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

January 2018 in “ Annals of Dermatology ”

Jin Park, Dae Woo Kim, Sukyung Park, Seok-Kweon Yun, Han-Uk Kim

alopecia areata SALT score Psychosocial Impact of Assistive Device Scale Hair Specific Skindex-29 wigs scalp disease AA PIADS Hairdex-29

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

The study evaluated the psychosocial impact of wigs on 40 patients with severe alopecia areata (AA), using the Severity Alopecia Tool (SALT) score ≥ 50% and the Psychosocial Impact of Assistive Device Scale (PIADS) and Hair Specific Skindex-29 (Hairdex-29) after at least 4 weeks of wig use. Results indicated a significant positive effect on patients' psychosocial well-being, as evidenced by increased PIADS scores and decreased Hairdex-29 scores, except for the "symptom scale." Women experienced a greater improvement in "competence" than men. The study highlighted the negative aspects of wig use, such as cost and potential scalp disease, and advocated for the recognition of wigs as medical assistive devices, suggesting the need for greater awareness and institutional support for individuals with severe AA.

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