Ayurvedic Management of Dadru (Tinea Corporis): A Case Series .

Abstract

Background: Dadru is described among the Kshudra Kushtha in the Ayurvedic classics and is characterised by circular, raised, reddish patches with kandu (itching) and raga (erythema).1,2 Clinically it closely resembles tinea corporis, a superficial dermatophyte infection that has become increasingly chronic, recurrent and treatment-resistant in India.3,4

Aim: To document the outcome of an integrative approach using Ayurvedic oral and topical formulations along with a short course of conventional antifungal therapy in patients of Dadru.

Methods: Five patients (three men and two women; age 26–59 years) with typical annular lesions of 1 week to 3 years’ duration attended the Visha Chikitsa OPD between February and April 2026. All received Mahamanjisthadi kwath, Gandhak rasayan, Kaishor guggul, Gandharva haritaki, and Gandhak malham for local application, and a 14-day course of an oral antifungal; Arogyavardhini vati was added in selected patients.

Results: Significant improvement was seen.

Conclusion: Within the limits of a small uncontrolled series, the Ayurvedic regimen was well accepted and may be useful as an adjunct to antifungal therapy in Dadru; controlled studies are needed.

Keywords: Dadru, Kshudra Kushtha, Tinea corporis, Mahamanjisthadi kwath, Gandhak rasayan, Arogyavardhini vati