About Author
Khanke D1,Jamdhade D2,Jamdhade D3,Polawar D4,
1 PG scholar , DMM ayurvedic mahavidyalaya, yavatmal
2 Professor & HOD, Dept. of Kaychikitsa, D. M. M. Ayurved Mahavidyalaya, Yavatmal, DMM ayurvedic mahavidyalaya, yavatmal
3 Assistant Professor, Dept. of Dravyaguna, D. M. M. Ayurved Mahavidyalaya, Yavatmal, DMM ayurvedic mahavidyalaya, yavatmal
4 Professor & HOD, Dept. of Kaychikitsa,Mahila Utkarsha Ayurved Mahavidyalaya,Risod,Dist.Washim, Mahila Utkarsha Ayurveda Mahavidyalaya,Risod,Dist. Washim
Correspondence Address
Balaji ward,near ganpati mandir, chandrapur,४४२४०२
Contact No. : 7387943901, Email : anagha.khanke1999@gmail.com
Date of Acceptance : 18 Jun 2026
Date of Publication : 30 Jun 2026
Article ID : SD-IJAY_178
How to cite this article : http://doi.org/10.55552/SDNJAY.2026.4206
Abstract
Background: Dadru, a type of Kushtha in Ayurveda, presents with itching, erythema, and circular lesions, resembling all Tinea corporis, a dermatophyte infection. Conventional antifungal treatments may cause recurrence and side effects, whereas Ayurveda focuses on correcting the Kapha-Pitta imbalance. Objective: To compare Dadru with Tinea corporis and evaluate Ayurvedic management.Materials and Methods: Classical Ayurvedic texts were reviewed for nidana, samprapti, and lakshana of Dadru and compared with modern descriptions. Ayurvedic treatments, including Shamana, Shodhana, and external therapies (kashaya, lepa), were analyzed through observational findings. Results: Ayurvedic therapies showed improvement in symptoms with reduced recurrence and better patient compliance.Conclusion: Ayurveda offers a holistic and effective approach for managing Tinea corporis by addressing root causes and minimizing recurrence.
KEY WORDS:- Ayurvedic dermatology, Kapha-Pitta, Shodhana, Shamana, Dadru, Tinea corporis, Kushtha
Introduction
Skin disorders have long been recognized in both Ayurvedic and modern medical systems due to their impact on health, hygiene, and aesthetics. Tinea corporis is a dermatophyte-induced superficial infection of the skin. Typically, lesions are erythematous, annular and scaly, with a well-defined edge and central clearing. (1) Tinea corporis is highly prevalent worldwide. Dermatophytes constitute the predominant etiological agents of superficial fungal infections. Excessive heat, high relative humidity, and fitted clothing have correlations to more severe and frequent disease. (2) The dermatophytes responsible for tinea corporis belong to the genera Trichophyton, Epidermophyton, and Microsporum. Over the past seven decades, Trichophyton rubrum has consistently been the leading causative species of dermatophyte infections. T rubrum accounts for 80% to 90% of the pathogenic strains. (3) While conventional medicine offers antifungal treatments along with glucocorticosteroids, issues such as drug resistance, recurrence, and side effects are common, prompting the need for a more holistic and sustainable approach.
In Ayurveda, Dadru is classified under Kshudra Kushtha in classical texts like Charaka Samhita, while as a Mahakushtha in Sushruta Samhita. (4)(5) It is predominantly a Kapha-Pitta dosha(6) vitiated disorder characterized by kandu (intense itching), raga (redness), pidaka (eruptions), and utsanna mandala (raised circular patches). (7) These clinical features of Dadru Kushtha are strikingly similar to the presentation of Tinea corporis, allowing for a comparative and integrative approach to diagnosis and management.
The Ayurvedic line of treatment focuses on breaking the samprapti (pathogenesis) through Shodhana (purificatory therapies like Vamana, Virechana) and Shamana (palliative measures), along with the use of herbal formulation such as Kashaya prepared from antifungal and krimighna herbs. These not only alleviate the symptoms but also address the root cause of the disease by restoring dosha balance.
This article aims to explore the correlation between Dadru Kushtha and Tinea corporis, and evaluate the efficacy of Ayurvedic interventions in its management based on classical references and clinical experiences.
Discussion
Kaishor Guggul (11) is an effective Ayurvedic formulation for treating Dadru (fungal skin infections like ringworm). It works by purifying the blood (Rakta Shodhana), reducing inflammation, and balancing Pitta and Kapha doshas. Key ingredients like Guggul, Guduchi, Manjistha, and Triphala help relieve symptoms such as itching, redness, and scaling. It also improves digestion and boosts immunity, preventing recurrence.
Gandhak Rasayana (12)– It acts well on skin problems like Tinea with madhur amla and kashaya ras and properties like Kushtaghna, Kandughna, Dahaprashaman, Raktashodhak, Vranaropak, Twachya, and Krumighna. It has antibacterial, antiviral, and antimicrobial Properties. Sulphur that has been refined can be used to treat many kinds of skin conditions. It lessens infection and irritation, benefits digestion, and improves the appearance of the skin. It can be applied both internally and externally to treat skin conditions.
Arogyavardhini Vati (13)- From a pathological point of view, we can see that Grahani Vikruti is the main cause of Kushtha. When Grahani doesn't work right, Malavrodha happens. When Vata Dosha between Grahani and Pakwashaya gets weak, Malavrodha and Grahani's general ability to move and move things around becomes flawed. Because of this, some organic toxins were made and then consumed, which led to DhatuDushti and then Kushtha Vyadhi. In general, Arogyavardhini works on Grahani and Pakwashaya to make them work better and more smoothly.
Khadiradi Vati(14) is beneficial in skin diseases like Dadru due to its antiseptic, anti-inflammatory, and detoxifying properties. It contains herbs like Khadira (Acacia catechu), Kattha, and Javitri, which help purify blood, reduce itching, and heal skin lesions. It also improves oral hygiene and reduces Pitta-Kapha imbalances.
Panchsakar churna(15). It works as a mild laxative, helping to clear the bowels, reduce Ama (toxins), and balance Vata and Pitta doshas. In skin diseases like Dadru, it is often used as a preparatory or supportive therapy to improve digestion and assist in detoxification before treatments like Virechana.
Sariva (16)- As Daha and Vaivarnya are one of the symptoms and signs, respectively, of Kushtha Vyadhi. Charak has described Sariva in Dahaprasahamana(Refrigerants) and Varnya (complexion-promoting) Mahakashaya. It also works as Raktapachaka as described by Charak.
Manjishta (17)–Manjishtha is talked about by Charak in the Varnya and Vishaghna Mahakashayas and by Sushrut in the Pitta Shamana Mahakashayas. It works as Kaphapittashamaka because it has Tikta Kashaya Madhura Rasa. This gets mixed up in Dadru Kushtha and Kushthaghna as well. It has the power of Krumighna in Pachansansthan.
Khadira (18)– Khadira has kushtaghna property according to Charak. Also, it’s tikta, kashay, shit virya makes it pitta kaphaghna and kandughna. It works great in kushtha disease.
Guduchi (19)– Guduchi has tikta ras and madhur vipak, which is useful to pacify the pitta dosha in rakta. Charak has described Guduchi in Dahaprashamana. It also helps in sarva dhatu vardhan and acts as Rasayana.
Mode of action of Dermocare oil: - Dermocare oil is useful in Skin diseases like Tinea, itching, and eczema due to its Kushtaghna Property. Ingredients of Dermocare oil: Pacify Tridosha, moisturize the skin & improve skin complexion.