Ayurvedic Treatment of Hidradenitis Suppurativa

Abstract

Hidradenitis Suppurativa (HS) is a painful skin condition. This condition causes abscesses and scaring over skin. The exact cause of this condition is not known. It is observed that the problem starts near hair follicles where sweat glands are present. This usually appears around the groin, bottom, breasts, and armpits. Hindradenitis suppurative lasts for long times and can be very frustrating. It is also known as acne inversa. Basically they are the painful bumps that can get infected. Due to long standing infection pockets under our skin breaks open and get filled with pus. These bumps when break open can smell really bad and can cause scarring. Ayurveda explained it as one of kushta roga.

Introduction

The condition was first described in medical literature by Velpeau in 1839 and now is considered as extremely severe form of acne inversa. Hidradenitis Suppurativa is explained as a chronic condition which represents with swollen and painful lesions, occurring in the armpit, anal region, groins, and breast regions. The condition starts from hair follicle obstruction or secondary to sweat gland inflammation and formation of firm and pea sized lump.

It is a kind of progressive disease where a single boil is filled with pus like abscess. Gradually it become hard lumps turns painful and remains deep seated. Sometimes cluster of lesions are also observed in this condition. Healing of affected area is also associated with scaring (fibrosis).

Aacharya charaka explained Hidradenitis suppurativa under kushta chikitsa in chapter eight of Charak chikitsasathanam. This is co-related with audumbara kustha (a subtype of kustha).

Causes

Ayurveda explains the following causes

• Those who habitually take incompatible food items and
• Liquids, heavy substances and
• Suppress natural urges particularly vomiting
• Exposed to physical exercise intense heat after eating excessively
• Use of cold, hot, lightening measures
• Diet against the prescribed order
• Applying cold water immediately after being exposed to sunlight
• Take food when the previous meal is not digested
• Intake of contraindicated items while going under panchakarma procedures

But on the other hand, modern science explains that the reason for the development of this condition is not known. This may be present in your genes. Generally, it is believed to start from hair follicle infection due to sweat gland obstruction. The females are more affected than males. Normal things which can be considered as a cause for the development of this condition are:

1. You don’t wash often
2. Use a lot of deodorant or talc powders
3. Due to excessive shaving of underarms.
4. Smoking
5. Obesity

Stages

1. Hurley stage 1: Presence of single bump with no sinus tract
2. Hurley stage 2: One or bumps with little tunneling.
3. Hurley stage 3: Multiple bumps with many sinus tracts and scars that almost involve the whole body.

Symptoms

It starts bilaterally and affects both sides of the body simultaneously. The patient will notice a small pea-sized lump, slowly this lump will get firm and filled with pus. The situation becomes more painful and inflammation will also be noticed. Narrow channels that are termed as sinus tracts will develop under the skin and breaks out on the surface oozing pus. The areas commonly affected are the one where skin to skin contact is present.

दाह कण्डु रुजा राग परीतं लोम पिच्जरम्

उदुम्बरम् फ़ल आभासं कुष्ठं औदुम्बरं विदुः (च चि ८/१५)

Ayurveda explains symptoms of audumbara kustha

Burning sensation, itching, pain and redness are the typical symptoms. It is associated with brown skin hairs and looks like ripened fruit of udumbara.

Also kustha with pitta dosha predominance have heat, redness, discharge, suppuration, fleshy smell and moisture.

Risk Factors

• People in the Puberty stage
• Women in the Menopausal stage
• Can be linked with Crohn’s disease in rare cases
• People with a family history of such conditions.
• Poor hygiene

Treatment

In modern treatment is usually done using antibiotics (internally and externally). In severe cases Clindamycin and rifampicin is given. Use of antiseptics and retinoids is done. Contraceptives can also be given if HS flares up before menses. Steroid like Prednisolone is also prescribed.

In Ayurveda, if kushta is having a predominance of pitta like in audumbara kustha so acharya charaka mentioned:

पित्तोतरेषु मोक्षो रक्तस्य विरेचनं च आग्रे (च चि ८ / ३९)

For the management of audumbara kushta purgation followed by blood-letting is recommended. Also,

मरुतकफकुष्ठघनंक्मोक्त  पित्तकुष्ठनाम कार्यं

कफ पित्त रक्त हरणं तिक्त कषये प्रशमन च (च चि ८/ ५८)

In pittaja kushta the measures prescribed for the treatment of vatakaphaja kustha should be adopted particularly i.e. elimination of kapha pitta and impure blood and pacifications with bitter and astringent drugs. The ghee processed with bitters can be used externally as well as internally. For the management of this condition planet ayurveda also offers some of its products that are best known for the management of Hidradenitis suppurativa.

1. Kaishore Guggul
2. Gandhak Rasayan
3. Radiant Skin Hair Nail Formula
4. Manjishtha Capsules
5. Dermo Plan Syrup
6.  Jatyadi Oil & Nirgundi Oil

1. Kaishore Guggul

Kaishore guggul tablets manufacturing is done under expert supervision. This formulation consist parts of some potent herbs like Guggulu Resin (Commiphora mukul), bibhitaki (Terminalia bellirica), black pepper (piper nigrum), guduchi (Tinospora cordifolia), etc. Each and every herb in this formulation is having its own benefits in managing conditions like Hidradenitis. It helps in blood purifications, detoxifies the body from various toxins and balances pitta. This also helps in soothing wounds and ulcers.

Dosage: two tablets twice daily with water after meals.

2. Gandhak Rasayan

Rasayan manufactured from any herb have rejuvenating properties. Gandhak rasayan is formulated with purified sulphur (that is gandhak) and is mixed with many useful herbs like patra (Cinnamomum tamala), cinnamon (Cinnamomum zeylanicum ), shunti (Zingiber officinalis), bhringraja (Eclipta alba) etc. The natural components of this formulation have anti viral, anti bacterial, anti inflammatory properties. This is known to balance all three doshas that is vata, pitta and kapha.

Dosage: two tablets twice a day after meals with plain water

3. Radiant Skin Hair &Nails Formula

These capsules are 100% vegetarian and are manufactured using four herbs that are pit papda (Fumaria officianalis), chirata (Swertia chireta), manjistha (rubia cordifolia) and grit kumara (Aloe barbadensis). These capsules have the ability to maintain healthy hair, skin and nails.

Dosage: Two capsules twice a day after meals with plain water

4. Manjishtha Capsules

Manjishtha (Rubia cordifolia) is having very useful properties in treating skin disorders. This combats dry skin, rashes, itching and inflammation. It also helps in scar lightning and flushing toxins out of body. This is also known for boosting immunity.

Dosage: Two capsules twice a day after meals with plain water

5. Dermo Plan Syrup

The syrup contains extract of manjishtha (Rubia cordifolia, giloy (Tinospora cordifolia), Haridra (Curcuma longa) and many more herbs. All the herbs present assists in healing and detoxifies blood and body. Some herbs like haridra have anti bacterial and anti microbial effects. It also helps in building immunity against infections.

Dosage: two teaspoon twice a day after meals with plain water

6. Jatyadi Oil & Nirgundi Oil

These two oils are having anti-inflammatory and anti-microbial properties. Application of these oils externally on the affected area gives relief from pain and burning sensation. They also help in lightning scars.

Use: Apply locally on the affected site twice a day after washing and drying the site gently.

Conclusion

Hidradenitis like conditions are very painful and also difficult to manage if the patient lands in severity due to ignorance or faulty prescription. Planet Ayurveda provides products that are best for the management of this disease. The above-mentioned product helps in treating the disease by root and also prevents its reoccurrence. For any query visit www.PlanetAyurveda.com.