DOI: https://doi.org/10.36347/sajb.2025.v13i08.015

Pages: 1228-1234

Background: Qubā, a cutaneous disorder described in Unani medicine, corresponds to Tinea (dermatophytosis) in modern dermatology. It is characterized by annular, scaly, and itchy lesions, often recurring and distressing to patients. Classical Unani scholars including Ibn Sina, Al-Razi, and Jurjani attributed Qubā to humoral imbalance, particularly the predominance of Balgham(phlegm) and Saudā (black bile), combined with poor hygiene, dietary indiscretions, and environmental factors. In modern medicine, dermatophytosis is understood as a superficial fungal infection caused by dermatophytes such as Trichophyton, Microsporum, and Epidermophyton species, with increasing prevalence worldwide. Objective: This review aims to analyze the concept of Qubā in Unani medicine, compare it with dermatophytosis in modern dermatology, and evaluate the therapeutic approaches of both systems. Methods: Relevant information was extracted from classical Unani texts (Al-Qanun fi al-Tibb, Kitab al-Hawi, Zakhira Khwarzam Shahi.etc) and compared with modern dermatological literature obtained from PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar. Results: Unani physicians described Qubā as presenting with circular patches, scaling, and itching, which correlate with clinical features of dermatophytosis. Diagnostic methods in Unani medicine were mainly clinical, while modern diagnosis employs KOH microscopy, fungal culture, and dermoscopy. Unani treatment adopts a holistic approach: Ilāj bil-Tadbīr(regimenal therapy such as lepa and hammam), Ilāj bil-Ghizā (dietary modification avoiding oily and damp foods), and Ilāj bil-Dawā (local and systemic use of drugs like Sibr [Aloe vera], Hina [Lawsonia inermis], and Nees [Azadirachta indica]). Modern management relies on topical and systemic antifungals, though recurrence and resistance are common. Conclusion: Qubā, as conceptualized in Unani medicine, closely parallels dermatophytosis. Unani holistic management provides promising complementary strategies that may