Historical perspectives of the twak rogas (Kushtha).

ABSTRACT

In the doctrines of Ayurveda the twak rogas are known by the general term Kushtha. Atharvaveda describes the twak roga in the name of Kilasa, palita, with the clinical picture of grey and white spots, generally from deeper layers of skin and referred the herbal remedies. Almost all the samhitas uniformly classified Kushtha as Maha Kushtha and Kshudra Kushtha, but there is difference of opinion about the number in each group. The historical perspectives of the Twak rogas (Kushtha) are being presented according to Rigveda, Atharvaveda, Charaka, Sushruta, Vagbhata, Madhavakara Todaramalla.