Patho-mechanistic Perspective and Clinical Recovery in Chronic Telogen Effluvium with Ūnani Medicine

Abstract

Chronic Telogen Effluvium (TE) ( Intithār al-Sha‘r ), characterized by diffuse hair loss, is often difficult to manage. Ūnani medicine attributes it to systemic imbalance ( Su’-i Mizaj ) and offers a holistic therapeutic approach. A 32-year-old female presented with a 6-month history of diffuse hair thinning and scalp scaling, diagnosed as Chronic TE with Seborrheic Dermatitis ( Ḥazāz-o-Ibriyya ). Investigations confirmed iron deficiency anemia. A 3-month Ūnani protocol was implemented, including oral Sharbat Faulad ( Mu’addil ) and Jawarish Amla Sada ( Muqawwi-e-Meda ), topical Ravghan Amla , and weekly microneedling. Marked improvement in hair density and scalp health was observed. Hemoglobin rose to 12.5 g/dL, and the Dermatology Life Quality Index score improved dramatically from 25 to 1. This integrative Ūnani protocol successfully managed chronic TE by correcting the underlying anaemia and systemic imbalance, presenting a promising model for refractory cases that warrants further investigation.