An English Translation of the Sushruta Samhita, Vol. II — trans. Kaviraj Kunja Lal Bhishagratna (1911)

* Certain authorities hold that, all types of Kushtham (cutaneous affections) to be of parasitic origin. The Garuda Puranam avers that, the parasites, which infest the external principles of the body, are the primary causes of cutaneous affections — Kushthaika-hetavontarjdh shlemshajd vdhya sambhavdh. Ch. CLXIXV. 4.

p. 37

nature. A sort of pricking, piercing pain (is experienced in the affected locality) which loses all sensibility to the touch. The type known as Audumbara is coloured and shaped like a ripe or mature Audumbara fruit and has its origin in the deranged Pittam. The t>'pc called Rishyajihva is rough and resembles the tongue of a Rish\a (Deer) in shape and colour. The type known as Kapala (Macula caerulae) resembles a black (deep blue) Kharpara ( baked clay ). The Kakanaka type is characterised by a dark red and black colour like the seed of the Gutija berry. A sort of sucking and burning pain is experienced in the affected locality in all the four preceding types of the disease which are the outcome of the deranged Pittam. The whole diseased surface seems as if burning with fire, and emitting hot fumes. They are speedy in their origin and rapidl)' suppurate and break. All these types soon become infested with parasites. These are the general features of these forms of Kushthas. 7.

Pundarika: —The patches resemble the petals of a (full blown) lotus flower in colour, and Dadru (Ringworm) assumes the colour ffaint blue) of an Atasi flower, or of copper. They are spreading in their nature and are found to be overspread with pustules. Both the Dadru and Pundarika t\'pes are raised, circular, and characterised by itching and take a considerable time to be fully patent. These are the general characteristics of Dadru and Pundarika. 8.

Kshudra Kushthas :— We shall now describe (the features of the diseases known as) Kshudrakushthas (M.Text): — The type known as Sthularushka appears about the joints. It is extremely thick at its base, is cured with the greatest difficulty, and is strewn over with hard pustules (Arungshi). In the type known

38 THE SUSHKUTA SAMHITA. [ Chap. V.

as of Mahakushtham the skin contracts, and with the bursting" of the skin (a piercing pain is felt in the affected part), which loses all sensibility to the touch, accompanied by a general sense of lassitude in the limbs. In the Ekakushtham (Ichthyosis) type the skin assumes a reddish black colour. It is incurable. In the form known as Charmadalam (Hypertrophy of the skin> a burning, sucking, drawing pain is experienced in the palms of the hands and in the soles of the feet which become characterised with an itchmg sensation. The disease, which affects in succession the (organic principles ofj skin, blood and flesh, and speedily extends all over the body, like Erysipelas, and is attended with a burning sensation fVidaha), restlessness, suppuration and a piercing pain and loss of consciousness (epileptic fits), is called Visarpa Kuslltliam. The form in which a number of exuding pustules gradually extend over the surface of the body is called Parisarpa Kushtham. The type of the disease which is white and thin, and is characterised by itching and docs not create any disturbance (in the patient), is called Sidhma (Maculae atrophicae). This form is generally found to restrict itself to the upper part of the body. Vicharchika (^Psoriasis) is characterised by excessive pain and itching and gives rise to extremel)' dry crack-like marks on the bod\' [hands and feet]. The same form of malady attended with pain, burning and itching, and restricting itself solely to the lower extremities, is called Vipadika. The type in which the eruptions exude (a kind of slimy secretion) and which arc circular, thick, excessively itching, glossy and black-coloured is called Kitima (Keloid tumours). Small pustules or pimples characterised by an itching, burning secretion and appearing on the surface of the body are called Fama (Eczema). The preceding kinds of pimples attended