Acne Vulgaris in Unani (Greco Arabic) and Modern Perspectives: Pathophysiology, Diagnosis and Clinical Management

Abstract

Acne is a worldwide distressing dermatological disorder affecting millions of adolescents every day without any racial predilection. It is prevalent in 90% of adolescents. The objectives of this review are to summarize the concept of acne and its management in conventional and Unani system of medicine and to place it in the perspective with current clinical practice. This review article is based upon the literature in Unani (Greco-Arabic) texts regarding Basoore labaniya (acne), viz., Firdaus Al Hikmat, Al Hawi fil tib, Kitab al fakhir, Alqanoon fil tib, Kitab Al Mukhtarat fil tib, Zakheera Khawarzam Shahi, Tazkirah Oolil Albab, Akseer Azam, Tibe Akbar and Mizanut Tib. In addition, modern texts and related searches on websites were also referred for current trends in the pathophysiology and modes of management. Although wide treatment modalities are available, long-term use is associated with obnoxious effects. There is a detailed description of this disorder in classical Unani texts including its diagnosis and management through safe and effective herbal and mineral preparations that can prove effective to combat the acne issues.

Keywords: Acne vulgaris, Busoore labaniya, Propionibacterium acnes, Unani system, Mad’dah sadidiyah