Alopecia: The Case for Medical Necessity

The 2011 review "Alopecia: the case for medical necessity" argued that alopecia, particularly androgenic alopecia, should not be viewed merely as a cosmetic issue but as a medical condition with potential severe consequences. The authors emphasized that alopecia could serve as a risk factor for the development of life-threatening diseases, similar to psoriasis. They cited evidence suggesting that individuals with alopecia may be at risk for cardiovascular disease, prostatic cancer, and squamous cell carcinoma of the scalp. Additionally, they noted that alopecia could lead to psychosocial and psychiatric illness. The authors recommended that all persons with alopecia should be evaluated and treated by a physician to minimize its psychological effects and reduce the risk of developing other medical conditions. They also suggested further assessment for the presence of commonly associated comorbid conditions.