TREATMENT OF DIFFUSE HAIR FALL (INTITHAR AL-SHA'R) THROUGH UNANI MEDICINE: A CASE STUDY

Background: Hair loss, particularly Telogen Effluvium (TE), is a common and distressing condition often triggered by systemic stressors such as febrile illness. It significantly affects an individual's appearance and quality of life, especially among women. In the Unani system of medicine, hair fall is referred to as Intithr al-Sha'r and is primarily attributed to ghalba-e-Safrawi mizaj and dryness (yubusat) of the scalp. Case Presentation: A 24-year-old female presented with diffuse hair fall for the past three months following a febrile illness. Clinical findings and scalp examination were consistent with Telogen Effluvium. Baseline assessments revealed a Hair Shedding Visual Analog Score (HSVS) of 10 and a Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI) of 16. No systemic pathology was identified on laboratory investigations. Intervention: The patient was treated with a Unani regimen for 60 days including: l Oral Itrifal Ustukhuddus (10 g at bedtime), l A topical compound oil (containing Roghan Amla, Roghan Baiza-e-Murgh, Roghan Zarareeh, and decoction of Parsiyoshan), applied thrice weekly. Results: Significant clinical improvement was observed the HSVS reduced from 10 to 1 and DLQI improved from 16 to 1. No adverse effects were reported, and post-treatment lab values remained within normal range, indicating the safety and efficacy of the treatment. Conclusion: This case highlights the potential of holistic Unani management in addressing Telogen Effluvium effectively. The intervention not only reduced hair shedding but also improved the patient's quality of life, supporting the integration of Unani therapies in clinical dermatology.