic formulations, especially bahiparimarjana (external applications) in the form of lepas (herbal pastes) and shamana aushadhis (internal medications), are effective in correcting rakta dushti (vitiation of blood). These formulations possess properties that can completely cure Dadru Kushtha, with minimal chances of recurrence due to the inherent qualities of the medicinal herbs used. Thus, Ayurveda holds great promise as a boon for the effective and holistic management of such skin disorders.

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