Bea has a dilemma. How can she participate in Silly Hair Day if she doesn’t have hair? But…why doesn’t she have hair?
‘What’s Silly Hair Day with No Hair’ is a picture book for ages 4-8years, written by Norene Paulson. Bea, the main character, has alopecia.
Alopecia means hair loss. There are many reasons that a person can lose their hair. But Bea has a special kind of alopecia that is caused by an immune system problem.
Alopecia Areata
Alopecia Areata is an autoimmune condition. (This means that a person’s immune system attacks a part of his own body). With alopecia areata, the immune system attacks hair follicles (the pockets in the skin where the hair grows). This causes hair to stop growing.
Here are some things to know about alopecia areata:
- It can start at any age – so it affects both children and adults. All of Bea’s hair fell out before she was 4 years old
- Most often, hair falls out in small patches. Sometimes, a person loses all the hair on her head (alopecia totalis) , or all the hair on her entire body (alopecia universalis)
- Hair loss can last for a few months, or years, or it can be permanent. Most people will experience cycles of hair loss and regrowth
Challenges
In the book, most of the time Bea is happy with the way she looks. But sometimes she feels a bit left out. She wants hair clips too! Also, sometimes other children are mean. But Bea has a great best friend. Together, they are determined to find a way to include Bea in Silly Hair Day!
People with alopecia areata may experience
- low self-esteem and confidence
- shame around hair loss
- anxiety
- frustration around uncertainty of hair regrowth
- bullying
- being mistaken for cancer patients (because cancer treatments also cause hair loss)
Managing Alopecia
There are a few treatments that might help with alopecia areata. Medicines that suppress the immune system can sometimes help, although they do not cure the alopecia.
When treatments do not work, there are many many accessories available to people with alopecia. Rock it natural, cap it, wrap it, wig it. Any way you want it, that’s the way to do it!
Most importantly, children with alopecia need a supportive environment to grow and develop a positive self-image.
Resources:
National Alopecia Areata Foundation – a national nonprofit organization that supports people with alopecia areata, educates the public, and supports research to find a cure or acceptable treatment for the disease.
Children’s Alopecia Project – A nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting specifically children with alopecia. Their mission is to change the emphasis from growing hair to growing confidence
Want to check out some other children’s books that feature characters with health conditions? Take a look at our bookshelf!
