A Unani Perspective on Quba (Dermatophytosis): Classical Insights and Conventional Relevance

Abstract

Dermatophytosis, also known as ringworm or tinea, is a common fungal infection that affects the skin, causing rough, scaly lesions. These lesions typically appear on the trunk and may occur either singly or in clusters. It is estimated that approximately 25% of the world's population is affected by this condition. In the Unani system of medicine, Quba appears to be analogous to dermatophytosis. Despite minor differences in the etiology and pathophysiology of the disease, the overall clinical presentation and symptoms are quite similar. The primary symptom of dermatophytosis is intense itching, which significantly disrupts the quality of life, causes sleeplessness, induces anxiety, and hampers daily routine activities. In Unani classical literature, the treatment of Quba has been well-documented based on practical experiences and traditional knowledge. This review article has been compiled after an extensive literature search using various search engines such as PubMed, Google Scholar, and Science Direct with keywords like Dermatophytosis, Tinea, Fungal Infection, Quba, and Unani System of Medicine. Additionally, classical Unani literature was also thoroughly reviewed to explore the concept and treatment of Quba in traditional Unani medicine. Through this review paper, an effort has been made to describe the etiopathogenesis, classification, clinical features, diagnosis, and management of Quba (Dermatophytosis) as mentioned in Unani classical texts. The information derived from the literature may provide a better understanding of this persistent skin condition and offer a potential alternative to conventional treatments. Furthermore, this paper attempts to elaborate on various aspects of Quba, highlighting the effectiveness of Unani treatment, which may contribute to improving the therapeutic approach for managing dermatophytosis.