Authors : Dr. Shaik Yaseen; Dr. Mohd Shoeb; Dr. Mohammed Maqbool Hussain; Dr. Juveriya Iffath; Dr. Fouzia Anjum

Volume/Issue : Volume 11 - 2026, Issue 6 - June

Google Scholar : https://tinyurl.com/ywhfetjh

Scribd : https://tinyurl.com/yeyjdsrw

DOI : https://doi.org/10.38124/ijisrt/26jun1982

Note : A published paper may take 4-5 working days from the publication date to appear in PlumX Metrics, Semantic Scholar, and ResearchGate.

Abstract : Background: Dermatophytosis is one of the most prevalent fungal infections worldwide, affecting the keratinized tissues — skin, hair, and nails — of humans and animals. The global burden of superficial fungal infections is enormous, with an estimated 20–25% of the world population affected at any given time. Objectives: This review aims to provide a comprehensive account of dermatophytosis from both modern biomedical and classical Unani medical perspectives, covering epidemiology, etiopathogenesis, clinical manifestations, diagnosis, and therapeutic approaches. Methods: A systematic literature search was conducted across PubMed, Scopus, Google Scholar, and classical Unani texts including AlQanun fil-Tibb (Canon of Medicine), Kitab al-Kulliyat, Zakhira-e-Khwarazmshahi, Bayaz-e-Kabeer, and Qarabadeen-eMajeedi. Both English and Urdu/Arabic language sources were included. Results: Dermatophytosis corresponds to the Unani concepts of Quba (ringworm/tinea), Sa'fas (tinea capitis), and Daud (herpes circinatus). Unani scholars have described these conditions extensively, attributing them to imbalances in Sue-e-Mizaj (dyscrasia) and corrupted Akhlat (humours). Classical treatment modalities — including herbal formulations such as Roghan-e-Kalonji, Turmeric, Neem, and compound preparations like Marham-e-Namak and Roghan-e-Zard — demonstrate significant antifungal activity corroborated by contemporary pharmacological research. Conclusion: An integrative approach combining evidence-based modern antifungal therapy with validated Unani phytomedicines may offer synergistic benefits, reduce drug resistance, and improve patient outcomes. Further clinical trials are warranted to standardize Unani formulations for dermatophytosis management.

Keywords : Dermatophytosis, Tinea, Quba, Sa'fas, Daud, Unani Medicine, Antifungal, Ringworm, Phytotherapy, Integrative Medicine.

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