Ring worm and ayurvedic management - Dr. Deepa Radhakrishnan
Ring Worm (Tenia Corporis) & Ayurvedic Management
Abstract: Tinea corporis or ringworm , is a skin infection caused by a fungus. It usually affects the skin on your face , chest or limbs. Tinea corporis is most common in children and athletes. The condition is common and highly contagious.
Causes. A group of fungi called dermatophytes cause ringworm. Dermatophytes live off a substance called keratin, a tissue found in many parts of a person’s body, including the nails, skin, and hair. In ringworm of the body, the fungus infects the skin. Ringworm of the body is also called tinea corporis after the specific dermatophyte, tinea. Signs and symptoms includes Tinea corporis may begin as 1 or more flat , red patches. As the infection grows , it spreads out in a circle or ring, leaving normal looking skin in the middle. Symptoms of ringworm of the body usually start about 4 to 10 days after contact with the fungus.
Ayurvedic view on Ringworm - According to Ayurveda Ringworm can be compared to Dadru. In charaka samhitha it is described as red patches with itching and may blisters due to aggravation of kapha pitta doshas. it is classified as one of the minor skin disease.
Causes: Food and habits which increase the kapha and pitta doshas, Incompatible food- wrong food combinations. Like fish and milk., Excess intake of sea food., Heavy food intake, Intake of sour curd and milk, together , in excess for long period of time., Excess intake of black gram., Cold water bath after exposure to heat. Pathogenesis - According to Sushruta , The above said factors derange and aggravate the fundamental principle of pitta and kapha grab vayu in a person.