Tinea Versicolor (Shweta Kustha)

An Ayurvedic Perspective and Management at Yogakshema Ayurveda Hospital

🩺 Introduction

Tinea versicolor, referred to as Shweta Kustha in Ayurveda (though not a classical Kustha), is a common superficial fungal infection that results in discolored patches of skin, often on the chest, back, neck, and upper arms. These patches may appear lighter, darker, or pink compared to surrounding skin and often worsen in hot, humid weather.

At Yogakshema Ayurveda Hospital, we adopt a holistic, root-cause-oriented approach using Ayurvedic therapies and formulations, supported by modern insights where necessary.

🌿 Ayurvedic Perspective

According to Ayurveda, Tinea Versicolor is primarily due to an imbalance in:

  • Kapha Dosha: Increases skin oiliness and supports fungal overgrowth.

  • Pitta Dosha: Contributes to inflammation and pigmentary changes.

  • Vata Dosha: Responsible for dryness, itching, and scaling.

🔹 Aggravated Kapha

  • Causes oiliness, Ama accumulation, and blockage of skin channels

  • Creates a moist environment ideal for fungal proliferation

🔸 Aggravated Pitta

  • Disrupts skin’s pigment balance

  • Triggers burning, redness, and sensitivity

🌬️ Aggravated Vata

  • Results in dryness, rough texture, and scaling

  • Leads to discomfort, itching, and emotional stress

🧬 Other Contributing Factors

  • Rakta & Twak Dhatu Dushti (vitiated blood and skin tissues)

  • Ama accumulation due to impaired digestion (Agni Mandya)

  • Mental stress leading to immune suppression

🔍 Causes of Tinea Versicolor

  • Malassezia yeast (normally present on skin) overgrowth

  • Hot and humid climate

  • Excessive sweating

  • Oily skin or seborrhea

  • Weakened immune system

  • Hormonal imbalances

📋 Signs and Symptoms of Shweta Kustha

  • Small discolored patches: lighter, darker, or pinkish

  • Scaly texture

  • Itching (often mild)

  • Commonly affects chest, neck, upper back, upper arms

  • May become more visible after sun exposure

  • May merge to form larger areas

🌱 Ayurvedic Approach to Management

Treatment focuses on restoring doshic balance, cleansing the body, and enhancing skin health.

🎯 Treatment Goals:

  • Balance Kapha, Pitta, and Vata

  • Detoxify Rakta and Twak dhatus

  • Improve digestion and metabolic strength (Agni Deepana)

  • Strengthen immunity

  • Reduce recurrence and pigmentation

🧘 Key Therapeutic Interventions

🌀 Panchakarma Therapies

  • Virechana: Purgation to remove excess Pitta and Kapha

  • Raktamokshana: Bloodletting in resistant or chronic cases

🌿 Herbal Medicines

  • Neem (Azadirachta indica) – Antifungal, blood purifier

  • Haridra (Curcuma longa) – Reduces inflammation and fungal activity

  • Manjistha (Rubia cordifolia) – Enhances skin tone and detoxifies blood

  • Triphala – Detoxifying, digestive tonic

  • Guggulu (Commiphora mukul) – Anti-inflammatory, immunity booster

  • Khadira Tailam – Topical antifungal oil

  • Bakuchi Churna (Psoralea corylifolia) – Helps restore pigmentation (used cautiously)

🥗 Dietary and Lifestyle Modifications

✅ Recommended:

  • Light, easy-to-digest foods: soups, leafy greens, cooked vegetables

  • Hydration: coconut water, herbal teas

  • Cotton clothing: loose and breathable

  • Cool, dry environment

❌ To Avoid:

  • Kapha-aggravating foods: dairy, fried items, sweets, heavy meals

  • Excessive sweating: limit outdoor activity in high humidity

  • Sharing personal items (to reduce recurrence risk)

  • Stress: Practice meditation, yoga, deep breathing

🧘‍♀️ Preferable Yogasanas

  • Tadasana (Mountain Pose)

  • Shavasana (Corpse Pose)

  • Yoga Nidra (Yogic Sleep)

  • Gentle forward bends and stretches

🧬 Customized Treatment at Yogakshema Ayurveda Hospital

Treatment is tailored according to:

  • Prakriti (Body Constitution)

  • Dosha Imbalance Assessment

  • Lesion Severity, Location, and Type

  • Immune and Digestive Health

Our expert physicians develop a comprehensive protocol combining:

  • Panchakarma therapies

  • Internal herbal formulations

  • External applications

  • Lifestyle and dietary guidance

✅ Benefits of the Ayurvedic Approach

  • 🌿 Holistic Healing: Treats the root cause, not just symptoms

  • 🌱 Natural Remedies: Minimal side effects when guided by qualified experts

  • 🛡️ Boosts Immunity: Reduces recurrence risk

  • 🎯 Improves Skin Texture and Tone

  • 🧘 Restores Dosha Balance and enhances quality of life

🏥 Yogakshema Ayurveda Hospital: Your Trusted Partner in Skin Health

At Yogakshema Ayurveda Hospital, we provide personalized, compassionate care in a serene healing environment. Our combination of ancient wisdom and modern expertise ensures safe and effective management of tinea versicolor and other skin conditions.

Let us help you restore your skin’s natural balance and confidence—the Ayurvedic way.