Alopecia UK

Lay Summary Alopecia areata (AA) is a long-term condition that can occur in both children and adults. AA can appear as patches of baldness on the scalp. Sometimes, nail growth is also affected. Hair on other parts of the body may also fall out, such as the beard, eyebrows and eyelashes. Alopecia totalis is the name for total loss of scalp hair. Alopecia universalis is complete loss of scalp, facial and body hair. This is the second version of the guideline. The British Association of Dermatologists gathered a group of experts in managing people of all ages with AA. The group consisted of eight consultant dermatologists, one dermatology specialist registrar, one general practitioner, one psychologist, two people with AA and a team with expertise in preparing guidelines. This group of experts reviewed relevant studies published until 11 July 2025. Using the evidence, the group produced recommendations using rigorous standards for guideline development. The guideline development group produced 56 recommendations for management of people with AA. They also made 9 recommendations for future research and suggested 11 audit points for hospitals. Based on the guideline, a patient information leaflet is also available on the British Association of Dermatologists’ website (https://www.skinhealthinfo.org.uk/condition/alopecia-areata).

Wigs are a necessary medical orthotic for some patients with alopecia to participate in society. However, for those with limited incomes, government-funded NHS wig provision is of great help. Recent reports to Alopecia UK, a patient support group, suggest that there are restrictions in this provision. The availability of NHS wig provision by UK geographical region was assessed by surveying dermatology secondary care healthcare professionals. There were 75 responses from 48/136 (35%) UK trusts and health boards. It was difficult for clinicians at 24 (50%) of responding institutions to prescribe wigs and impossible for 5 (11%). There was regional variation; provision was straightforward throughout Scotland and the South West of England but difficult in Northern Ireland and London, where 50% reported it was impossible or nearly impossible to get a prescription wig. This demonstrates unwarranted variation in wig prescription for patients across the UK.

BackgroundAlopecia describes a group of dermatological conditions characterised by hair loss, which are either non‐scarring or scarring in nature, and range from bald patches to complete body hair loss, to general thinning. In the UK, the General Practitioner (GP) is typically the first point of contact, and some patients are referred for specialist dermatology consultation. However, little is known about how individuals with alopecia in the UK experience the care provided by the National Health Service.ObjectivesWe aimed to understand patients' perceptions of primary healthcare and dermatology provision. Further, we aimed to investigate how care provision and patients' overall patient journey might be improved in the UK, and how these lessons may apply internationally.MethodsAn online mixed methods survey was distributed by Alopecia UK to UK‐based individuals with alopecia. Open‐ended text responses were analysed using qualitative content analysis. Quantitative data were analysed using descriptive analyses and dependent measures t‐tests.ResultsA total of 291 participants completed the survey. They reported neutral‐to‐partial dissatisfaction with their GP appointments, with greater satisfaction in their most recent compared to their first appointment. Participants highlighted positive experiences with GPs and dermatologists as well as areas for improvement. Participants also expressed a desire for a greater degree of support and understanding about the psychological impact of alopecia.ConclusionsResults highlight the importance of being empathic and caring healthcare professionals for patients with alopecia, the need for training for GPs on alopecia, as well as a simplified and joined up pathway between primary and secondary healthcare.

Alopecia areata (AA) is an autoimmune condition causing nonscarring hair loss, which is associated with significant psychological comorbidity. We evaluated the range and quality of the online resources available for patients with AA, using the National Centre for Complementary and Integrated Health (NCCIH) criteria. The resources of highest quality were Alopecia UK, National Alopecia Areata Foundation, and Health Talk. The results of this evaluation highlight the importance of signposting patients to specific online resources for psychological support with their condition.

AimIn this study, we aim to understand patients’ perceptions of current primary healthcare and dermatology provision by patients with alopecia in the United Kingdom (UK). Our related aim is to investigate how care provision and patients’ overall patient journey might be improved in the UK, and how these lessons may apply internationally. BackgroundAlopecia describes a group of dermatological conditions characterised by hair loss, which are either non-scarring or scarring in nature, and range from bald patches to complete body hair loss, to general thinning. In the UK, the General Practitioner (GP) situated in Primary Health Care is typically the first point of contact when hair loss occurs, and some patients are referred for specialist dermatology consultation. However, little is known about how individuals with alopecia in the UK experience the care provided by the National Health Service. MethodsAn online mixed methods survey was distributed by Alopecia UK to UK-based individuals with alopecia. Open-ended text responses were analysed using qualitative content analysis. Quantitative data were analysed using descriptive analyses and dependent measures t tests. FindingsParticipants reported neutral-to-partial dissatisfaction with their GP appointments, with greater satisfaction in their most recent compared to their first appointment. Content analysis of participants’ textual responses highlighted positive experiences with GPs and dermatologists as well as areas for improvement. A consistent finding throughout the survey was participants’ desire for a greater degree of support and understanding about the psychological impact of alopecia. Results highlight the importance of being empathic and caring as healthcare professionals for patients with alopecia, the need for training for GPs on alopecia, as well as a simplified and joined up pathway between primary and secondary healthcare for patients.

Alopecia areata (AA) is a common hair loss disorder that results in patchy to complete hair loss. Many uncertainties exist around the most effective treatments for this condition. To identify uncertainties in AA management and treatment that are important to both service users (people with hair loss, carers and relatives) and healthcare professionals. An AA priority setting partnership was established between patients, their carers and relatives, and healthcare professionals to identify the most important uncertainties in AA. The methodology of the James Lind Alliance was followed to ensure a balanced, inclusive and transparent process. In total, 2747 treatment uncertainties were submitted by 912 participants, of which 1012 uncertainties relating to AA (and variants) were analysed. Questions were combined into 'indicative uncertainties' following a structured format. A series of ranking exercises further reduced this list to a top 25 that were taken to a final prioritization workshop where the top 10 priorities were agreed. We present the top 10 research priorities for AA to guide researchers and funding bodies to support studies important to both patients and clinicians.