LogFAQs > #963967924

In my case, being bald is a disability in every sense of the word. I do not have alopecia, so my nails are fine and it doesn't cause pain, at least not directly. I happen to have an unrelated illness that requires medication. While that illness is under control as long as I take my medication, the latter contains a phototoxic substance. What this means is that it provokes a chemical reaction whenever my skin is in contact of sun rays, UVB to be precise. Basically, I have drug induced photosensitivity. The chemical reaction in question causes sunburn. If I dare expose my skin under the sun for just one minute, I already start feeling nauseous and fatigued. It's quite debilitating. Despite this, the medication is still worth it, as without it I would have a much bigger problem.

Thankfully, there are ways to remedy this. Unlike UVA, UVB are easy to block. Any physical barrier is good, even clouds and glass. Unlike UVA however, sunscreen is much less effective against UVB. This is why I don't rely on it. I wear protective clothing, which means gloves, long sleeves and pants even during summer. Yes, it can become quite hot and sweaty, but it's better than burning and developing cancer. I don't have to worry about such protection during winter and cloudy days.

It wasn't that much of a big deal until I started balding. Hair blocks UVB, so without it my head is exposed. It also happens to be the most exposed part of the body, what with it being at the very top. Suffice to say, there was an incident nine years ago in which my head was a barbecue. I literally heard the sound of meat grilling on a barbecue inside and on top of my head. I didn't know what the hell was going on until it was too late. My scalf was scalded.

There are plenty of activities and jobs I can't do because of my disability. I'm also extremely annoyed and tired of having to explain myself to insentive jerks who downplay it by accusing me of lying or exaggerating. This is even worse when those jerks are employers. Thankfully, I can unleash a lawyer on them in this specific case, but I've been a victim of discrimination from all kinds of people. People willing to accommodate you are rare. It doesn't help that my disability is invisible.

Regardless, I don't mind bald jokes even if they're directed at me. I know the difference between humor and bullying. Heck, I often do self-deprecating jokes.