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38
THE SUSHRUTA SAMHlTA.
[Chap.V.

as of Mahakushtham the skin contracts, and with the bursting of the skin (a piercing pain is felt in the affected part), which loses all sensibility to the touch, accompanied by a general sense of lassitude in the limbs. In the Ekakushtham (Ichthyosis) type the skin assumes a reddish black colour. It is incurable. In the form known as Charmadalam (Hypertrophy of the skin) a burning, sucking, drawing pain is experienced in the palms of the hands and in the soles of the feet which become characterised with an itching sensation. The disease, which affects in succession the (organic principles of) skin, blood and flesh, and speedily extends all over the body, like Erysipelas, and is attended with a burning sensation (Vidaha), restlessness, suppuration and a piercing pain and loss of consciousness (epileptic fits), is called Visarpa Kushtham. The form in which a number of exuding pustules gradually extend over the surface of the body is called Parisarpa Kushtham. The type of the disease which is white and thin, and is characterised by itching and does not create any disturbance (in the patient), is called Sidhma (Maculae atrophicae). This form is generally found to restrict itself to the upper part of the body. Vicharchika (Psoriasis) is characterised by excessive pain and itching and gives rise to extremely dry crack-like marks on the body [hands and feet]. The same form of malady attended with pain, burning and itching, and restricting itself solely to the lower extremities, is called Vipadika. The type in which the eruptions exude (a kind of slimy secretion) and which are circular, thick, excessively itching, glossy and black-coloured is called Kitima (Keloid tumours). Small pustules or pimples characterised by an itching, burning secretion and appearing on the surface of the body are called Pama (Eczema). The preceding kinds of pimples attended