Review Article
Year: 2025 |Volume: 6 | Issue: 08 |Pages: 28-32
Review Paper on Dadru Kushta with Special Reference to Fungal Dermatophytes: An Ayurvedic and Modern Correlation
About Author
Correspondence Address:
Dr. Rushikesh Bajarang Patil PG scholar Dept. of Kayachikitsa, Lokanete Rajarambapu Patil Ayurvedic Medical College, Hospital, Post Graduate Institute and Research Center, Islampur Email: rpatil95918494@gmail.com
Date of Acceptance: 2025-08-09
Date of Publication:2025-09-02
Article-ID:IJIM_412_09_25 http://ijim.co.in
Source of Support: Nil
Conflict of Interest: Non declared
How To Cite This Article: Patil R., Patil A., Patil P., Patil S., Review Paper on Dadru Kushta with Special Reference to Fungal Dermatophytes: An Ayurvedic and Modern Correlation. Int J Ind Med 2025;6(08):28-32 DOI: http://doi.org/10.55552/IJIM.2025.6806
Abstract
Dadru Kushta, a common kshudra kushta in Ayurveda, is characterized by circular, red, itchy patches with eruptions, often matching the clinical picture of dermatophytosis in modern medicine. Dermatophytosis, caused by fungal pathogens such as Trichophyton, Microsporum, and Epidermophyton, shares striking similarities with the Ayurvedic descriptions of Dadru. This review paper aims to explore the clinical, etiological, and pathological correlations between Ayurvedic and modern perspectives. It emphasizes understanding the disease through Ayurvedic principles like nidan (etiology) and samprapti (pathogenesis) along with textual references, while aligning these with contemporary knowledge. A comparative table highlights the integration of both medical systems, fostering a more holistic approach to diagnosis and management.
Keywords: Dadru, Kushta, Dermatophytes, Tinea, Skin Disorder, Fungal Infection
Introduction
The most exposed part of the body is skin. So, it is easily prone to various type of infection. Skin diseases significantly affect the quality of life, with dermatophytosis being a prevalent superficial fungal infection. In Ayurveda, Dadru Kushta is one of the 18 types of Kushta Roga (skin disorders) described in classical texts. It primarily involves the vitiation of Pitta and Kapha doshas and affects the Twacha (skin), Rakta (blood), Mamsa (muscle), and Lasika (lymph) dhatus. Clinically, it is manifested by kandu (itching), raga (redness), utsanna mandala (raised circular patches), and pidaka (pustules)[1].Modern dermatology classifies these symptoms under tinea infections, caused by dermatophytes. This paper reviews Dadru Kushta through Ayurvedic and biomedical lenses to promote integrated understanding and therapeutic approaches. Prevalance of fungal infections of skin in india is 20-25%. So making them one of the most frequent forms of infection. There has been a considerable increase in the incidence of skin problems in developing countries like india and tropical countries due to less immunity, unhygienic living condition and nutrition. Dadru kusht affects the population of all age group[2,3,4]. In modern science, Tinea corporis is treated with topical or systemic antifungal and corticosteroids and long-term use of this medicine can produce adverse effects and also recurrence occurs. In Ayurved granthas skin disease and its treatment is mentioned. Ayurvedic medicine has shown considerable effect in Dadru kushta.
To analyse the concept of Dadru kushta as described in Ayurvedic texts and correlate it with the clinical features, pathogenesis, and management of Fungal dermatophytes in modern medicine, with the purpose of exploring integrative and holistic treatment approaches.
Objective-
1. To study the classical Ayurvedic concept of Dadru kushta, including its etiopathogenesis (nid?na and sampr?pti), clinical features (lak?a?a), stages of progression and treatment.
2. To review the modern medical understanding of Fungal Dermatophytes, including its pathology, clinical presentation, diagnostic criteria, and treatment.
3. To establish a comparative correlation between Dadru kushta and Fungal Dermatophyets based on similarities in etiopathogenesis, clinical presentation, diagnosis, and treatment.
Methodology
This review was conducted using classical Ayurvedic texts like Charaka Samhita, Sushruta Samhita, and Ashtanga Hridaya, along with modern dermatology textbooks and peer-reviewed journals. Keywords such as Dadru Kushta, fungal dermatophytes, tinea, and Ayurvedic dermatology were searched in PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar databases. Ayurvedic references were cross-validated with commentaries for accuracy. Comparative tables were constructed to align both systems.
Nidan (Etiology) of Dadru Kushta
Ayurvedic Perspective
(Charaka Samhita, Chikitsa Sthana 7/21)[5]
According to Acharya Charaka and Sushruta, the causes of Dadru include:
Mithya Ahara-Vihara (Improper diet and lifestyle) Viruddha Ahara (Incompatible food combinations) Guru, Snigdha, Amla, Lavana, Katu Ahara (Heavy, oily, sour, salty, pungent foods) Agnimandya (Poor digestion)
Krodha, Shoka, Bhaya (Psychological factors)
Modern Perspective
Fungal dermatophytes are primarily caused by:
Fungal pathogens: Trichophyton rubrum, T. mentagrophytes, Epidermophyton floccosum, Microsporum canis
Predisposing factors: Poor hygiene, Warm, humid environments, Occlusive clothing, Diabetes, immunosuppression, Close contact with infected individuals or surfaces
Samprapti (Pathophysiology)
Ayurvedic Samprapti
Nidana sevana
Agnimandya (Digestive fire suppression)
Ama (toxic accumulation)
Vitiation of Pitta and Kapha doshas
Dushya involvement: Twak, Rakta, Mamsa, Lasika
Manifestation of Dadru Kushta
Dadru kushta lakshanas-
(Madhava Nidana, Kushta Nidana, 51)[6]
Modern Pathogenesis[7]
Dermatophyte fungi invade keratinized tissues (stratum corneum, hair, nails).
Fungi produce keratinase enzymes, facilitating tissue invasion.
Host inflammatory response leads to erythema, scaling, itching, and vesiculation.
Table no 1. Comparison Table: Dadru Kushta vs Dermatophytosis
|
Parameter |
Ayurvedic View (Dadru Kushta) |
Modern View (Dermatophytosis)[8,9,10] |
|
Cause (Nidan) |
Dosha imbalance (Pitta-Kapha), poor hygiene, viruddha ahara |
Fungal infection, poor hygiene, humidity |
|
Pathogen |
Not explicitly microbial; doshic imbalance |
Trichophyton, Epidermophyton, Microsporum |
|
Pathogenesis |
Ama → Dosha vitiation → Dushya involvement |
Fungal enzyme activity and immune response |
|
Symptoms |
Itching, redness, circular lesions, pustules |
Itching, annular lesions, scaling |
|
Dhatu involved |
Twak, Rakta, Mamsa, Lasika |
Epidermis (stratum corneum) |
|
Diagnosis |
Doshic assessment, Samprapti ghataka |
KOH mount, culture, Wood’s lamp |
|
Treatment Approach |
Shodhana, Shamana, Rasayana, external lepa |
Topical/systemic antifungals |
Discussion
- The analysis reveals a close clinical resemblance between Dadru Kushta and dermatophytosis, particularly in symptoms and lesion morphology.
- Ayurvedic diagnosis emphasizes the tridoshic involvement, particularly Kapha and Pitta, which aligns with the inflammatory and moist presentation in fungal infections.
- While modern medicine targets the etiological organism (fungus) through antifungal therapy, Ayurveda focuses on internal cleansing (Shodhana), symptom management (Shamana), and immunity enhancement (Rasayana).
- Use of herbs like Khadira (Acacia catechu), Nimba (Azadirachta indica), and Manjistha (Rubia cordifolia) is emphasized, offering antimicrobial and immunomodulatory benefits[11].
- An integrated approach — utilizing antifungal agents along with Ayurvedic detox and rejuvenation — may offer long-term relief and prevent recurrence.
Conclusion
Dadru Kushta, as described in Ayurvedic texts, mirrors modern fungal dermatophytosis in its presentation and progression. Recognizing this correlation enables a holistic and integrated therapeutic approach. By understanding both systems' etiology and pathology, clinicians can leverage the strengths of Ayurveda in immunity modulation and detoxification, alongside the efficacy of modern antifungal treatments. This dual strategy could reduce recurrence, improve quality of life, and align with personalized patient care. Dadru Kushta closely resembles dermatophytosis. Ayurvedic treatment offers a holistic, natural alternative. Integrative approach can yield better results in recurrent or resistant cases. Dadru Kushta and dermatophytosis share striking clinical and pathological similarities. Integrating Ayurvedic treatment principles with modern diagnostic tools can enhance therapeutic outcomes, particularly in recurrent or drug-resistant cases.
References
- Sushruta. Sushruta Samhita, Nidana Sthana 5/13. Translated by Bhishagratna KK. Varanasi: Chaukhamba Orientalia; 2012.
- Mangala Jadhav, Ruchi Sharma; Dadru and its Ayurvedic formulations W.S.R. to fungal infection –a review, Research Gate, 2020, Vol.13, Issue-2
- Pushkar Singh Bhakuni, S.K.Singh, S.Tiwari, An epidemiological survey on Dadru (Tinea) in Haridwar, IAMJ, 2020
- https://www.verywellhealth.com/ringworm-overview-2632044#:~:text=Research%20shows%20that%20fungal%20infections,are%20especially%20susceptible%20to%20ringworm
- Charaka. Charaka Samhita, Chikitsa Sthana 7/21. Translated by Sharma RK, Dash B. Varanasi: Chaukhamba Sanskrit Series Office; 2014.
- Madhava. Madhava Nidana, Kushta Nidana, 51. Translated by Srikantha Murthy KR. Varanasi: Chaukhamba Orientalia; 2010.
- Bolognia JL, Schaffer JV, Cerroni L. Dermatology. 4th ed. Elsevier; 2018.
- Hay RJ, Ashbee HR. Fungal infections. In: Griffiths C, Barker J, Bleiker T, Chalmers R, Creamer D, editors. Rook’s Textbook of Dermatology. 9th ed. Wiley-Blackwell; 2016.
- Rathi B, Mehta A. Efficacy of Ayurvedic formulations in Dadru Kushta: A clinical review. J Ayurveda Integr Med. 2021;12(3):390–395.
- Singh N, Singh P. Dermatophytosis: An updated overview. Int J Dermatol. 2020;59(6):640–645.
Sharma PV. Dravyaguna Vijnana (Materia Medica). Vol. 2. Chaukhamba Bharati Academy; 2014.
