Mukhadushika’ is one of such diseases  illustrated in Ayurveda which affects the beauty of the face. This diseases has been described under Kshudraroga in the classical text. Acharaya Shusruta first described Mukhadushika  in  Kshudraroga  in  Nidaansthan 13 /38 in Chikitsasthana 20/37 .It occurs due to vitiation of kapha Dosha, Vata Dosha and  Rakta Dhatu. In Mukhadushika the eruption  like Shalmali Kantaka.The common site of Mukhadushika is face, in which forehead,cheeks,nose, and chin are the prominent sites .

It can be coorelated with Acne Vulgaris in modern science . Acne Vulgaris is an incredibly common cutaneous inflammatory  skin disorder in developed  nation as well as in developing countries like India . In this condition many teenagers, characterized by blockage of pilosebaceous duct and  involves area of skin where sebaceous glands are most numerous and active  .However , with the rise in hormones, food sensitivities, digestive problems, toxic environments, stress, high carbohydrate diets, and mineral and vitamins deficiencies, acne plagues all ages .

Topical Antibiotic therapy is recommended for its treatment but their chemical compounds creates adverse effects on the body, so natural non toxic medicines should be used to bring the skin into normal state by treating problem like Mukhadushika . Acne Vulgaris develops as a result of  hypersensitivity of the sebaceous glands to normal levels of circulating androgens. This process is further exacerbated by the presence of Cutibacterium acnes [ C acnes ]

In Mukhadushika  Saruja (painfull),  Pidika (eruption) are hallmarks of Mukhadushika . Vitiated Dosha get accumulated and obstruct the Lomarupa (pilosebaceous unit) causing local swelling and micro comedone formation .Paka (inflammation) of these elements leads to papules,pustules, and cyst formation which on rupture   cause Vranavastu (scar) formation. Allopathic treatments includes the use of topical retinoids, benzoyl peroxide , oral antibiotics, steroids , and  oral isotretinoin  . Although its use is limited by teratogenicity and other side effects. Ayurveda has a great potential in the management of Acne vulgaris is reported. Two types of Chikitsa are explained in the management of Mukhadushika i.e, Shodhana and Shamanachikitsa. Shodhanachikitsa includes Vaman ,Virechana, Nasya, Jalaukavcharna and Shiravyadha. Shaman Chikitsa includes various type of lepa and oral medication.

           In present study one such formulations of lepa which is given in Sharangdharasamhitauttarkhand 11 /14-15 is Vatapatradi lepa( trial drug ) is taken to assess its efficacy on Mukhadushika w.s.r to Acne vulagaris and compared with Shalmaliadi lepa ( controlled).

·      The word ‘Mukha’ means face or countenance and  Dushika  means face spoiler or eruption that configures the Mukh a(face)  .

·       The word Mukhadushika  is derived from Mukhamdushayathi Vivarnamkarothi iti Mukhadushika means that which disfigures the  Mukha along with causing discolouarion.