Successful Ayurvedic Management of Dermatophytosis–A case study

Fungal infections are quite common in day-to-day practice. The available conventional treatments include various topical and systemic anti-pruritic and anti-fungal agents which are associated with high rates of treatment failure and adverse effects. Fungal infections manifest a great challenge to clinicians due to higher rate of recurrences and if not treated early, can lead to the development of more extensive diseases. In Ayurveda, this condition has resemblance with Dadru kustha. The characteristics of Dadrukustha are circumscribed erythematous, scaly plaques due to dematophytes infection. It is a type of Kshudra kushta, tridosaja vyadhi with dominance of pitta and kaphadosha, having characteristic features such as presence of utsannamandal (elevated circular skin lesion), kandu (itching), raga (erythyma), and pidaka (eruptions). In this case report, a 62-year old male patient suffering from tinea corporis on and off for one year was treated effectively with Ayurvedic medicines. Significant changes were observed in the skin lesion and in the patient symptoms after 42 days of regular treatment. Post-treatment follow-up after 1 month did not reveal any signs of recurrences of lesions. Ayurvedic medicines offer an effective approach to manage tinea corporis.