Aetiology of dermatomycoses from a historical perspective

Abstract

Dermatomycoses begin as a red rash on the skin, gradually spreads to its sides and clears from the centre, thus forming a circle. Due to which this disease is called ringworm infection. Research data shows that this disease has become the fastest-growing disease worldwide, with a prevalence rate of between 25% and 27%. The identification of this disease begins with the earliest Unani literature. Hippocrates also mentioned this disease since then till today scientists are busy finding the causes of this disease. The Khilti (humoral) cause of the disease is described in Unani literature, while in modern times it has been attributed to a group of fungi called dermatophytes, but in more recent research, researchers have identified other fungi as well. In this review, the detailed historical background of the understanding of the disease is explored.