Current wig prescribing practices and financial evaluation in a National Health Service Foundation Trust: lessons learnt and future challenges

Alopecia has been associated with a significant psychological burden and the use of wigs can have a positive impact on patients’ wellbeing. Research has highlighted unequal NHS wig provision, which has led to the recommended ‘Charter for Best Practice for NHS wig provision’ by Alopecia UK and the British Association of Dermatologists/British Hair and Nail Society, published in June 2022. This single-centre review evaluated wig prescribing practices over a 12-month period, noting the prescribing department, patient demographics, diagnosis, number and type of wigs per year, and cost per prescription. Our results demonstrate the level of demand across all alopecia diagnoses and age groups. Thus, access to wigs remains vital in hair loss management. Further work is required to ensure equitable NHS wig prescribing across all regions.