Ringworm (Dadru)

An Ayurvedic Perspective and Management at Yogakshema Ayurveda Hospital

🩺 Introduction

Ringworm, known as Dadru in Ayurveda, is a common fungal skin infection characterized by red, circular, itchy rashes with raised edges. Despite its name, it is not caused by worms but by dermatophytic fungi. At Yogakshema Ayurveda Hospital, we follow a holistic and individualized Ayurvedic approach, focusing on restoring doshic balance, purifying the blood, and supporting healthy skin regeneration.

🌿 Ayurvedic Perspective

In Ayurveda, Dadru is primarily caused by an imbalance of Pitta, with associated aggravation of Kapha and Vata doshas. The disease is further rooted in Rakta and Twak Dhatu Dushti (impairment of blood and skin tissues).

🔥 Aggravated Pitta:

  • Causes redness, burning, and inflammation

  • Promotes reactive and hypersensitive skin

🌊 Aggravated Kapha:

  • Leads to itching, stickiness, and raised circular lesions

  • Creates a moist environment favorable for fungal growth

💨 Aggravated Vata:

  • Contributes to dryness, scaling, fissures, and pain

  • Disturbs skin texture and aggravates discomfort

⚠️ Other Contributing Factors:

  • Rakta Dhatu Dushti – Affects blood tissue and contributes to chronicity

  • Twak Dhatu Dushti – Affects skin integrity and immunity

  • Ama Accumulation – Toxins block skin channels and slow healing

  • Agni Mandya – Weak digestion leads to poor assimilation and toxin buildup

  • Manasika Karana – Stress and low immunity increase vulnerability

🧫 Common Causes of Ringworm (Dadru)

  • Fungal Infection (Dermatophytes)

  • Direct Skin Contact with infected humans or animals

  • Contaminated Items: Clothes, towels, combs

  • Moist Environments: Promote fungal growth (e.g., sweaty clothes, occlusive wear)

  • Weakened Immunity: Chronic illnesses, stress, poor hygiene

🔍 Signs and Symptoms of Dadru

  • Red, circular rash with well-defined raised edges and a clearer center

  • Itching, often severe

  • Scaling, dryness, or oozing from lesions

  • Fissures and cracks, especially in chronic cases

  • Hair loss in affected scalp areas (Tinea capitis)

  • Nail discoloration or deformity (Tinea unguium)

🌱 Ayurvedic Management of Dadru

Ayurveda emphasizes internal purification, immune modulation, and external healing to treat Dadru effectively and prevent recurrence.

🔄 Dosha Balancing:

  • Herbs that pacify Pitta, Kapha, and Vata

  • Reduce inflammation, itching, and fungal proliferation

🩸 Rakta and Twak Shodhana:

  • Blood and skin purifying herbs restore tissue health and prevent recurrence

🔥 Agni Deepana:

  • Enhancing digestion to eliminate Ama and restore immune function

🛡️ Immunity Boosting:

  • Rasayana (rejuvenating) herbs to strengthen resistance against infections

💧 Local Applications:

  • Herbal pastes and medicated oils for antifungal, anti-inflammatory action

🧘 Key Therapeutic Interventions

Panchakarma Therapies:

  • Virechana (Purgation) – Eliminates excess Pitta and internal toxins

  • Raktamokshana (Bloodletting) – In chronic or severe cases to purify blood

Herbal Medicines:

  • Neem (Azadirachta indica) – Antifungal, detoxifying, anti-inflammatory

  • Haridra (Turmeric) – Reduces inflammation, fights fungal infections

  • Manjistha (Rubia cordifolia) – Blood purifier and skin rejuvenator

  • Triphala – Supports digestion and detoxification

  • Guggulu – Anti-inflammatory and immune-modulating

  • Gandhak Rasayan – Classical sulphur-based remedy for skin diseases

  • Khadira Tailam – Medicated oil for topical fungal infections

🍽️ Dietary and Lifestyle Modifications

  • Follow a cooling diet: Include coconut water, cucumber, leafy greens, watermelon

  • Avoid Pitta-aggravating foods: Spicy, fermented, oily, sour items

  • Maintain hygiene: Clean affected area regularly and keep it dry

  • Avoid shared personal items: Towels, razors, clothing, etc.

  • Wear breathable clothing: Loose, cotton-based garments

  • Boost immunity: With fresh fruits, vegetables, and Ayurvedic rasayanas

  • Stress management: Through meditation, yoga, and deep breathing

🧘‍♀️ Recommended Yogasanas and Pranayama

  • Shavasana (Corpse Pose)

  • Balasana (Child’s Pose)

  • Tadasana (Mountain Pose)

  • Yoga Nidra (Yogic Sleep)

  • Sheetali & Anulom Vilom Pranayama – For cooling and balance

🧑‍⚕️ Customized Care at Yogakshema Ayurveda Hospital

At Yogakshema Ayurveda Hospital, we recognize that every case of Dadru is unique. We design a personalized treatment plan after detailed assessment by our experienced Ayurvedic physicians.

  • Dosha Assessment

  • Lesion Evaluation (type, location, spread)

  • Constitutional (Prakriti) Analysis

  • Integrated Plan: Combining Panchakarma, herbs, diet, and lifestyle changes

🌟 Advantages of Ayurvedic Management

  • Root-Cause Healing: Not just symptom suppression

  • Natural Antifungal & Immune-Boosting Remedies

  • Safe & Sustainable: Minimal side effects

  • Prevention of Recurrence: By detoxifying and strengthening the system

  • Enhanced Skin Health and Resilience

🏥 Yogakshema Ayurveda Hospital: Your Destination for Holistic Skin Healing

At Yogakshema Ayurveda Hospital, we offer an integrated, compassionate approach to managing fungal skin infections like Ringworm (Dadru). Our team ensures that every patient receives individualized care, from consultation to recovery, helping restore skin health from the inside out.