Hidradenitis Suppurativa (Pakshakachchapa)

An Ayurvedic Perspective and Management at Yogakshema Ayurveda Hospital

🩺 Introduction

Hidradenitis Suppurativa (HS), referred to as Pakshakachchapa in Ayurveda, is a chronic inflammatory skin disorder marked by recurrent, painful lumps or abscesses under the skin, commonly in areas like the armpits, groin, buttocks, and under the breasts. At Yogakshema Ayurveda Hospital, we adopt a comprehensive, holistic approach that combines Ayurvedic principles with lifestyle guidance to manage inflammation, purify blood, and enhance immunity.

🌿 Ayurvedic Perspective on Hidradenitis Suppurativa (Pakshakachchapa)

HS is considered a tridoshic disorder in Ayurveda, with Pitta predominance, affecting the Rakta (blood), Mamsa (muscle), and Medas (fat) tissues.

🔥 Aggravated Pitta Dosha

  • Causes inflammation, redness, and burning sensation

  • Triggers painful abscesses and heat in sweat glands

🩸 Rakta Dhatu Dushti (Impaired Blood Tissue)

  • Leads to recurrent inflammation and abscess formation

  • Reduces skin’s ability to recover from infection

💪 Mamsa Dhatu Dushti (Muscle Tissue Impairment)

  • Results in deep-seated nodules, scarring, and skin tunnel formation

🧈 Medas Dhatu Dushti (Fat Tissue Impairment)

  • Contributes to clogged sweat glands and localized swelling

  • Promotes sebum overproduction and skin congestion

💨 Additional Contributing Factors

  • Ama (Toxins): Block internal pathways, aggravating inflammation

  • Agni Mandya (Weak Digestive Fire): Hampers detoxification

  • Manasika Karana (Psychological Triggers): Stress and anxiety worsen the condition

🔬 Modern Causes and Risk Factors

  • Autoimmune dysfunction

  • Genetic predisposition

  • Hormonal fluctuations

  • Smoking and obesity

  • Tight clothing causing friction

  • Certain medications

❗ Signs and Symptoms of Pakshakachchapa

  • Painful lumps/nodules under the skin

  • Pus-filled abscesses

  • Sinus tracts (tunnels beneath the skin)

  • Thick scarring or rope-like bands

  • Chronic pain and tenderness

  • Recurrent skin infections

🪔 Ayurvedic Management Approach

Our therapeutic focus is on:

  • Pacifying aggravated Pitta

  • Purifying Rakta, Mamsa, and Medas dhatus

  • Boosting Agni (digestive fire)

  • Promoting wound healing

  • Reducing stress and inflammation

  • Supporting immune function

🔑 Key Ayurvedic Therapeutic Interventions

🛖 Panchakarma Therapies

  • Virechana (Purgation): Eliminates excess Pitta and toxins

  • Raktamokshana (Bloodletting): Reduces heat and purifies blood

  • Lepana (Herbal Paste Application): Soothes inflammation and promotes healing

  • Pichu (Medicated Gauze Application): Offers local relief from swelling and tenderness

🌿 Herbal Medicines

  • Guduchi (Tinospora cordifolia): Immune modulator and anti-inflammatory

  • Neem (Azadirachta indica): Antibacterial, detoxifier, and blood purifier

  • Manjistha (Rubia cordifolia): Promotes skin healing and purifies blood

  • Triphala: Enhances digestion and detoxification

  • Haridra (Turmeric): Powerful anti-inflammatory and wound healer

  • Guggulu (Commiphora mukul): Reduces inflammation and promotes tissue regeneration

  • Kanchanara Guggulu: Classical formulation for glandular swellings and skin lesions

🥗 Dietary and Lifestyle Recommendations

✅ Ahara (Diet)

  • Favor cooling foods like cucumber, coconut water, watermelon, and leafy greens

  • Avoid Pitta-aggravating foods: spicy, fried, fermented, and acidic items

  • Stay hydrated with herbal infusions and water

  • Maintain nutrient-rich meals to support immunity and tissue repair

🌿 Vihara (Lifestyle)

  • Avoid smoking

  • Maintain a healthy weight

  • Wear loose, breathable clothing

  • Practice stress reduction with meditation, yoga, and pranayama

  • Follow a gentle skincare routine using mild, non-irritating products

🧘‍♀️ Suggested Yogasanas

  • Shavasana (Corpse Pose)

  • Balasana (Child’s Pose)

  • Tadasana (Mountain Pose)

  • Yoga Nidra (Yogic Sleep)

  • Gentle stretching and relaxation practices

🧪 Customized Care at Yogakshema Ayurveda Hospital

Our experienced team customizes treatment plans based on:

  • Dosha analysis: Understanding individual constitution and imbalance

  • Lesion assessment: Type, frequency, and severity of nodules and abscesses

  • Immune and metabolic evaluation

  • Lifestyle and dietary history

Each patient receives a personalized treatment plan incorporating:

  • Panchakarma therapies

  • Herbal formulations

  • Diet and lifestyle changes

  • Mind-body balance practices

✅ Benefits of the Ayurvedic Approach

  • 🌿 Holistic healing of internal and external symptoms

  • 🌱 Minimal side effects using natural herbs and procedures

  • 🔁 Reduced recurrence and inflammation

  • 🩹 Improved wound healing and less scarring

  • 🛡️ Enhanced immunity and better metabolic function

  • 😊 Improved quality of life and emotional well-being

🏥 Yogakshema Ayurveda Hospital: Your Partner in Holistic Skin Care

At Yogakshema Ayurveda Hospital, we offer compassionate, individualized care for Hidradenitis Suppurativa using a synergistic blend of classical Ayurvedic therapies and modern diagnostics. Our approach not only treats the visible symptoms but addresses the root cause, ensuring sustainable relief and overall wellness.