BALD AND BOLD: ALOPECIA

 

In the bustling household of the Ayodele’s, the air was thick with tension as the clock ticked away, and the undone chores piled up like an insurmountable mountain. Rhode , a mother of three energetic kids, found herself standing in the midst of chaos, frustration bubbling beneath her breath. "Enough is enough!" she exclaimed, her voice echoing through the house like a thunderclap. The three kids, scattered like leaves in the wind, froze in their tracks, guilty expressions etched across their faces.

 

Maria!! She yelled, why are the floors still dirty? Is this how you want to grow up to become somebody’s wife someday? God knows I have tried my best in inculcating good morals into you. Where are those two brats, Shade!! David!! Why are the plates still unwashed? Why is the kitchen sink overflowed with dishes,. Do you want to sleep for ever?

She walked into the living room, the living room was, strewn with toys, resembled a battlefield.

 "I can't believe she's always on our case about chores!" Shade grumbled, tossing a crumpled piece of paper across the room.

Maria sighed, her eyes rolling in agreement. "I mean, it's not like the house is going to fall apart if we don't clean up every single mess right away. "Guys, maybe if we just did our chores before she asked, she wouldn't have to yell." David added. Shut up!! You little brat, Maria fired back at his unwelcomed contribution. Please don’t insult me AFARIDUN, David snorted. What did you just say David, she asked infuriated with anger. He said "Maybe if you spent much time worrying about your hair, you'd actually have something worthwhile to say!" Shade misinterpreted mockingly. As fast as the speed of light she took a rope to whip the both of them, but she miscalculated, the innocent puppy who has been watching or probably listening to their conversation collected the painful stroke of the whip, Shade and David laughed uncontrollably as they dashed through the staircase. They began to gather the scattered toys and tackle the towering pile of dishes.  

 

The words lingered, leaving a bitter taste in the air as she grappled with the aftermath of the verbal blow. Maria stood before the mirror, the stark reality of her half-bald head reflected in the glass. Her fingertips grazed the smooth canvas of her scalp, a landscape altered by the unpredictable journey of alopecia. Her hair looked like a mischievous game of hide and seek played by a group of rebellious strands. In this whimsical scenario, the hair follicles decided to break away from the traditional formation, each strand playing its own version of the game. Some strands gathered at the hairline, forming an impromptu gathering that resembled a surprise party, while others decided to play peek-a-boo around the crown, daring anyone to guess their next move. It's like a hair carnival where each strand has its own agenda, creating a playful chaos on the scalp. Some strands taking the lead while others lag behind, refusing to conform to the usual parade route.

“Tears ran down her cheeks” wishing her hair was like that of her younger sister, healthy and full.

 

I give you two seconds to come down here Maria, her mother's voice echoed through the walls,” Yes mum” I’m coming, she replied dashing through the steps and also wiping her tears with the back of her palm alongside. So it is now you decided to answer me huh?. Rhode asked her daughter.

Frustration and exhaustion reached a tipping point, and in a moment of sheer overwhelm, Rhode's patience snapped. The air crackled with tension as her palm met Maria's cheek in a sharp slap—a gesture born more out of exasperation than intention.

Maria quietly left her presence to begin doing the house chores. Rhode heart pricked her, she then walk towards Maria, I’m sorry, she apologized. I didn’t mean to hit you, is just that sometimes you get me provoked and you do some irritating stuff, “I’m sorry mom” for making you feel this way. It’s fine, finish what you are doing, she replied hurriedly.

****

"Rise and shine, everyone! The day won't wait for you!" Her words, delivered with a mix of urgency and enthusiasm, reverberated like a wake-up call that could rival any alarm clock.

The sounds of sleep were abruptly interrupted as bedroom doors creaked open, and Rhode moved through the house like a whirlwind. Her calls were more than just words; "Come on, sleepyheads! We've got a schedule to keep” she cooed, and the bus won't wait for anyone," she declared, but Mom is just 5;30am, let us sleep for extra 30 minutes, Shade replied half asleep. Maria wrapped herself in blankets like cozy cocoons, bargaining for additional moments of rest also. “I’ve had enough of this! Every morning, it’s the same story. You need to learn responsibility and stop wasting time. Now!! both of you join me in the kitchen.

 

She marched into David’s bedroom, as usual he strectched comfortably on the bed. David!! Are you not going to school? No mom, today is public holiday, he grumbled, says who? Rhode asked, he went silent, before I open and close my eyes get the broom and start sweeping. By the way you haven’t greeted me David, sorry mom! Ekaaro ma, he said prostrating.

The kitchen became a battleground for breakfast preparation, backpack gathering, and the inevitable hunt of misplaced shoes.

“Go and bath” or you guys will trek to school, Rhode screamed.

 

The big yellow bus rumbled down the street, with its engine humming. As it approached the neighborhood, a cheerful honk echoed through the air, announcing its arrival like a musical call to the children waiting at their stops.

Is that not the school bus, Rhode yelled, yes mum we are ready, replied David, who was yet to find the left leg of his sandals. It seems your left sandal is on a little adventure on its own, Shade said mockingly.

Come and see it behind the fridge, you little chip. Then you must have hid it there, David fired back. You must be very silly to accuse me for your carelessness, Shade replied angrily.

Come on let’s go, Maria cried out. They slung their bags on their shoulders and clutched their lunch boxes alongside, they hurriedly scampered towards the school bus. The bus driver, a friendly face behind the wheel, greeted each child with a warm smile as they climbed abroad.

 

The engine’s gentle rumble echoed through the streets as they traversed the neighborhood, picking up students and pupils at their bus stops.

The houses, each with its unique charm, stood like silent sentinels witnessing the daily routine of the neighborhood.

Arriving at school, the bus greeted them with a final hiss as the doors swung open. The school stood proud against the backdrop of the morning sky, its brick façade and rows of windows exuding an air of anticipation. A well-tended garden framed the entrance, where vibrant flowers nodded in agreement with the gentle breeze. The flag, standing tall, waved a silent welcome, symbolizing unity and learning.

 

The assembly ground, a vast open space, awaited the daily ritual. Rows of students stood in disciplined lines, their faces a mosaic of expressions ranging from curiosity to animated conversation. The school bell, a herald of order, rang out, prompting the students to fall into formation. The national anthem was sang with a mixture of pride and camaraderie. The teachers and principal set the tone for the day, imparting important information and celebrating achievements. Afterwards the students dispersed to their various classes singing a popular matching song, we are H-A-P-P-Y, happy!! We know we are, we are sure we are, we are H-A-P-P-Y, happy!! The pupils sang with enthusiasm but the seniors were uninterested.

“Hey Maria! How was your weekend?” her close friend, Bunmi asked from behind. “oh it was fantastic! She replied. Finally I finished that novel I’ve been meaning to get through. It such a page-turner!” Maria nodded, genuinely interested.

 

Students settled into their desks, the biology teacher, Mr. Raymond, entered the classroom with a stern look. He scribbled a topic on the board, HAIR GROWTH. The students opened their notebooks with their pens poised in readiness to learn. We are going to find out the cause of Maria’s half-bald hair, said Tunde, one of the naughty boys in the class. At this moment Maria felt bad, with anger she fired back “please keep quiet you ignoramus”. Hey!! If I were you I would shave off this leftover rat food you are calling hair, Tunde replied fiercely. So keep quiet and listen to find the solution to your problem, Tunde added. Maria’s anger arose that she imagined taking a knife to sniff life out of him. Keep quiet!! Mr. Raymond barked, drawing Maria’s attention back.

 

First, you must know that the rate of hair growth can be influenced by factors such as genetics, hormones, age, and overall health. Hair growth is a fascinating process that occurs in cycles involving three (3) main phases:

Anagen Phase- This is the active growth phase where new hair cells form at the base of the hair follicle. The cells divide rapidly, and hair grows about half an inch each month.

Catagen Phase- After the anagen phase, the follicle transitions to the catagen phase, which is a short transitional stage. During this time , the hair follicle shrinks and detaches from the blood supply, signaling the end of active growth. This phase lasts only a few weeks.

Telogen Phase- This is the resting phase where the hair is no longer actively growing. The old hair is pushed out by new hair entering the anagen phase, and the cycle starts again.

Are you with me? Asked Mr. Raymond, yes sir!! They chorused, even though they were having hard time to understand what he was saying.

Any question, yes sir, Tunde rose up to speak. Why does some hair look half-blad like that of Maria’s own, the whole class bursted in laughter. This statement made her ran out of the class and she cried her eyes out. She was later consoled by the Principal and Tunde was seriously dealt with.

 

***

The school hall buzzed with anticipation as students filled the seats, their chatter gradually giving way to an expectant hush. The occasion was a health seminar to be hosted by a renowned health scientist specializing in dermatology, Dr. Simisola.

The subject of her presentation: Alopecia, a condition that, until that moment, had been shrouded in mystery for many. With a warm smile, she began to unravel the intricacies of alopecia, breaking down the science behind hair loss and dispelling myths that had lingered in the shadows of misunderstanding.

 

Now let’s explore the causes, effects and possible remedies for alopecia, she declared. Inherited factors play a significant role in some types of alopecia, making individuals susceptible to hair loss, hormonal changes particularly androgens, can  contribute to baldness, autoimmune factors- especially conditions like alopecia areata occur when the immune system mistakenly attacks hair follicles, leading to hair loss. Environmental changes is also a cause- some medical treatments like chemotherapy can result in hair loss.

The effects of Alopecia are:

Physical Impact: Hair loss, ranging from patchy areas to complete baldness, is the most visible effect of alopecia.

 

Emotional and Psychological Impact: Alopecia can have a profound impact on self-esteem and body image, leading to emotional distress and anxiety.

 

 

Social Effects: Individuals with noticeable hair loss may face societal stigma or encounter challenges related to societal standards of beauty.

 

Remedies and Management:

Topical Treatments: Minoxidil is a commonly used over-the-counter topical treatment that may promote hair growth.

Medications: Prescription medications, such as finasteride, can be effective in managing certain types of alopecia by inhibiting hormonal factors.

Steroid Injections: For conditions like alopecia areata, corticosteroid injections into the affected areas can help stimulate hair regrowth.

Lifestyle Changes: Adopting a healthy lifestyle, including a balanced diet, stress management, and regular exercise, can support overall well-being, which may positively impact hair health.

Wigs and Hairpieces: Cosmetically, individuals may choose to use wigs, hairpieces, or other styling options to manage the visual effects of hair loss.

Psychological Support: Seeking psychological support, such as counseling or support groups, can help individuals cope with the emotional impact of alopecia.

 

"Thank you all for being here today," began Dr. Simisola. "Alopecia is not a choice or a reflection of character. It's a condition that can affect anyone, and our response should be one of kindness and support," she emphasized. She highlighted the emotional toll that alopecia can take on individuals, emphasizing the importance of fostering an environment of love and acceptance. "Rather than pointing fingers or making jokes, let's extend a helping hand. Your empathy can be a powerful source of strength for someone navigating the challenges of hair loss."

Maria stood up and started clapping, then the crowd stood up and clapped alongside.

 

"Hey, Maria, we need to talk," began Tunde, the spokesperson for the group, his expression reflecting both sincerity and regret. "We realize we made a mistake, and we're genuinely sorry for making light of your alopecia. It was thoughtless, and we want you to know it won't happen again." "I appreciate your honesty, and I'm glad we can have this conversation," responded Maria

With tears and laughter they hugged each other….,

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