Abstract

UNANI AND WESTERN PERSPECTIVE OF DA’- US- SADAF (PSORIASIS): A REVIEW

Suhail Akhtar, Taufiq Ahmad*, Naseem Ahmad and Mohd Zubair

ABSTRACT

Da‟- us- Sadaf (Psoriasis) is a chronic, non communicable, painful, disfiguring and disabling disease for which there is no cure and with great negative impact on patient‟s quality of life. Social exclusion, discrimination and stigma are psychologically devastating for individuals suffering from psoriasis and their families. It can occur at any age, and it is most common in the age group of 50 to 69 years. The reported prevalence of psoriasis in countries ranges between 0.09% and 11.4%, making psoriasis a serious global problem. The aetiology of psoriasis remains unclear, although there is evidence for genetic predisposition. The role of the immune system in psoriasis causation is also a major topic of research. Although there is a suggestion that psoriasis could be an autoimmune disease, no auto antigen that could be responsible has been defined yet. Its treatment is still based on controlling the symptoms. Topical and systemic therapies as well as phototherapy are available. The need for treatment is usually lifelong and is aimed at remission. So far, there is no therapy that would give hope for a complete cure of this problem. In Unani system of medicine, Psoriasis is described under the various heading such as Da’- us- Sadaf Taqashshur-e- Jild, Qooba-e-Mutaqashsherah, Chambal, Apras, Talaq, Sa’af-e-Qishri and Al-Sadfiah. It is caused by deposition of Khilte ghaleez (Abnormal Sauda) in skin, and treated by various modes of treatments. Ibn Zohr and Majoosi clearly explained the pathogenesis of Da’- us- Sadaf on the basis of Humoral theory. According to them, excessive amount of Khilte ghaleez (Abnormal Sauda) gets accumulated in the skin and interrupt its nutrition and function, resulting the skin becomes dead and fallout in the form of scales. Unani physicians are successfully treating this ailment since ancient times by adopting various mode of treatment like evacuation of Khilte Ghaleez (Abnormal sauda), this may be done through Irsal-e-Alaq (Leeching), Hijama (Cupping) Fasd (Venesection), Tarīque (Sweating) Munzij and Mushil therapy. The Paper aims to explore the each and every aspect of this disease described in Unani and Conventional medicine.

Keywords: Unani Medicine, Da’-us-Sadaf, Psoriasis, Taqashur-e- Jild, Conventional Medicine.