A review on Yuvanpitika with special reference to Acne Vulgaris

Acne vulgaris is a chronic inflammatory condition of skin in youth. In Ayurveda, acne has been elaborated as one of the Kshudra Rogas (minor ailments). It is manifested in adolescence thus called as Yuvanpidika or Tarunyapitika. Symptoms of Mukhadushika show close resemblance with bacterial infection and inflammatory factors of acne. According to Ayurveda, vitiation of Kapha dosha, Vata dosha and Rakta dhatu lead to acne development. Kapha vitiation may resemble with excess sebum production, Vata vitiation may resemble with hyperkeratinization and Rakta vitiation may resemble with inflammatory mediators in blood, play an important role in pathogenesis of acne. Both modernand Ayurvedic sciences have considered the use of topica Dr. Rahul Ishwalal Desai
l as well as oral medications and their combinations for the treatment of acne. Modern medications provide relief from acne vulgaris but causenoticeable side effects. In Ayurveda, acne has been treated mainly by Shodhana (purification of body) and Shamana (conservative treatment) Chikitsa or combination of both. Though, several Ayurveda texts such as Sushruta Samhita, Ashtanga Hrudaya etc., have elaborated the pathophysiology and treatment of acne, the available references are scattered. Thus, there is need of in-depth review and compilation of Ayurvedic texts and literatures. This review may be helpful in better understanding ofcomparative pathophysiology and management of acne vulgaris.