Chapter 6.7: Skin Disease Treatment (Kushtha Chikitsa / कुष्ठचिकित्सितं)
Comprehensive management of eighteen types of skin diseases classified into seven major (mahakushtha) and eleven minor (kshudrakushtha) categories, with detailed treatment protocols including panchakarma, medicated oils, pastes, and dietary management.
Source: Astanga Hridaya Sutrasthan by Vagbhata
Chapter 7 presents the management of 18 types of skin diseases. Seven major types (mahakushtha) include conditions ranging from dark painful patches (Kapala) to white circular lesions (Mandala) to the incurable Kakanaka. Eleven minor types include conditions resembling fish-scales, elephant-skin texture, and various eruptions. Treatment is primarily through panchakarma, with dosha-specific approaches: ghee for vata, emesis for kapha, purgation and bloodletting for pitta. The chapter details multiple medicated oils, pastes, and internal preparations. Kanaka Bindu Arishta is highlighted for rapid resolution. Dietary guidelines emphasize light, bitter foods while contraindicating heavy, sour, dairy, and fish. Etiology includes antagonistic food combinations, suppressed urges, and sinful actions affecting all three doshas and four tissues.