Reviewed by medical experts • For informational purposes only
Introductory Summary
Sunburn is viewed in Ayurveda as an exogenous injury termed Atapa dagdha or Agantuja Daha caused by excessive exposure to the suns heat or Tejas. This external heat vitiates Bhrajaka Pitta located in the skin and the Rakta dhatu or blood tissue leading to redness burning sensation and blisters known as Visphota. It is aggravated by hot spicy foods and the Autumn season. Management focuses on cooling Pitta and soothing the skin. The Practical Handbook of Panchakarma Procedures recommends applying Ghrita or ghee Madhu or honey and Ghritakumari or Aloe vera to burns. Internally cooling remedies like Chandana or sandalwood and hydration with sugar water or Sarkara are advised to relieve thirst and internal heat while spicy and sour foods must be avoided.
Sunburn
Sunburn is the skin's reaction to excessive exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun. In Ayurveda, this is not described as a standalone internal disease but is classified as an Agantuja (exogenous/external) injury caused by Atapa (sun heat). It is treated as a type of Dagdha (burn) or () where the (Fire element) and (Blood tissue) are instantaneously vitiated by external heat.
Ayurvedic Definition: A condition described as Atapa-Dagdha (scorched by the sun). It falls under the category of Agantuja Vrana (exogenous wound/injury). It is characterized by Daha (burning sensation), Raga (redness), and Ushnata (heat) in the skin due to the intense contact with Tejas (fire/heat) from the sun.
Conceptual Interpretation: Ayurveda views sunburn as an external assault. The sun is the source of Tejas (fire energy). When this external fire is excessive, it penetrates the skin (Twak) and boils the blood (Rakta) and the body's internal fire (Pitta). It is considered an Agantuja (external) cause that eventually disturbs the Nija (internal) Doshas.
3. Causes (Nidana)
The primary cause is external, but internal factors can make one more susceptible.
External Cause (Agantuja):
Atapa Sevana: Excessive exposure to the sun. The texts explicitly list "exposure to the sun" (Atapa) as a cause for vitiating Rakta (blood) and Pitta.
Dietary Susceptibility:
Consuming Ushna (hot), Tikshna (sharp), and Vidahi (burning/acidic) foods makes the blood "hotter" and more prone to burning.
Excessive intake of alcohol, sour foods (like vinegar/curd), and salt predisposes the skin to inflammation.
Lifestyle Factors:
Working outdoors during midday (Pitta time).
Sarat (Autumn) season: Exposure to the sun in Autumn is considered particularly aggravating for Pitta and Blood.
4. Journey of the Disease (Pathogenesis/Samprapti)
Samprapti Ghataka (Components):
Dosha:Pitta (specifically Bhrajaka Pitta located in the skin) and Rakta (Blood).
Dushya (Tissues):Twak (Skin/Epidermis) and Rakta (Blood).
Daha: Intense burning sensation, described as if the body is on fire.
Visphota: Formation of blisters or bullae containing fluid (indicative of Pitta-Rakta involvement).
Jwara:Fever may arise if the burn covers a large area (Sunstroke).
Trishna: Excessive thirst due to loss of body fluids.
6. Different Types or Classification (Bheda)
While "Sunburn" is a general term, Ayurveda classifies burns (Dagdha) into degrees (based on Sushruta Samhita concepts referenced in Madhava Nidana context):
Plusta Dagdha (Singed):Skin color changes (redness), extreme burning. This correlates with First-degreesunburn.
Durdagdha (Blistered): Severe burning, formation of blisters (Visphota), and redness. This correlates with Second-degreesunburn.
Samyak Dagdha: Not typically applicable to sunburn (refers to therapeutic cauterization).
7. Diagnosis
Ayurvedic Diagnosis (Roga Pariksha):
Prashna (Questioning): History of recent sun exposure (Atapa sevana).
Darshana (Observation): Observing the Red (Rakta) or Coppery (Tamra) color of the skin.
Sparshana (Touch): The skin is hot (Ushna) and tender.
Differential Diagnosis:
Must be distinguished from Visarpa (Erysipelas), which is a spreading infection. Sunburn is localized to the area exposed to the sun, whereas Visarpa spreads.
8. Disease Management
The treatment principle is Pitta-Shamana (Pacifying Pitta), Rakta-Prasadana (Soothing the blood), and Sheeta Upachara (Cooling treatments).
Kamadudha Rasa: A mineral preparation (calcium based) used for severe burning and heat.
Panchakarma
Lepa (Application of Pastes): The primary therapy. Cold pastes of Chandana, Usheera, and Manjistha are applied.
Sek (Sprinkling): Sprinkling the area with cold milk or decoctions of banyan bark (Nyagrodhadi).
Virechana (Purgation): If the patient has severe heatstroke or systemic Pitta aggravation, mild purgation with grapes (Draksha) or Trivrit is advised to expel heat.
9. Prognosis
Sadhya (Curable): Mild to moderate sunburns are easily curable with external cooling applications.
Krichrasadhya (Difficult): If the burn covers a large surface area leading to dehydration and fever (Jwara), or if blisters become infected, it requires intensive care.
10. Modern Correlations
Sunburn: Matches the Ayurvedic description of Atapa-Dagdha.
Q: What is the best immediate Ayurvedic remedy for sunburn?
A: Shatadhauta Ghrita (washed ghee) or Aloe Vera (Kumari) gel. If these are not available, applying cold Milk or a paste of Sandalwood (Chandana) provides immediate relief from burning (Daha).
Q: Can I drink water during sunburn?
A: Yes, hydration is critical. Ayurveda recommends drinking water boiled with Usheera (Vetiver) or Shadanga Paniya (a six-herb water) to cool the body from within and relieve thirst (Trishna).
Q: Does eating spicy food make sunburn worse?
A: Yes. According to Ayurveda, Katu (pungent/spicy) and Amla (sour) foods aggravate Pitta Dosha and Rakta (blood), which can increase the burning sensation and inflammation of the skin.
Q: Is coconut oil good for sunburn?
A: Yes. Coconut oil is cooling (Sheeta) in nature and helps pacify Pitta. It is often used in medicated oils for burns. However, in the acute phase of burning, Ghee or Aloe Vera is often preferred.
