Financial Burden of Scarring Alopecia: Insights from the Cicatricial Alopecia Patient Assessment & Impact Report x Scarring Alopecia Foundation Survey Study on Economic and Psychosocial Impact

Introduction: Alopecia treatments can incur significant patient costs; however, this monetary impact has yet to be characterized in scarring alopecia (SA) patients. Our study aims to characterize the financial burden of SA and its psychosocial impact. Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional study using survey data collected by the Scarring Alopecia Foundation between 12/2/2022 and 12/16/2022 Financial burden metrics and quality of life impacts were analyzed using RStudio. Results: 1,047 individuals (97.4% female, mean age 57.8years) completed the survey. Most patients (51.4%) spent $1-100 monthly on medical treatments, followed by $101-250 (22.8%). Annual costs for non-prescription treatments were most commonly <$100 (37%), followed by $101-500 (26.5%). Annual costs for non-medical items were more evenly distributed, yet nearly one in five patients spent >$1000. No differences were seen between general dermatologist and hair loss specialist patients. Most patients felt only somewhat supported or not supported by insurance with no difference between public and private coverage. Additionally, no financial metrics were significantly associated with differences in quality of life. Conclusions: Regardless of provider type, patients with scarring alopecia face substantial out-of-pocket costs for non-medical items with limited insurance support. Further advocacy is needed to lessen the financial burden faced by SA patients.