Susruta Samhita - Mandhata Global

36 THE SUSIIKUTA SAMllITA. [Chap. V.
Classification :— [Diseases, falling under the
group of Kushth;iin, may be divided into two broad
subdivisions], viz.,
—
Mahdkushthas (major) and Kshudra
(minor) Kushthas, the first consisting of seven, and the
second of eleven different types, aggregating eighteen
in all. The Mahakushthas arc classified as, Aruna,
Audumvara,Rishya-Jihva, Kapala, Kakanaka, Pundarika,
and Dadru. The minor or Kshudra-kushthas (Lichen and
Dermatitis) are Sthularushkam, Mahakushtham, Kka-
kushtham, Charmadalam, Visarpah, Parisarpah, Sidhma,
Vicharchika, Kitima, Pamd, and RakasA. All the types
of Kushtham, whether major or minor, involve the action
of the deranged Vayu, Pittam or Kapham, and are con-
nected with the presence of parasites in those localities.*
The preponderance of any particular morbific diathesis
(Dosha) in an\' case of Kushtham should be looked upon
as its originating cause. The type, known as Aruna
Kushtha, is due to the action of the preponderant Vayu
Audumvara, together with Rishya-Jihva, Kapala and
Kakanaka, to a preponderance of the deranged Pittam ;
while Pundarika and Dadru owe their origin to an
excess of the deranged Kapham. These types of major
or minor Kushthas are successively more extensive in
their action and more incurable on account of their
respectively invading a greater number of the bodily
elements (Dhatus). 4— 6.
IVIahakushthas :—Aruna-kushtha owes its
origin to an exuberance of the deranged Vayu. It is
slightly vermilion-coloured, thin and spreading in its
* 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
—
vdhya sambhavdh. Ch. CLXIXV. 4.
Kushthaika-hetavontarjdh shlemshajd
;