A Comparative Study on Efficacy of Luaab Hulba vs Joshanda Khubbazi as Ghasool in Huzaaz(Pityriasis Capitis)

Pityriasis Capitis is also known as Dandruff or Pityriasis Simplex/
Sicca/ Capillitii or Seborrhea confined to scalp.Huzaaz is termed as Dandruff i.e
Pityriasis Capitis (PC).Huzaaz is also known
as *Bafa, Hibriya, Hubayra, Qishr al
Raas, Saboosa.Huzaaz* is derived from Arabic word which means
multiple tiny thin exfoliative particles of the scalp skin.

Pityriasis Capitis (PC) is a common scalp disorder that has occurred from centuries.  It is characterized by desquamation of the outermost layer of scalp skin which causes shedding of greyish white flakes, itching, irritation mostly caused by a yeast like fungus Malassezia species.It is the mildest form of Seborrheic dermatitis  which  is  confined  only to scalp with minimal to no inflammation and erythema.

The worldwide prevalence of PC is about 46-50% whereas in South Asia, it is 60.1%.The  Incidence of PC among Adults is 42% and Adolescents is 1-3%.  PC is one of the major problem among adolescent. In South India, PC is common in the age group of 17 years. Men are more affected than women. They also experience hair loss which precede to Telogen Effluvium, androgenic alopecia. In a study, 100-300 number of hair were shed in PC sufferers instead of 50-100 in normal subjects.

Nowadays, PC is becoming the major and most common problem of hair. The greyish white flakes are often visible on the hair and shoulders with scalp soreness. Itching due to PC causes great embarrassment to the individual in public. The scaly scalp looks unhygienic and untidy. It affects the self-esteem, self-conscious, and self confidence in one’s quality of life.

Various Topical Antifungal agents are available for the management of PC like Ketoconazole, Zinc Pyrithone, Selenium Sulphide, Cetyl Alcohol. But these medicines have many adverse effects like skin irritation, allergy, hair breakage, skin discoloration, unexpected hair colour and also cancer.Despite availability of variety of treatment, the complete cure is far from reach, expensive and sensitive to hair. Hence the herbal drugs are eco-friendly and also safe due to negligible side effects.

In Unani System of Medicine, the Principles of treatment in Huzaaz is Tanqiya-e-Mawad. Various single and compound formulations can be used topically which possess properties like Mulattiff(demulcent), Jali(detergent), Muhallil(anti-inflammatory). Single drugs include Amla, Arad Tukhm-e-Baqla*, Bhangra Siyah, Brinjasif, Nukhood, Chukandar, Hina, Hilteet(Hing), Anjeer, Irsa, Kateera, Khardal, Khatmi, Khubbazi, Kundur, Leemu, Lehsun, Luabe Isaphgol, Maghze Tukhme Kharpiza, Muqil, Parsiyaoshan, Poste Halela, Rasaut, Saboos e Gandum, Simaghe Arabi, Sibr(yelwa), Sirka, Suddab, Tukhme Hulba, Tukhme Katan, Tukhme Sosan, Turmus, Ushaq, Zarawand madharij, Zarnikh.* Compound drugs include Roghane badam talq, Roghane Banafsha, Roghane Gandum, Roghane Kadu, Roghane Zaitoon.

 However, these drugs have not been scientifically explored so far to provide safe, more effective and economical treatment for Huzaaz Thus, the present study entitled“A Comparative Study on Efficacy of Luaab Hulba vs Joshanda Khubbazi as Ghasool in Huzaaz **(Pityriasis Capitis)**” is designed to validate its efficacy.