Classification:—[Diseases, falling under the group of Kushtham, may be divided into two broad subdivisions], viz.,— Mahakushthas (major) and Kshudra {minor) Kushthas, the first consisting of seven, and the second of eleven different types, aggregating eighteen in all. The Mahakushthas are classified as, Aruna, Audumvara,Rishya-Jihva, Kapala, Kakanaka, Pundarika, and Dadru. The minor or Kshudra-kushthas (Lichen and Dermatitis) are Sthularushkam, Mahakushtham, Eka-kushtham, Charmadalam, Visarpah, Parisarpah, Sidhma, Vicharchika, Kitima, Pama, and Rakasa. All the types of Kushtham, whether major or minor, involve the action of the deranged Vayu, Pittam or Kapham, and are connected with the presence of parasites in those localities*[1] The preponderance of any particular morbific diathesis (Dosha) in any case of Kushtham should be looked upon as its originating cause. The type, known as Aruna Kushtha, is due to the action of the preponderant Vayu; Audumvara, together with Rishya-Jihva, Kapala and Kakanaka, to a preponderance of the deranged Pittam; while Pundarika and Dadru owe their origin to an excess of the deranged Kapham. These types of major or minor Kushthas are successively more extensive in their action and more incurable on account of their respectively invading a greater number of the bodily elements (Dhatus). 4 — 6.
Mahakushthas:—Aruna-kushtha owes its origin to an exuberance of the deranged Vayu. It is slightly vermilion-coloured, thin and spreading in its
- ↑ *Certain authorities hold that, all types of Kushtham (cutaneous affections) to be of parasitic origin. The Garuda Puranam avers that, the parasites, which infest the external principles of the body, are the primary causes of cutaneous affections—Kushthaika-hetavontarjah shlemshajd vahya-sambhavah, Ch. CLXIXV. 4.
