Bars

Bars (Vitiligo) is a disease that was observed very early in history and most ancient civilizations and religions had some references about lack of pigmentation. The knowledge on aetiopathology of Bars is ambiguous and the treatment is very difficult till date. Wide range of literature is available in classical Unani system of medicine. Keeping in view, this review is focused on the aetiopathology and treatment of bars.

Bars (Vitiligo) is the oldest and commonest skin disorders affecting approximately 0.1% to 2% of the world’s population, and its prevalence is varying from 0.46% to 8.8 % in India. The disease shows no regard to the cultural, ethnic or socioeconomic background of the affected population. The cosmetic impact of this disease is huge and psychological impact is devastating, particularly in coloured races. In Unani system of medicine Majoon Atrilaal and local application of Sheetraj and Nila Tootiya have been used for the management of Bars since centuries, but the efficacy has yet to be proven on scientific parameters. Observational single blinded study was carried out on 20 clinically diagnosed patients of Bars. They were treated with 10 gm of Majoon Atrilaal, orally twice daily and Sheetraj with Nila Tootiya applied locally once in the morning, for a period of three months. The subjective parameter (hypo pigmented patches) and objective parameter (VASI) were statistically analyzed by applying Student ‘t’ test (two tailed dependent) and paired proportion test. VASI (Vitiligo Area Scoring Index) showed significant difference P

Bars (Vitiligo) is an acquired depigmentation of the skin, characterized by well-circumscribed, ivory or chalky white macules which are flush to the skin surface.These patches look ugly, especially in persons with dark complexion. It affects 1% of the population worldwide. Both sexes are affected equally. It is a disease of antiquity. The renowned Unani physicians like Razi, Majoosi, Rabbn Tabri and Ibne Sina all have mentioned this disease in their books.  An observational non randomised study was conducted on thirty patients. Sheetraj Hindi (Plumbago zeylanicum) and Neela thotha (copper Sulphate) was powdered mixed and applied locally for three months. The overall response was found encouraging, achieved cured in 6.37%, very good response in 7.00%, good response 26.33%, fair response in 25%, poor response in 16.47%, slow response in 15.5%, and no response in 3.33% of patients in 3 months duration.