Economic Burden of Alopecia Areata in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia from a Societal Perspective: A Cost-of-Illness Analysis

The study examines the economic burden of alopecia areata (AA) in Saudi Arabia, affecting 2.3% of the population, with significant costs driven by both direct and indirect factors. For mild to moderate AA, the average annual cost per patient is SAR 20,703.30 ($5,520.26), while severe AA costs SAR 76,957.01 ($20,519.55) per patient annually. Indirect costs, such as productivity loss, are substantial, especially in mild to moderate cases, whereas direct costs, including drug acquisition, dominate in severe cases. The study emphasizes the need for effective healthcare resource allocation, early diagnosis, equitable treatment access, and policy interventions to mitigate the financial impact. It also highlights the high expenses associated with off-label JAK inhibitors and calls for future research on cost-effectiveness and comprehensive disease management.