Unequal NHS wig provision: toupee or no toupee, that is the question?

Abstract

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. Copyright © The Author(s) 2025. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of British Association of Dermatologists.