Diagnosis of śitapitta: an Ayurvedic review

Abstract

Śitapitta, a classical dermatological manifestation described in the Ayurvedic canon, is attributed primarily to perturbations in Vāta and Pitta doṣas with significant involvement of Rasa–Rakta dhātus. Clinically, it shares features with modern urticaria, including pruritic wheals, erythema, and episodic recurrence. This article presents a peer-review–style exploration of Śitapitta diagnosis, integrating scriptural evidence, clinical symptomatology, and pathophysiological interpretation. By synthesizing classical Ayurvedic descriptions with contemporary dermatological understanding, we propose a structured diagnostic framework relevant for modern practice.