ABSTRACT
The history of Switra is as old as the human civilization. The earliest medical literature has given the description of Switra in rgavĕda and Atharvavĕda. Switra is also narrated in Mahăbhărat and in Vinayapĭţika. A Roman physician known as Celsus first introduced the term Vitiligo in the second century A.D. Vitiligo is also known as Leucoderma. The history of psychosocial repercussion was described in Vedic literature and it is also found in our society. A population-based study was presented to understand the social implication of this disease. The detailed description of etiological factors and modalities of treatment is found in all ayurvĕdic classics. Bakuci (Psoralia cordifolia) is still continuing as a photosensitizing drug in the treatment of Switra from the time of Caraka.
Subject(s)
Female , History, Ancient , Humans , India , Male , Prejudice , Vitiligo/historyABSTRACT
The earliest known reference to Kilăsa was in 2200 B.C. in the period of Aushooryan. In 1550 B.C. information regarding Vitiligo was noted in the Ebers Papyrus. Atharvavĕda also carries the description of the disease Kilăsa along with several herbal prescriptions. Buddhist literature (Pĭtikăs) especially Vinaya Pĭtika carries the description of Kilăsa. Old Testament also carries the description of white spots i.e. in the Leviticus chapter 13. In ayurvĕda the word Kuşţa was used for all types of skin diseases. Both Kilăsa and Switra are mentioned together in ayurvĕda because of similarity in their aetiology. Kilăsa is also called as Băhya (external) Kuşţa. It is classified into three types based on three Dŏşăs. Prognosis of the disease was also described in ayurvĕda. This disease can be compared with Vitiligo/leucoderma in modern medicine. The Roman Physician Celsus first coined the term Vitiligo in the 2nd Century A.D. This article carries medico-historical references of Kilăsa from ancient to modern literature.