The Unani Approach to Pediculosis: Understanding and Treating Lice Infestation

Abstract

Pediculosis, a parasitic condition caused by distinct lice species, remains a significant public health concern due to its widespread occurrence, particularly among children and adolescents, and in conditions of overcrowding and poor hygiene. This article examines pediculosis from both the Unani and Persian systems of medicine and contemporary medical perspectives, covering its history, life cycle, etiopathogenesis, risk factors, signs, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment. This review aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of pediculosis, presenting insights from both Unani/Persian and modern scientific perspectives. It also proposes the potential for integrated or complementary treatment strategies. A comprehensive literature review was conducted, analyzing manuscripts of Unani/Persian medicine and contemporary scientific research to explore the historical context, biology, risk factors, and management strategies of pediculosis. A search was conducted on PubMed, Google Scholar, and Scopus until October 2023, using keywords such as lice, pediculicide, insect, and insecticide alongside the scientific name of each plant. The review highlights the divergence between traditional and modern medical explanations. While the Unani/Persian medicine explains lice infestation based on bodily secretions and environmental factors, contemporary medicine emphasizes lice feeding on blood and the ensuing inflammatory response. Both approaches emphasize the importance of hygiene and environmental conditions for lice infestation. Potential hybrid approaches may offer more comprehensive and effective strategies for managing pediculosis by integrating traditional and modern understandings. Unani/Persian medicine’s emphasis on herbal remedies and lifestyle adjustments, combined with modern pharmacological treatments, presents a promising direction for future research and treatment paradigms.

Keywords

• pediculosis
• lice infestations
• unani/persian medicine
• essential oils
• herbal medicine