Abstract

Dr. Sanjay Kosankar*, Dr. Amit Kosurkar

ABSTRACT

Kandu in Kitibha Kushta are among the most clinically significant skin disorders described in Ayurveda, and their close correlation with pruritic psoriatic lesions makes them highly relevant in present-day dermatology. Kitibha Kushta is classically described by Shyava varna, Kharatva, Parushata, Rukshata, and Kandu, while psoriasis manifests with chronic scaly plaques, dryness, pruritus, and recurrent inflammation. The pathogenesis of Kitibha Kushta involves vitiation of Tridosha with specific predominance of Vata and Kapha, along with contamination of Twak, Rakta, Mamsa, and Lasika. Kandu is chiefly associated with Kapha, but in chronic lesions Vata and Pitta also contribute to dryness, burning, and persistence. Sthanika Chikitsa, especially Bahya Parimarjana procedures such as Lepa, Pralepa, Avachurna, Abhyanga, Parisheka, and local cleansing therapies, acts directly at the lesion site and can interrupt the disease process by reducing Kleda, pacifying Doshas, improving local tissue metabolism, and restoring Twak Dhatu function. This review explores the classical basis of Kitibha and Kandu, the concept of samprapti, and the role of sthanika chikitsa in samprapti bhanga. The available classical and contemporary literature suggests that external therapies are not merely symptomatic measures but can be understood as disease-interrupting interventions acting at the stage of Sthanasamshraya and Vyakti.