Reviewed by medical experts • For informational purposes only
Scabies correlates with the Ayurvedic conditions Pama and Kacchu classified under Kshudra Kustha. It is explicitly recognized as an Aupasargika Roga meaning a contagious disease that spreads through direct physical contact or sharing personal items. The condition arises from the vitiation of Kapha and Pitta doshas which contaminate the skin and blood. Symptoms include intense itching known as Kandu and the formation of pustules called Pidaka often accompanied by discharge. Pama typically appears on the hands while Kacchu presents as larger hard lesions on the buttocks. Management prioritizes topical therapies using antimicrobial herbs like Neem and Sulphur or Gandhaka formulations such as Marichyadi Taila to eliminate the infestation and soothe the skin.
Scabies is a contagious skin infestation by the mite Sarcoptes scabiei that causes intense itching and pimple-like skin rash. In Ayurveda, this condition correlates with specific types of Kustha (skin diseases), predominantly Pama and Kacchu. These are classified as Kshudra Kustha (minor skin diseases) but are significant due to their symptoms of intense itching (Kandu), pustules (Pidaka), and discharge (Srava). Ayurveda explicitly recognizes this as a contagious disease (Aupasargika Roga) that spreads through physical contact.
Modern Definition: An itchy skin condition caused by a tiny burrowing mite called Sarcoptes scabiei. Intense itching occurs in the area where the mite burrows.
Ayurvedic Definition:
The causes are multifactorial, involving diet, lifestyle, and direct contact with infection.
While Pama and Kacchu are themselves specific subtypes of skin disease, Madhava Nidana classifies them under:
Management focuses on destroying the "germs" (Krimighna), purifying the blood (Raktashodhana), and relieving itching (Kandughna).
WHO – Scabies (Fact Sheet)
🔗 https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/scabies
Official WHO overview: epidemiology, transmission, symptoms, and global burden.
WHO – Neglected Tropical Diseases: Scabies
🔗 https://www.who.int/teams/control-of-neglected-tropical-diseases/scabies
Classification of scabies as an NTD and WHO control strategies.
The Lancet – Scabies: A Global Disease
🔗 https://www.thelancet.com/journals/laninf/article/PIIS1473-3099(17)30440-6/fulltext
Landmark review discussing global prevalence and public health impact.
NCBI – Scabies: Epidemiology, Diagnosis, and Treatment
🔗 https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK431058/
Detailed scientific reference suitable for research articles.
Indian Journal of Dermatology – Scabies in India
🔗 https://ijdvl.com/scabies-a-re-emerging-infestation/
Indian epidemiology and resistance patterns.
Q: Is Scabies contagious according to Ayurveda?
A: Yes. Ayurveda lists skin diseases like Pama under Aupasargika Rogas (contagious diseases). It states that the disease spreads through contact (Gatrasamsparsha), sharing beds, clothes, and ornaments.
Q: What is the best Ayurvedic remedy for Scabies itching?
A: Gandhaka (Purified Sulphur) is highly praised in texts like Ayurveda Prakasha for curing Kandu (itching) and Pama. It is often used in oils or internal preparations. Neem (Nimba) is also a powerful remedy.
Q: Can diet help cure Scabies?
A: While external treatment is primary, diet helps prevent aggravation. Ayurveda recommends avoiding "heating" and "fermented" foods like sour curd, pickles, and excessive salt, as well as incompatible foods like milk with fish, which worsen skin inflammation.
Q: What is "Kacchu" in Ayurveda?
A: Kacchu is a type of skin disease very similar to Pama (Scabies) but characterized by harder, larger pustules, typically located on the buttocks and loins, accompanied by severe burning and itching.
Written By
Sathyaprek
BDS
Reviewed By
Dr. Varun Gupta
MD Pharmacology, MBBS
Last updated on
Aug 29, 2026 • 06:23 PM (IST)
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