MANAGEMENT OF ACNE VULGARIS BY PRINCIPLES OF AYURVEDA: A CASE STUDY

Abstract

Acne is one of the most troublesome, frustrating and common skin-care problems for people around the world. Acne vulgaris is the most common disorder treated by dermatologists. Acne is a disease of pilosebaceous units characterized by the formation of the open and closed comedones, papules, pustules, nodules and cysts. This condition can be correlated with Mukhadushika. The incidence of Mukhadushika is increasing day by day due to consumption of junk food, fast food and cold drinks etc. which leads to imbalances in Doshas. This case is an ideal example of Mukhadushika and is successfully managed with Ayurveda therapy. Patient was suffering from acne on face, blackish spots, itching & burning sensation over facial skin along with pain since last one and half year. Considering clinical features and Kapha, Vata, Rakta involved in pathology; patient was treated with oral administration of Gandhak Rasayan and Triphala Churna along with external application (Lepa) of powder of Manjishtha, Lodhra, Haridra, Nimbapatra on face. After 15 days Ushir powder was added in Lepa instead of Nimbapatra; considering poor response to burning sensation. Treatment was continued for next 15 days. At the end of treatment, there was complete disappearance of acne, relief in itching, burning sensation and pain. Significant improvement was also observed in discoloration over face. Hence it was concluded that Lepa of Manjishtha, Lodhra, Nimbapatra, Haridra and Ushir Churna along with oral administration of Gandhak Rasayan and Triphala Churna is highly effective in the management of Mukhadushika.