Ayurvedic Management of Shwitra (Vitiligo)

Vitiligo is the most common pigmentation disorder and is described as Shwitra/Kilasa in Ayurveda due to its characteristic appearance. It is caused by the imbalance of all three Doshas (Vata, Pitta, Kapha) vitiating Rakta, Mamsa, and Medadhatus. Shwitra is harmless but a very serious cosmetic problem which affects the emotional, psychological, and social well-being of the affected person. An 11-year-old male diagnosed with vitiligo vulgaris (Shwitra), presented with complaints of increasing area and number of depigmented patches of skin which was managed by following Ayurveda principles. A treatment protocol was designed based on the signs and symptoms observed in this patient. The protocol includes Shodhana (Dipana-Pachana, Snehapana followed by Virechana), followed by Shamana treatment with a combination of powdered herbal drugs, viz., Manjishtha (Rubia cordifolia), Bakuchi (Psoralea corylifolia), Lodhra (Symplocos racemose), and Nagkeshara (Mesua ferrea) powder and Arogyavardhini Vati orally along with Bakuchi Taila (oil) for local application. The treatment protocol was found to be effective in the reversal of depigmented patches to repigmentation, which may be adopted in future cases, using different combinations of drugs based upon the different Ayurvedic parameters to obtain even better results.