Wigs And Alopecia Areata: Psychosocial Impact And Economic Considerations

April 2024 in “ Cosmetics ”

Ashling Courtney, John Su

alopecia areata wigs hairpieces psychosocial impact economic considerations AA

Studysummary In this review, the authors explore how wigs can significantly improve the quality of life for individuals with alopecia areata by providing emotional benefits and serving as a coping mechanism for hair loss, while also addressing economic considerations and potential barriers to their use.

Our plain-language summary. Not medical advice or a treatment recommendation. Consult a qualified healthcare professional before changing treatment. Full disclaimer

Alopecia areata (AA) significantly impacts individuals both psychosocially and economically, affecting 0.1-0.2% of the global population. Wigs and hairpieces can enhance self-esteem, confidence, and quality of life for AA patients by improving their appearance, despite their costs. Studies show that satisfaction with wigs correlates with improved psychosocial outcomes, though the financial burden is substantial, with annual costs averaging around $2000. The document highlights the need for healthcare professionals to understand the nuances of wig use and suggests a multidisciplinary approach for integrating wigs into patients' lives. It also calls for further research on the experiences of men and culturally diverse groups with AA to better understand psychosocial barriers and improve patient counseling.

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Incidence and Prevalence of Alopecia Areata in the Australian Primary Care Setting: A Retrospective Analysis of Electronic Health Record Data

research Incidence and Prevalence of Alopecia Areata in the Australian Primary Care Setting: A Retrospective Analysis of Electronic Health Record Data

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This study found that individuals with alopecia areata in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland face significant out-of-pocket costs averaging 1,248€ annually, primarily for hair replacement products and cosmetics.

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290 citations , August 2021 in “Clinical Reviews in Allergy & Immunology”

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7 citations , April 2021 in “British Journal of Dermatology”

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38 citations , March 2021 in “JAMA Dermatology”

This cross-sectional survey study found that stigmatizing attitudes toward people with alopecia are present in various social and professional settings, with stigma levels varying by alopecia severity and perceptions of its medical nature.

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56 citations , January 2021 in “Clinical and Experimental Medicine”

This review highlights the challenges in treating alopecia areata, noting that current therapies often lead to relapse and have uncertain long-term effectiveness; it also points to potential future treatments such as JAK-STAT inhibitors and PRP.

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9 citations , July 2020 in “Journal of cosmetic dermatology”

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148 citations , December 2018 in “Journal of autoimmunity”

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research Role of Hair Prostheses (Wigs) in Patients with Severe Alopecia Areata

15 citations , January 2018 in “Annals of Dermatology”

Wigs significantly improve the well-being of people with severe hair loss.

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290 citations , December 2017 in “Journal of The American Academy of Dermatology”

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69 citations , April 2017 in “BMJ open”

This study found that people with alopecia who worry about not wearing a wig reported higher levels of depression, anxiety, and social anxiety, although wig use increased social confidence for many.

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295 citations , May 2016 in “Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology”

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144 citations , July 2015 in “Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology”

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research Can You Pull It Off? Appearance Modifying Behaviors Adopted by Wig Users with Alopecia in Social Interactions

15 citations , March 2014 in “Body Image”

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9 citations , December 2012 in “The Journal of Dermatology”

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15 citations , October 1996 in “Archives of Dermatology”

This review of alopecia areata cases at Virgen Macarena University Hospital identified a new hair regrowth pattern they term "androgenetic alopecia type" and described a unique inverse form called "sisaipho type" in three cases.