A review on historical aspect of vitiligo

Abstract

Vitiligo is a common hypomelanotic disorder of skin characterized by circumscribed depigmented macules of different size. It is due to progressive loss of melanocytes from the affected area of skin. Multiple factors are responsible for the development of vitiliginous patches, like auto immunity and genetic factors. According to our various Unani atibba (Unani physicians) it is due to excess of khilt e balgham (phlegm) in blood, change in the temperament of skin and weakened quwatte mughaiyarah are the main cause behind this diseases. The description of this disease is also found in Vedas, Quran, Bible, Egyptian literature and in Persian literature which shows that vitiligo is not new for humans. Though it is also very much clear that no permanent cure is available till date. In this review we look at back and to bring the history of this disease in this paper.