Unani and Modern Aspect of Psoriasis (Da-us-Sadaf): A Review

Abstract

Psoriasis is a red and scaly chronic skin condition of unknown cause. The primary concern to most patients is unsightly appearance. Social exclusion discrimination is psychologically devastating for individuals suffering from psoriasis and their families. It can occur at any age. Psoriasis could be defined as an autoimmune disease. But no autoantigen responsible for this disease has been defined yet. In the Unani system of medicine, psoriasis is described in various headings such as Da-us-Sadaf, Taqashshure Jild, Qooba-e-mutaqashshira, Chambal and Al sadafiya, but there is no description of the word psoriasis and its cause in the Unani system of medicine. But a renowned Unani physician Ibn-e-zuhr use the term Taqasshure Jild, where abnormal humor (sauda-e-ghaleez in skin) is responsible for this disorder. The sauda-e-ghaleez hampers the skin nutrition hence the skin becomes dead and falls out in the form of scale. Unani physicians are successfully treating this ailment since ancient times by adopting different modes of treatment. This paper aims to explore each and every aspect of this disease.