Kushtha (the umbrella of skin diseases)

The classical umbrella term for all skin diseases, ranging from eczema and psoriasis to vitiligo and what Western medicine historically called “leprosy”. 18 sub-types are enumerated.

Etymology: kuṣ “to scratch” — diseases of itching, scaling, lesion. Despite the modern overlap with Western leprosy, classical Kushtha is much broader.

The 18 sub-types

Charaka and Sushruta enumerate 7 Mahā-Kushthas (major) and 11 Kshudra-Kushthas (minor):

Major (Mahā-Kushtha):

1. Kapala — like broken earthen pot (Vata-pred.)
2. Audumbara — like gular-fig fruit (Pitta-pred.)
3. Mandala — circular plaques (Kapha-pred.)
4. Rishyajihva — like deer-tongue
5. Pundarika — like white-lotus petal
6. Sidhma — like bottle-gourd-flower powder
7. Kakanaka — like jequirity seed (tri-doshic, incurable)

Minor (Kshudra-Kushtha): 8-18. Ekakushtha (ichthyosis), Carma (thickened skin), Kitima (scarring), Vipadika (fissures), Alasaka (red papules), Dadru (ringworm), Carmadala (eruption), Pama (eczema), Visphotaka (vesicles), Shataru (red-dark fissures), Vicarcika (oozing dermatitis).

Why this matters for cosmetic formulary

Most cosmetic-relevant skin conditions — pimples (Yuvana-pidaka), dandruff (Darunaka), cracked feet (Pada-dari), pigmentation (Vyanga), oily seborrhoea — are grouped as Kshudra Roga (minor ailments, Sushruta Cikitsa 20), NOT as Kushtha. Kushtha proper refers to more serious dermatoses requiring internal Snehana + bitter Ghee treatment.

But the formulary architecture overlaps:

• The Kushthahara Mahakashaya of Charaka and the Lakshadi-gana of Sushruta — anti-Kushtha herb groups — also pacify the less-severe Kshudra Rogas
• Internal Mahatikta Ghrita treats severe Kushtha; external mild-strength versions treat cosmetic acne and pigmentation