MANAGEMENT OF TELOGEN EFFLUVIUM (INTITHAR AL-SHA'R) THROUGH UNANI INTERVENTION: A CASE REPORT

Background: Telogen Effluvium is a prevalent cause of diffuse hair loss that significantly impacts emotional well-being and quality of life. Conventional treatments often fail to provide complete resolution and may be associated with adverse effects and poor adherence. In the Unani medical system, diffuse hair loss is termed Intithar al-Sha’r and is attributed to an imbalance in temperament (Su’-i-Mizaj), particularly ghalba-e-safrāwī mizāj. This report presents a successful case of Telogen Effluvium managed using a holistic Unani therapeutic approach. Case Presentation: A 24-year-old female presented with severe hair loss persisting for three months, onset following a febrile illness five months prior. She had no history of thyroid dysfunction, polycystic ovary syndrome, or androgenetic alopecia. Physical examination revealed pallor with stable vital signs and unremarkable systemic findings. Scalp examination demonstrated diffuse thinning with a positive hair pull test at multiple sites, without scarring, scaling, or central part widening. Nails, eyebrows, eyelashes, and body hair were normal. The clinical diagnosis was Telogen Effluvium (Intithar al-Sha’r). Intervention: Following informed consent, treatment comprised oral administration of Itrifal Ustukhuddus 10 g twice daily and nightly scalp massage with 5 mL of Roghan-e-Zaitoon. Supportive hair care advice included rinsing with cold water, avoiding hot water and tight hairstyles, maintaining scalp oiliness, and minimizing heat-based styling. Dietary recommendations emphasized nutrient-rich foods high in protein, iron, and essential fatty acids, such as egg yolk, milk, yogurt, leafy greens, nuts, and fruits. Treatment response was monitored biweekly using the Hair Shedding Visual Analog Scale (HSVS) and Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI). Outcome: After 60 days, HSVS decreased from 9 to 3, indicating a substantial reduction in hair shedding. DLQI improved from 17 to 5, reflecting enhanced quality of life and emotional well-being. No adverse effects were reported, and laboratory parameters remained within normal limits, supporting the safety and tolerability of the intervention. Conclusion: This case demonstrates that a holistic Unani regimen, incorporating Itrifal Ustukhuddus, topical Roghan-e-Zaitoon, personalized hair care, and dietary modifications, effectively reduces hair shedding and improves quality of life in Telogen Effluvium associated with ghalba-e-safrāwī mizāj. The favorable clinical response and absence of side effects underscore the potential of Unani medicine in managing diffuse hair loss. Larger, controlled studies are warranted to validate these findings.