Abstract

SHWITRA (VITILIGO): AN INTEGRATIVE REVIEW OF AYURVEDIC AND CONTEMPORARY PERSPECTIVES

Pooja Soni*, Radha Mishra, Muraree Girare, Rajesh Kumar Prajapati, Vipin Chaurasiya

Abstract

Shwitra is described in classical Ayurvedic literature as a type of Kushta Roga characterized by depigmented patches over the skin due to vitiation of Doshas and impairment of Dhatus, particularly Rakta, Mamsa, and Meda. Clinically, it resembles vitiligo, an acquired depigmenting disorder marked by progressive melanocyte destruction. Vitiligo affects approximately 0.5–2% of the global population and significantly impacts psychological well-being and quality of life. Contemporary medicine attributes its pathogenesis primarily to autoimmune mechanisms, oxidative stress, genetic predisposition, and neurohumoral factors. Ayurveda explains Shwitra through Tridoshic imbalance with predominance of Pitta and Kapha, along with involvement of Bhrajaka Pitta and Rakta Dushti. Classical texts such as the Charaka Samhita, Sushruta Samhita, and Ashtanga Hridaya elaborate its Nidana, Samprapti, Lakshana, and Chikitsa principles. This review critically analyzes the etiopathogenesis, clinical features, and therapeutic approaches of Shwitra from both Ayurvedic and modern biomedical perspectives, highlighting possible integrative mechanisms and future research directions.

Keywords: Shwitra, Vitiligo, Kushta, Autoimmune disorder, Ayurveda, Depigmentation.