Kalaf (Chloasma or Melasma ), is a sharply, irregular, bordered, hyperpigmented area most often on the forehead and cheeks, and rarely on the upper chest and extremities, the pattern almost forming a mask. The color is usually light brown but darkens with sun exposure. The disorder is slowly progressive and chronic and the disease mainly occurs in summer. The main etiology is not known but some cases are seen in during pregnancy (“mask of pregnancyâ€) or with longtime illness. Women on contraceptive pills also develop chloasma or Melasma. Incidence of this disorder in pregnant lady is almost 60 percent and women on contraceptive pills is almost 30 percent.Mostly occurs in age group between 30 to 55 years and rarely in case of minor and after menopause. Melasma word is derived from Greek word “Melas†meaning black. Its prevalence is high in individuals of Asia, Latin America and people of Hispanic origin and in Fitzpatrick skin type 3-5 .Its prevalence in india is almost 0.25% to 4% and skin disorders are very well recognised since Greek Arabic Period. According to Classical Unani Books, the main cause of Kalaf is accumulation of Sauda(Black Bile) under the layer of skin.9 Kalaf Or Jhhaien Or Melasma is almost described in all Classical Books of Unani and Council‟s authenticated Books like Al- Moalajat-al-Buqratiya, Al-Havi etc. In modern system of medicine, Melasma is treated by various ways like topicals creams e.g Kojic Acid, Hydroquinone, Azelaic Acid or by oral drugs like Glutathione, Tanexamic Acid etc or with combination of oral and topical drugs.11 Some therapies are also available for Melasma like micro needle insertion with some chemicals or chemical peelings or some Lasers etc. These treatments have some adverse effects like itching, redness, irritation, allergy from topical creams.The effect of this disease on general health is nil. But it creates problems in social life. This disease has negative impact on life. Melasma is very frustrating disorder to treat and one with significant psychosocial implications. Keeping in view of the above facts, the present study entitled “A Clinical Study Of Kalaf (Melasma) With Therapeutic Evaluation Of Tila Tukhm-e - Jarjir(Eruca Sativa linn.) And Tukhm-e-Turb(Raphanus sativus var.Longipinnatus) in its Management ; A Block Randomised, single blind, Standard Control Studyâ€. |