News
SDPA Supports Bill Covering Traction Alopecia Treatment for Service Women
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Media Contact: Jenna Goins jgoins@dermpa.org
March 19, 2026
Society of Dermatology Physician Associates Supports Bill Covering Traction Alopecia Treatment for Service Women
Washington, DC – The Society of Dermatology Physician Associates (SDPA) applauds U.S. Representatives Bonnie Watson Coleman (NJ), Ayanna Pressley (MA), and Jennifer McClellan (VA) for reintroducing H.R. 7933, the Recognition of Traction Alopecia in Service Women Act. SDPA announces its strong support for this important legislation.
The United States’ armed services require servicemembers to abide by military grooming standards. To maintain compliance, many servicewomen adopt tightly gathered hairstyles or apply dyes or other chemical hair products. These practices, as well as the use of military headgear, can result in damage to hair roots, follicles, and skin layers crucial for hair growth, potentially leading to permanent hair loss. The dermatology healthcare community refers to this condition as “traction alopecia.” The patriotic women who bravely serve in the nation’s armed forces deserve access to treatment for traction alopecia resulting from their service to the country.
The Recognition of Traction Alopecia in Service Women Act would require TRICARE – the healthcare plan for active-duty service members – to cover traction alopecia treatment. It would also cover the purchase of wigs as part of treatment. Additionally, the bill would direct the Secretary of Defense to create regulations and provide training materials warning servicemembers about traction alopecia risks.
“The physician associate profession traces its origins to the armed forces, and the largest employer of physician associates in the country is the Department of Veterans Affairs,” noted Sarah Vicari, MMS, PA-C, President of the SDPA Board of Directors. [1] “The PA community holds a heightened appreciation for the sacrifices armed service members make to keep us all safe. From our experience treating patients with traction alopecia, Dermatology PAs also deeply understand that this condition often leads to immense psychological distress, social isolation, and permanent hair loss if not treated or if the insult persists. Our nation’s service women shouldn’t have to bear this burden on top of the sacrifices they already make.
“I thank Congresswoman Watson Coleman, Congresswoman Pressley, and Congresswoman McClellan for fighting to ensure they can access treatment for traction alopecia. SDPA looks forward to working with them to help enact the Recognition of Traction Alopecia in Service Women Act into law.”
Read Congresswoman Watson Coleman’s Press Release: https://watsoncoleman.house.gov/newsroom/press-releases/rep-watson-coleman-introduces-bill-to-support-service-members-with-traction-alopecia
Read Congresswoman Pressley’s Press Release: https://pressley.house.gov/2026/03/18/pressley-watson-coleman-mcclellan-introduce-bill-to-support-servicemembers-with-traction-alopecia/
Read the full legislative language: https://watsoncoleman.house.gov/imo/media/doc/recognition_of_traction_alopecia_in_service_women_act_of_2026.pdf
About SDPA. The Society of Dermatology Physician Associates (SDPA) is a 501(c)(6) non-profit professional organization composed of members who provide dermatologic care or have an interest in the medical specialty of dermatology. A mission-focused membership organization, SDPA advances the DermPA™ profession through knowledge, advocacy, leadership, and engagement. Founded in 1994, the SDPA currently has over 5,000 members making it the largest constituent specialty organization of the American Academy of Physician Associates (AAPA).
For more information on SDPA or its conferences, visit dermpa.org or follow the SDPA on Facebook, X (@dermPA), Instagram (@derm_pa), and LinkedIn.
For more information or media inquiries, please contact:
Jenna Goins
jgoins@dermpa.org
Vice President of Membership & Marketing
