Author(s): Siddiqui N, Huma Hasan and FS Sherani

Abstract:
There is a wide literature regarding Baraṣ in Unani system of medicine. Unani scholars have discussed a lot concerning dermatology and cosmetology under Amrāḍ Jild wa Zohrawiya and Amrāḍ Tazeeniyat which includes Baraṣ as well. Baraṣ is an Arabic word and the famous Arabic Urdu dictionary Al-Munjid defines its meaning as “It is a skin disease in which the skin becomes white and a painful itching is also present”. The incidence of this disease varies from country to country and may be as low as 0.24% in London and as high as 1-2% in India and Mexico. It is a complex disease which can be initiated by a variety of apparently unrelated etiologic factors. Unani physicians account this disease in the disorders of phlegm (Balgham) in which there is Humoral derangement (excess of Khilṭ Balgham). It is a disease of cold temperament (Mizāj Bārid). One of the main causes is considered to be the weakness of Quwwat Mughayyira, Quwwat Dāfi‘a and Quwwat Mushabbiha. Ibn Sīnā in Al-Qānūn says that the main cause of Baraṣ is digestive disturbances and food incompatibility. Majūsī says that every organ is attracted towards Balgham and that’s why it turns white. Baraṣ is a chronic disease and therefore, all Unani physicians are of the opinion that its treatment should be started with Tanqiya Badan with Munḍij and Mushil. Abū Sahal Masīḥī was of opinion that treatment of Baraṣ should be initiated by drugs of hot and dry temperament (‘Ilāj bi’l-Ḍidd). It is also interesting to note that Unani physicians were also aware of the fact that exposure to sun activates the process of pigmentation. In short, Baraṣ is thought to be a phlegmatic disorder and its Uṣūl-i-‘Ilāj include Tanqiya Balgham and Taṣfiya Badan along with other treatments.

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