An Integrative Review of Nail Disorders: Correlating Unani Concepts with Contemporary Clinical and Dermatological Frameworks

Background: Nails have important functional and cosmetic roles, and their alterations may indicate underlying local or systemic diseases. Nail disorders can significantly affect quality of life. In Unani medicine, nails (Aẓfār) are regarded as important diagnostic indicators with both aesthetic and pathological significance, reflecting underlying humoral imbalances (Akhlāṭ), alterations in temperament (Mizāj), and nutritional deficiencies; however, their correlation with contemporary dermatological concepts remains limited. Objective: To analyse classical Unani descriptions of nail disorders and correlate them with contemporary dermatological entities. Methods: An integrative literature review was conducted using the Whittemore and Knafl framework and reported as per PRISMA 2020 guidelines. Data were obtained from PubMed, Scopus, Google Scholar, and classical Unani texts including Al-Qānūn fi’l Ṭib, Kitab al-Mansoori and Kāmil al-Ṣanā‘a etcs. Relevant studies were analysed using thematic and comparative synthesis. Results: Unani literature describes nail disorders such as Ẓufra Ṭalqiyya, Namash al-Aẓfār, Judhām al-Aẓfār, Tashaqquq al-Aẓfār, Taqallu‘al-Aẓfār, and Dākhis, presenting with discoloration, brittleness, deformity, and inflammation. These are mainly attributed to Sawdāwī predominance and nutritional defects. Modern correlations include brittle nail syndrome, leukonychia, onychomycosis, nail dystrophy, onycholysis, paronychia, and subungual hematoma. Conclusion: A substantial conceptual overlap exists between Unani and modern dermatology. Integrating both perspectives may enhance diagnosis and holistic management of nail disorders.