Unani Management of Chronic Tinea Corporis: A Case Study of Fungal Infection

Abstract

Tinea corporis, referred to as Qübāʼ in Unani medicine, is a common superficial fungal infection affecting the skin, often characterized by recurrent lesions and resistance to standard antifungal therapies. This case study presents a 34-year-old Muslim male with five months history of chronic, itchy, scaly, erythematous plaques localized to the right gluteal region. Despite undergoing multiple modern antifungal treatments, the condition recurred frequently, prompting the patient to seek Unani intervention at HSZH Unani Medical College, Bhopal. A comprehensive Unani treatment plan was initiated, incorporating pharmacotherapy, dietary regulation (Ilājbi’l-Ghidhāʼ), and regimenal therapy (Ilājbi’l-Tadbīr). Over a 28-day treatment period, clinical improvement was tracked using the Dermatophytosis SeverityScore (DSS). The patient's DSS improved significantly from 8/9 at baseline to 2/9 by the end of therapy, indicating a 75% reduction in symptoms such as pruritus, scaling, and erythema. No adverse effects or recurrences were reported during the follow-up. This case highlights the potential of Unani medicine as an effective and well-tolerated approach for managing chronic dermatophytosis and supports its integration in treating resistant fungal infections.