Concept and Management of Diffuse Hair Loss (Intithār al-Sha‘r) in the light of Unani medicine: A Review

Abstract

Diffuse Hair loss (DHL) is an excessive loss of hair from all over the scalp without producing any bald spots, inflammation or scarring. It is the result of disruption of one phase of the hair cycle. According to Unani system, the term used is Intithār al-Sha‘r. Various Unani scholars like Dioscorides, Ibn Māswayh, Zakariyyā Rāzī, Ali Ibn Abbas Al-Majūsī, Ibn Sīnā described Intithār al-Sha‘r in detail with its etiopathogenesis and management in their treatises. They stated that the most common cause is poor production of bukhārāt-i-dukhānīyya, leads to poor gathering in the masamaat (Skin pores), thus, producing yābusat in the whole body. This yābusat alter the normal structure of body’s skin, make it extremely thin and loose. So, hair comes out easily when gently pulled, resulting in hair thinning and shedding. The purpose of this review is to highlight the concept of Diffuse Hair Loss in Unani system with its treatment as mentioned in classical Unani books.
 Keywords: Diffuse Hair Loss, Intithār al-Sha‘r, bukhārāt-i-dukhānīyya, Unani scholars,