Sa’fe Disease: Its Symptoms and Treatment in Medical Sources of Islamic Middle Ages

Abstract

Sa’fe disease is one of the skin diseases that has caught the attention of physicians of the Islamic ages. An ulcer on the head with small and scattered pimples has been regarded as the most significant symptom of this disease, sometimes making the patient’s face red. Generally, the condition is classified into two categories, dry and wet, with specific symptoms and treatments. The most significant signs of this disease include dry ulcers on the scalp and much dandruff, sometimes leading to baldness. The general treatment of this disease, which primarily affects the head and sometimes the face, includes blood collection in leprosy, cupping and leech therapy, regular washing with medicines and preparation of all kinds of poultices and oral medication. It should be noted that it is more common on the head and sometimes on the face. This disease is more prevalent in children than adults. Accordingly, this study was conducted to explain Sa’fe condition and mention the various symptoms and treatments stated in Islamic medical sources to remove this disease using the library method.

Keywords

• medicine in the islamic ages
• skin diseases
• sa’fe
• physicians
• ulcer