E-ISSN:2456-3110

Case Report

Acne Vulgaris

Journal of Ayurveda and Integrated Medical Sciences

2025 Volume 10 Number 9 September
Publisherwww.maharshicharaka.in

Ayurvedic approach to the clinical treatment of Yauvana Pidika (Acne Vulgaris)

Roopa Ng1*, Shripati Acharya G2, Shet P3
DOI:10.21760/jaims.10.9.57

1* Roopa Ng, Post Graduate Scholar, Dept of Kayachikitsa, Muniyal Institute of Ayurveda Medical Science, Manipal, Karnataka, India.

2 Shripati Acharya G, Professor and HOD, Dept of Kayachikitsa, Muniyal Institute of Ayurveda Medical Science, Manipal, Karnataka, India.

3 Pramod Shet, Associate Professor, Dept of Kayachikitsa, Muniyal Institute of Ayurveda Medical Science, Manipal, Karnataka, India.

The human face plays a pivotal role in conveying emotions and establishing personal identity. The visibility of acne often leads to heightened self-consciousness, making social interactions more challenging. In Ayurvedic literature, Yauvana Pidika, as described by various Acharyas, exhibit features similar to acne vulgaris. Yauvanapidika, due to its minimum causative factors, signs and symptoms and less severity is mentioned as one of the Kshudrarogas in Ayurveda Samhitas. A 19-year-old female patient who was apparently normal before eight months developed multiple pus-filled acne on her both cheeks associated with pain and redness had consulted virtually. She was having regular tea consumption more than twice a day, a mixed diet, and excess consumption of fried, oily, and junk food. She used variety of cream, ointments and home remedies other but didn’t find any changes. She was under Ayurvedic management for one month, and observed satisfactory changes. This paper highlights the Ayurvedic management of Yauvana Pidika.

Keywords: Yauvanapidika, Tarunya Pidika, Kshudra Rogas, Acne vulgaris, Manjistha Vati, Thikthakam Kashaya, Triphala Churna, Mukhadooshikahara Lepa

Corresponding Author How to Cite this Article To Browse
Roopa Ng, Post Graduate Scholar, Dept of Kayachikitsa, Muniyal Institute of Ayurveda Medical Science, Manipal, Karnataka, India.
Email: 		Roopa Ng, Shripati Acharya G, Shet P, Ayurvedic approach to the clinical treatment of Yauvana Pidika (Acne Vulgaris). J Ayu Int Med Sci. 2025;10(9):352-358.
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https://jaims.in/jaims/article/view/4739/

Manuscript Received Review Round 1 Review Round 2 Review Round 3 Accepted
2025-07-15 2025-07-25 2025-08-05 2025-08-15 2025-08-27
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© 2025by Roopa Ng, Shripati Acharya G, Shet P 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(9)352
Download PDFBack To ArticleIntroductionCase ReportMaterials and
MethodsResultsDiscussionConclusionReferences
Roopa N et al. Clinical treatment of Yauvana Pidika (Acne Vulgaris)

Introduction

Acne vulgaris is a long-term inflammatory condition affecting the skin's pilosebaceous units, which include hair follicles and their associated sebaceous glands. This condition commonly emerges during adolescence, typically between the ages of 13 and 15, and can persist into adulthood. As of 2021, acne vulgaris affected approximately 9.4% of the global population, making it one of the most common skin conditions worldwide.[1] The highest prevalence is observed among adolescents aged 15–19 years. Notably, the 10–14 age group experienced the most significant increase in cases from 1990 to 2021. The age-standardized prevalence rate was approximately 25% higher in females than in males (10,911.8 vs. 8,727.8 per 100,000 population).[2] The treatment of acne itself is a tiresome journey, both psychologically and financially. According to a plethora of studies, 40–50% of Indian youths have acne vulgaris.[3]

Acne vulgaris is a chronic inflammatory condition that originates within the pilosebaceous units - structures comprising hair follicles and their associated sebaceous (oil) glands. This disorder arises due to a complex interplay of multiple factors, including Excess Sebum Production, Follicular Hyper-keratinization, Bacterial Colonization, Inflammatory Response etc.[4] Acne is defined in Ayurveda using the terms Mukhadushika, Yauvanapidika and Tarunyapidika. Yuvan, Yauvana, and Tarunya are related to age factors, i.e., adolescence, and physical changes that occur during a young age. Ayurveda mentioned Yauvana Pidika as one of the Kshudra Rogas and manifests at the Yuva or Tarunavastha (adolescent) hence, the name Yauvana Pidika and Tarunya Pidika. Kshudra Roga are group of diseases which causes inferiority complex among the subject.[5] Ayurvedic management of Yauvana Pidika emphasizes the restoration of Doshic balance through dietary and lifestyle modifications, along with specific therapeutic interventions.

Case Report

The present case study is successful Ayurvedic management of a case of Yauvan Pidika (Acne vulgaris). A 19 year old female approached us with chief complaints of multiple acne covered the both cheeks and are associated with pain,

redness, filled with pus. Patient had the above complaints for last eight months. According to the patient, she was asymptomatic eight months ago, then gradually started developing acne filled with pus associated with pain and redness on the left cheek. Later, after a few weeks, the acne started to spread towards both cheeks, and increased in number around the surrounding cheek area. The patient had tried several ointments (clindamycin, benzoyl peroxide;)and other remedies but found no changes.

Clinical Findings

No family history noted. The presence of acne made the patient feel insecure and less presentable. On examination there were multiple pus-filled acne covered both cheek.

Ashta Sthana Pariksha

1. Nadi (pulse) - 92/min, regular

2. Shabda (speech) - clear

3. Jihwa (tongue) - Niramayukta (not coated)

4. Mala (stool) - Vibandha(constipated)

5. Mutra (urine) - Samyak (normal)

6. Druk (eyes) - Prakruta

7. Sparsha (touch) - Anushna Sheeta

8. Akruthi (build) - Madhyama

Materials and Methods

Method

Consultation: Virtually.

Materials

Table 1: Parameters considered for diagnosing Yauvana Pidika based on the clinical findings

ParametersGrading
Redness (Raga)No
Mild
Moderate
Severe		0
1
2
3
Pain (Ruja)No
Mild
Moderate
Severe		0
1
2
3

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Roopa N et al. Clinical treatment of Yauvana Pidika (Acne Vulgaris)
Itching (Kandu)No
Mild
Moderate
Severe		0
1
2
3
Pus filled (Medo Garba)No
Mild
Moderate
Severe		0
1
2
3
Area coveredNo
Mild
Moderate
Severe		0
1
2
3

Treatment and Assessment

1. Nidana Parivarjana

2. Nitya Mrudu Virechana

3. Shamanushadhi

a) Bahirparimarjana Chikitsa (external use)

b) Internal administration

1. Nidana Parivarjana - Avoiding excess regular consumption of tea, sugar items, oily and junk foods.

2. Nitya Mrudu Virechana - Triphala Churna 1 tsp with warm water once daily during bed-time.

3. Shamanaushadha

a) Bahirparimarjana Chikitsa -

Mukhadooshikahara Lepa (contents mentioned below table no 7)

Required quantity of powder is mixed with lukewarm water, made into paste, applied twice a day

b) Internal administration

Table 2: Internal medication and Dose

Manjistha Vati500mg(1tablet)Twice a day (after food)
Thikthakam Kashaya10ml with water mixed with honeyTwice a day (before food)
Triphala Churna1tsp with lukewarm waterBed time (after food)

Table 3: Treatment schedule

TimelineDateFindings
Onset of treatment12/05/2024Pus filled active acne with redness and severe pain
1st follow up22/05/2024Active acne, mild pain and red, no pus seen
2nd follow up02/06/2024No active acne, area involved reduced, no pain redness
3rd follow up13/06/2024No active acne, no reoccurrence.

Results

Table 4: Clinical features before and after treatment

ParametersBefore treatmentAfter treatment
Redness30
Pain30
Itching00
Pus filled20
Area covered20

Figure 1 & 2 Showing Before Treatment

jaims 4739 01
Figure 1

jaims 4739 02
Figure 2

Figure 3 & 4 Showing During Treatment


J Ayu Int Med Sci 2025;10(9)354
Roopa N et al. Clinical treatment of Yauvana Pidika (Acne Vulgaris)

jaims 4739 03
Figure 3

jaims 4739 04
Figure 4

Figure 5 & 6 Showing After Treatment

jaims 4739 05

4739_06
Figure 4

Discussion

Ayurveda provides a brief description of the Nidana (causative factors) of Yauvanapidika (acne vulgaris). The Kapha, Vata, and Rakta are the primary Doshas involved in causing acne. According to Sushruta, Raktadhatu Dushti (impurity of the blood) is one of the main pathogenic factors responsible for acne formation. Acharya Sushruta identified multiple local and systemic factors contributing to the onset of Mukhadushika or Yauvanpidika, particularly emphasizing the hormonal and sexual transformations that occur during adolescence. Additionally, other classical texts such as the Sharangdhara Samhita mention the conditions Vakrasnigdhita and Pitika, which are believed to arise due to Shukradhatumala[6] (impurities in the reproductive tissue). In the Bhavaprakasha, acne is attributed to Swabhava[7] (natural constitution or inherent tendencies), suggesting that the individual's inherent Prakriti plays a role in susceptibility to acne. These descriptions collectively suggest that acne arises from multiple factors, including internal imbalances like disturbances in the Doshas, as well as external influences such as lifestyle habits, hormonal fluctuations, and individual constitutional tendencies.

Table 5: Showing Nidana for causing Yauvana Pidika[8,13]

Aaharaja (Food)Viharaja (Regimen)Manasika (Psychological)Kalaja (Seasonal/Age)

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Roopa N et al. Clinical treatment of Yauvana Pidika (Acne Vulgaris)
§ Ati Katu & Madhura (excessive spicy and sweet foods)
§ Guru (heavy to digest food)
§ Ati Snigdha (oily food)
§ Dugdha Varga Ahara (milk & milk products)
§ Mamsa (meat)
§ Madya (alcohol)		§ Vegavarodha (stoppage of natural urge)
§ Jagarana (insomnia) Nidra (excess sleep)
§ Upavasa (fasting)
§ Atapa Sevana (excessive sun bath)		§ Kshobha (agitation)
§ Ati Shoka (stress)
§ Krodha (anger)
§ Santapa (irritation)
§ Svabhava (behavioral changes)		§ Vasanta Rutu (spring)
§ Tarunya (young age)
§ Madhyanha (Afternoon)
§ Grishma Rutu (summer)
§ Sharada Rutu (Autumn)

Acharya Sushruta has mentioned Rupa of Yauvan Pidika as[14]

1.Shalmali Kantaka: The eruptions on the face are similar to that of Shalmali thorns.

2. Medo Garbha: The eruption is filled with pus

3. Saruja: The eruptions are painful.

4. Ghana: The word “Ghana” means solid. The eruptions are hard and thick.

5. Yuna Mukha: This condition affects the face of adults.

Table 6: Showing drug used internally and mode of action.

SNDrugMode of Action
1.Manjistha VatiDoshakarma: Kapha-Pittashamak. Karma: Rakta-Prasadana, Raktashodhaka, Varnya, Rasayana,Shothaghna, Kushthaghna.[15]
2.Thikthakam KashayaDoshakarma: Pittashamak. Helps in condition of skin diseases like herpes, psoriasis, infective skin disease, dermatitis, fistula tracks and non healing wound.[16]
3.Triphala ChurnaDoshakrama : Tridoshahara Karma: Rasayana, Chakshusya, Dipana, Vranaropana, Anulomana, Krimihara.[17]

Table 7: Showing drugs used externally- Mukhadooshikahari Lepa[18,19]

DrugLatin NameRasaGunaViryaVipakaDoshgnataKarmaRogagnata
LodraSymplocos racemose RoxbKashaya, (Astringent),
Tikta (bitter)		Laghu
(light),
Ruksha
(dry)		Sheeta(
cold)		Katu (pungent)Kapha pittahara (alleviates Kapha and Pitta Dosha)Chakshushya (beneficial to eyes), Grahi (bindingKushta (Diseases of skin), Shopha (oedema)
VachaAcorus calamus LTikta (bitter), Katu (pungent)Laghu
(light), Tikshna (sharp)		Ushna (hot)Katu (pungent)Vata, Kapha
Hara (alleviates Vata and Kapha
Dosha)		Deepana (appetiser), Vamaka
(emetic), Twachya (beneficial to skin)		Jantughna (Worm infestation)
DhanyakaCoriandrum sativum LMadhura (Sweet),
Katu (Pungent), Tikta (Bitter), Kashaya (Astringent)		Laghu
(light), Snighdha (unctuous)		Ushna (hot)Madhura (sweet)Tridosha Hara (alleviates all the three Dosha)Deepana (appetising), Grahi (binding)Daha (Burning Sensation). Jwara (Fever), Trshna (Thirst), Krimighna (worm Infestation)
VataFicus benghalensis LMadhura (Sweet),
Kashaya (Astringent)		Guru (Heavy),
Ruksha (Dry)		Sheeta (cold)Madhura (sweet)Pitta, Kapha Hara (alleviates Pitta and Kapha Dosha)Vrana Shodhaka (wound cleansing), Ropana (wound healing), Varnya (increasing complexion)Vrana (wound). Kushta (Skin Diseases)
Narikela ShuktyaCocos nucifera LMadhura (sweet)Guru (heavy)Sheeta (cold)Madhura (sweet)Pittahara (alleviates pitta)Grahi (binding)Krimighna (Worm infestation), Jvara (Fever)

The case represents a student, 19yr old with Yauvanapidika(acne vulgaris) attributed to unhealthy and irregular food habits including spicy, oily, junk foods and excessive tea intake. The case addresses the clinical effectiveness of Shamanoushadi in managing the condition by adressing importance to Nidana Parivarjana, Pathyaapathya and lifestyle modification. The treatment regimen focused on these interventions, resulting marked reduction in acne lesions. Figure number 1&2 shows the condition before starting the treatment, 3&4 shows during the coarse


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Roopa N et al. Clinical treatment of Yauvana Pidika (Acne Vulgaris)

of treatment and 4&5 shows after treatment. The severity and frequency of patient symptoms shows a significant decrease with 90% reduction in formation of new active acne lesions.

Conclusion

This case highlights the significant clinical benefits that can result from a holistic approach to managing acne vulgaris. By addressing both internal and external contributors and prioritizing lifestyle modifications, this method shows promise in reducing the frequency and severity of acne flare-ups. The results emphasize the value of personalized treatment plans that include dietary adjustments by strictly avoiding junk, oily foods, self hygien regimen.

Alongside pharmacological treatments, the application of Lepa (topical therapies) and the implementation of Nidana Parivarjana (elimination of causative factors) were key components of the management approach. When integrated with lifestyle changes, these interventions significantly contributed to the patient's clinical improvement.

This case study illustrates the effective management of Yauvanapidika (acne vulgaris) using Shamanaushadhi. Given the high likelihood of recurrence associated with acne vulgaris, a comprehensive and long-term management plan is essential. The patient was guided to follow a Pathya-Apathya regimen, focusing on appropriate dietary (Ahara) and lifestyle (Vihara) practices, aimed at reducing the risk of symptom recurrence.

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