Susruta Samhita - Mandhata Global

CHAPTER V.
Now we shall discourse on the Nidanam of Kushtham
(cutaneous affections in general), i.
Improper diet or conduct; especially ingestion of
improper, unwholesome, indigestible, or inconge-
nial food ; physical exercise or sexual intercourse
immediately after partaking of any oleaginous subs-
tance, or after vomiting ; constant use of milk in com-
bination with the meat of any domestic, aquatic
or amphibious animal ; a cold water bath after an
exposure to heat ; and repression of any natural urging
for vomiting etc. are the factors which tend to derange
and aggravate the fundamental principle of Vayu in a
person. The enraged or aggravated Vayu, in combina-
tion with the agitated Fittam and Kapham, enters into
the vessels or ducts (Sira), which transversely spread
over the surface of the bod)'. Thus the enraged Vayu
deposits the Pittam and Kapham on the skin through the
medium of their channels and spreads them over the
entire surface of the body. The regions of the skin in
which the aforesaid morbific diatheses are deposited
become marked with circular rings or patches. The mor-
bific diatheses (Doshas), thus lodged in the skin, continue
to aggravate, and having been neglected at the outset,
tend to enter into the deeper tissues and thus contaminate
the fundamental principles (Dhatus) of the body. 2.
Premonitory Symptoms : —
A roughness
of the skin, sudden horripilation, an itching sensation in
the surface of the body, excess or absence of perspiration,
anaethesia of the parts, a black colour of the blood, and
a rapid growth and expansion of any ulcer (appearing on
the body) are the symptoms which mark the premoni-
tory stages of Kushtham. 3.