E-ISSN:2456-3110

Case Report

Tinea Infection

Journal of Ayurveda and Integrated Medical Sciences

2025 Volume 10 Number 6 JUNE
Publisherwww.maharshicharaka.in

Ayurvedic management on Dadru (Tinea Infection) - A Case Report

Amte K1*, Gawai V2
DOI:10.21760/jaims.10.6.57

1* Kanchan Amte, Post Graduate Scholar, Department of Kaumarbhritya, Government Ayurved College and Hospital, Nanded, Maharashtra, India.

2 Vijaykumar Gawai, HOD and Professor, Department of Kaumarbhritya, Government Ayurved College and Hospital, Nanded, Maharashtra, India.

Introduction: Skin diseases are being considered as a major health problem in children, as it leads to discomfort and significant morbidity among them. Skin diseases have been comprehended under the heading of Kushta in Ayurveda. Dadru Kushta is common skin infestation. Dadru Kushta is being a Kshudra Kushta has Kapha Pitta dominance. In modern science the clinical manifestation of Dadru is closely similar to local fungal infection/tinea infection which is affecting up to 15% of population. Excessive severe itching and red patches are the common clinical manifestation which can be diagnosed by Darshana and Prashana Pariksha.

Methods: This is a case study of 8 year female child brought by her parents to Balroga OPD having complaints of Raga (Erythema), Kandu (Itching), Pidka (Granular surface), Utsanna Mandal (Circular elevation of skin). Patient was diagnosed with Dadru (Tinea infection) and managed by Shaman Chikitsa i.e., external application of Malhara. Treatment for 15 days along with Pathya-Apathya mentioned in Ayurvedic text was followed.

Result: The patient got speedy recovery from all the symptoms of Dadru within 15 days.

Discussion and Conclusion: Classical Dadru Chikitsa mentioned in Ayurveda text is effective in the management of Tinea infection.

Keywords: Dadru Kushta, Pitta Dosha, Kapha Dosha, Tinea infection, Ayurveda, Dermatophytosis

Corresponding Author How to Cite this Article To Browse
Kanchan Amte, Post Graduate Scholar, Department of Kaumarbhritya, Government Ayurved College and Hospital, Nanded, Maharashtra, India.
Email: 		Amte K, Gawai V, Ayurvedic management on Dadru (Tinea Infection) - A Case Report. J Ayu Int Med Sci. 2025;10(6):407-411.
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https://jaims.in/jaims/article/view/4425/

Manuscript Received Review Round 1 Review Round 2 Review Round 3 Accepted
2025-05-10 2025-05-26 2025-06-06 2025-06-16 2025-06-26
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© 2025 by Amte K, Gawai V and Published by Maharshi Charaka Ayurveda Organization. This is an Open Access article licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ unported [CC BY 4.0].

J Ayu Int Med Sci 2025;10(6)407
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Kanchan A et al. Ayurvedic management on Dadru (Tinea Infection)

Introduction

Skin is the largest organ of human body It’s size and external location makes it susceptible to wide variety of disorders. In recent years, there has been a considerable increase in the incidence of skin problem in the tropical and developing countries like India.[1]

All the skin diseases in Ayurveda have been classified under the broad heading of ‘Kushta’ which are further classified in to Mahakushta and Kshudrakushta. Dadru is one among the Kushta.[2] Acharya Charaka has included Dadru in Khsudra Kushta,[3] where as Acharya Vagbhata and Acharya Sushruta have explained under Mahakushta.[4,5]

In broad sense Kushta is the one which causes vitiation as well as discoloration of the skin.[6]

As per modern perspective disease Dadru comes under “Superficial fungal infection of skin” the most common dermatological manifestation affecting up to 15% of world’s population in all age group.[7]

Dadru is a type of Kushta and analogues with Dermatophytosis or fungal infection or Tinea (ring worm) infection in contemporary science. Dermatophytosis has become a significant health problem affecting children, adolescents and adults worldwide.

Ringworm is a common superficial fungal infection of the skin, hair, and nails. It can cause an itchy, red, circular rash. Ringworm is also called “Tinea” or “Dermatophytosis”. The different types of ringworm are usually named based on location of the infection on the body.

Aim and Objectives

1. To evaluate, elaborate and discussion of etiological factors and method of diagnosis of Dadru.
2. To give complete protocol of ayurvedic management of Dadru.

Case Report

Vital Data

Age: 8 year
Gender: Female
Education: School going
Socioeconomic status: Lower economic status

Presenting Complaints

Table 1: Complaints

SNComplaintsDuration
1.Raga (Erythema)20 days
2.Kandu (Itching)20 days
3.Pidka (Granular surface)15 days
4.Utsanna Mandal (Circular elevation of skin)15 days

Past History

Same complaints present since 20 days

No H/O any major illness
No H/O any drug allergy

Past Treatment History

No any drug taken orally and locally

Table 2: Local examination

SNSkin examinationPresenting complaints
1.Site of lesionRt. side of lower waist
2.Distribution (vyapti)Circular appearance with patch
3.Itching (kandu)Severe itching present
4.Erythema (raga)Moderate

Table 3: Ashtavidha Pariksha

1.Nadi100/min
2.MalaMalavshtamba
3.MutraNiyamit
4.JivhaSaam
5.ShabdaSpashta
6.SparshaUshna
7.DrukaPrakrut
8.AkrutiKrusha

Materials and Methods

Treatment Given:

Gandhaka Malhara[8] for local application.

Table 4: Contents of the drug.

SNContentQuantity
1.Sikta Taila72 gm
2.Shuddha Gandhaka6 gm
3.Suddha Girisindhoora6 gm
4.Suddha Tankana2 gm
5.Karpura2 gm

Preparation of Malhara

Above-mentioned quantity of Sikta Taila is taken in vessel and subjected to mild heat. Other ingredients are powdered finely and kept separately.


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Kanchan A et al. Ayurvedic management on Dadru (Tinea Infection)

When the Sikta Taila melts it is taken and continuously stirred with a spoon. Now the ingredients i.e., Gandhaka, Girisindhoora, Tankana and Karpura are mixed together and added to the Sikta Taila with continuous stirring. After adding all the contents, the stirring is continued so that the contents get mixed homogenously and a fine red colour paste is obtained. This prepared paste is Gandhaka Malahara. After that it is stored in a wide mouthed jar.

Route of Administration

Topical (External Application) Local application covering the entire lesion. Twice daily.

Duration:15 days

Review every 7 days.

Pathya Apathya :[9]

1. Dietary advise - Patient was advised to avoid spicy, fried, junk, fast food, heavy food including curd, paneer, cheese and non-vegetarian diet like Fish and meat.
2. Patient was also advised to maintain hygiene by washing the parts twice a day and keeping it dry.
3. Patient was told to wear loose-fitted cotton clothes.
4. Patient was also advised to avoid day time sleep.


Table 5: Assessment criteria for the evaluation of the patient.

SNParameterGrade 1Grade 2Grade 3Grade 4Grade 5
1.ItchingOccasionally Mild itchingMild itchingMod.
itching		Severe itchingSevere cont. itching
2.InflammationMild InflammationModerate InflammationSevere InflammationSevere Inflammation with erythematousSevere Inflammation with erythematous
3.Color changesPinkPinkish redRed colorBlackish blueBlack
4.Nature of lesionMild visibleModerately visibleProminent visibleProminently visible with dischargeProminently visible with discharge
5.Size of lesion1-2 cm2-3cm3-4 cm4-5 cm>5cm
6.No. of lesion1234>4

With the above mentioned treatment patient got satisfactory relief from the symptoms of tinea (Dadru Kustha). It can be well appreciated on the photographs, documented before and after treatment.

Results

Table 6: Results

SNParameterBefore treatmentReview - 7 daysAfter treatment
1.ItchingSevere itchingModerate itchingOccasionally Mild itching
2.InflammationModerate inflammationMild inflammationMild Inflammation
3.Color changesRed colorPinkish red colorPink
4.Nature of lesionProminent visible lesionsModerately visibleMild visible
5.Size of lesion4-5 cm3-4 cm1-2 cm
6.No. of lesion1 lesion1 lesion1 lesion

Discussion

The content of Gandhaka Malahara possesses Tridosha Hara, Snigdha, Teekshna, Ruksha, Sara and Ushna properties. All the ingredients have pharmacologically antifungal, antimicrobial and antioxidant action,[10] thus it can effectively reduce infections and prevent its recurrence by improving the immunity of skin with its antioxidant property. Dadru is Kapha dominant disease, Besides its Rasagata manifestations. Hence considering this Different Acharya has described its treatment as application of Lepa.

Bahiparimarjana Chikitsa or Shamana shows excellent result in form of Lepa and internal medicines like Kwatha. The disease mainly Bahya Rogamarga and involves Rasavaha and Raktavaha Srotas, Tridoshas (mainly Kapha Pitta Pradhan), Twak, Rakta, Lasika, Swed Dushayas and Twak Adhisthan. Further Srotas are never involved. This is specificity of pathogenesis of Dadru. Acharya Sushruta describes color of lesions in Dadru more specifically like that of copper or flower of Atasi and mentions that its Pidaka are in form of Parimandala having spreading nature (Visarpanshila) but slow in prog. or chronic in nature (Chirrottham) with Kandu.


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Hence, selected drug for this study was Gandhaka Malahara.

Probable mode of action of Gandhaka Malahara[11]

Gandhaka Malahara used for local application possess anti-microbial, Kandughna as well as Kushthaghna properties. It plays important role in eliminating the fungal infection locally. The Gandhaka Malahara contains Shuddha Gandhaka, Siktha Taila. It is having Ushna Veerya which does the Ama Pachana locally and removes the toxin through Swedana, the Tikta, Kashaya Rasa & Lekhaniya Guna removes the Dushta Kapha & Pitta. The Gandhaka Malahara is have the capacity to cure Kandu, Kushta Dadru, Visarpa, Krimi Roga & all the Twak Vikara.

Upon topical application, the active principles of Malahara reaches deeper tissues through Sira Mukha and Sweda Vahi Srotas with its Sara and Teekshna properties. Due to Ushna, Teekshna, Sara properties, it removes the obstruction in Sweda Vahi Srotas and cure the disease.[12]

Table 7: Properties of the Gandhaka Malahara ingredients

DrugRasaGunaViryaDosha KarmaPharmacological Action
Shuddha Gandhaka[13]Katu, Tikta KashayaSaraUshnaPitta Vardhaka Kapha-VataharaAntifungal Antimicrobial
Giri Sindoora[14]Katu, TiktaUshnaUshnaTridosha ShamakaAntifungal Antimicrobial
Tankana[15]KshariyaRuksha Tikshna GuruUshnaPittakara Vatahara Kaphanissa rakaExpectorant Antidote
Karpura[16]Tikta, Katu, MadhuraLaghuSheetaBalances Kapha and Pitta Dosha.Bactericidal
Sikta Taila[17]Tikta, Katu, MadhuraLaghuSheetaKaphavata haraAct as stabilizer

Shudha Gandhaka is Antifungal, Antimicrobial. Vital role in immune system helps in detoxification. It helps in tissue repair and referred to as ‘Nature’s beauty mineral’.

Shudha Tankana is Antifungal, antibacterial.

Girisindhoora is Tridosha Shamaka and indicated in Kandu, Pama, Vicharchika, Sidma, Visarpa, Visha, Vrana Shodhana Ropana.

Conclusion

jaims_4425_01.JPG
Before treatment

jaims_4425_02.JPG
On 7th day

jaims_4425_03.JPG
After treatment


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Kanchan A et al. Ayurvedic management on Dadru (Tinea Infection)

The results suggested that Gandhaka Malahara showed significant result after treatment in Kandu, color of Mandala, number of Pidika, number of mandala variables and the efficacy of the treatment was highly significant even during follow up. In this case study patient completed the full course of treatment without any adverse reaction to drug. Hence it can be suggested that Gandhaka Malahara can be used in the patients suffering from Dadru Kushta (Tinea infection).

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