Concept of Sakuni Bala Graha with special reference to impetigo –A Review

Background: Graha Chikitsa is one among Astanga Ayurveda which deals with the management of Graha Roga (a disease caused by micro-organisms). Sakuni is a type of Graha which affects the skin. By nature, Graha is not visible by the naked eye due to which they can be understood as microorganisms causing various diseases. According to the contemporary system, Sakuni Graha can be compared to impetigo. Prevalence of impetigo in childhood is 40.2 % in 2015. It is affected more in children than in adults. Objectives: To review Sakuni Graha and its similarities and differences with Impetigo in children. Material and methods: Review of classical Ayurveda literature along with contemporary textbooks, journals and internet sources were reviewed. Results: Sakuni Graha Roga is described by Acharya Vagbhata and Sushruta. Clinical features of Sakuni Graha are flaccidity on extremities, loose stools, ulcers on tongue, palate and throat along with papules/pustules on joints, excoriations on anal region and buccal cavity, frightened look, fever, the smell of birds. Impetigo is the commonest bacterial infections in children. It is caused by bita-hemolytic streptococci or staph, aureus, typically begin exposed part of the body after a breach in skin continuity. Initial lesions appear as a tiny vesicle or pustule, which rapidly develops into a honey-coloured crusted plaque without much pain/ erythema. Conclusion: Sakuni is a Graha Roga which is manifested as skin disease. It can be correlated with Impetigo due to same features like pustules on skin seen in the infant. But it can present with different features like diarrhoea, arthritis too.