Management of Shwitra (Vitiligo) through the Holistic Approach of Ayurveda
Abstract
Vitiligo is a chronic skin disorder characterized by the progressive loss of melanocytes, leading to the formation of depigmented patches on the skin. Ayurveda describes in detail the etiology, symptoms and management of Vitiligo under the disease named Shwitra. While conventional treatments often focus on symptom management, Ayurveda, offers a holistic approach to restoring skin pigmentation and addressing the root causes of the disorder. The disease results from increased oxidative stress brought on by chronic inflammation, which in turn causes greater melanocyte destruction. By examining both classical Ayurvedic texts and contemporary clinical studies, this research highlights the potential benefits of personalized Ayurvedic treatments in promoting skin pigmentation, improving immune function, and managing oxidative stress. This is a case study of 17yr old male patient who came to the OPD with the complaints of white patches on face (below both eyes), lips, neck, extensor aspect of right forearm and left-hand palm region since 2 years. The patient was given Shaman Chikitsa, Nidan Parivarjan, dietary modifications and lifestyle adjustments. Patient started regaining normal pigmentation of skin and is still under follow up for further treatment and for Apunarbhav Chikitsa.
Downloads
References
Shukla R, Tripathi R. Agnivesha Charaka Samhita (Hindi translation). Chikitsa Sthana. 7/174. Delhi: Choukhamba Sanskrit Pratishthan; 2009.
Shukla R, Tripathi R. Agnivesha Charaka Samhita (Hindi translation). Chikitsa Sthana. 7/3. Delhi: Choukhamba Sanskrit Pratishthan; 2009.
Vagbhata. Astanga Samgraha. Chikitsa Sthana. 19/97. Translated by Srikantha Murthy KR. Varanasi: Chaukhambha Orientalia; 2001.
Xu J. Effects of Fructus psoraleae on tyrosinase activation. Chin Herb Med. 1991;22(4):169.
Wu CS, et al. Effect of psoralen plus ultraviolet A irradiation on cultured epidermal cells in vitro and patients with vitiligo in vivo. Br J Dermatol. 2007 Jan;156(1):122–9.
Patil S, Ashwini SG. Ayurvedic management of Shwitra (vitiligo): a case study. J Ayurveda Integr Med Sci. 2022;5:139–45.
Bhavamishra S. Bhavaprakasha Nighantu. Commentary by Chunekar KC, edited by Pandey GS. Revised & enlarged ed. Varanasi: Choukamba Bharati Academy; 2010. p. 39–40.
Bhavamishra S. Bhavaprakasha Nighantu. Commentary by Chunekar KC, edited by Pandey GS. Revised & enlarged ed. Varanasi: Choukamba Bharati Academy; 2010. p. 166.
Gadad GG, et al. Clinical evaluation of Vitiligo and its treatment in Ayurveda. Int J Pharmacogn Phytochem Res. 2021;22(2):301–11.
Gavali KA, Gavali PK, Londhe DJ. Ayurvedic management of Shwitra (vitiligo): a case report. J Res Ayurvedic Sci. 2019;3(4):152–6.
Holick MF. Sunlight and vitamin D for bone health and prevention of autoimmune diseases, cancer, and cardiovascular disease. Am J Clin Nutr. [cited YYYY MMM DD]; Available from: https://ajcn.nutrition.org/content/8016/16785.
