Disfigured Head - en coup de sabre

[Frakes]

Hey!

Been exploring site for a few days and just decided to join.  Haven't shaved it off yet, but it's getting to be about that time.  I'm just really self conscious about my head.

Started balding @ around 8 years old.  I've got a form of scleroderma called 'en coup de sabre' which has left my head very obviously scarred and disfigured, and caused very patchy and random balding.  Been hiding it up until now with hats mostly, but when etiquette nazi's demand I remove it, I end up looking like Harry from Dumb & Dumber, but with a bad comb over.

Whenever I've cut my hair short in the past, I have noticed people obviously staring at my messed up head.  I figured I was just imagining it at first because I was feeling a little exposed, but my wife confirmed that people were in fact staring.  Have heard a few mean spirited jokes cracked at my expense as well.

Looked into corrective surgery to repair the deformation, but it doesn't look like it is going to be an option.  The deformation starts just above my left eye and goes over my head all the way to the back on the left side of my head, and is quite severe.  Either way, I've got to shave it all off now, but am really worried about peoples reactions.

[Frontier Guy]

Welcome to the forums. Great folks here who will offer insight, support and encouragement.

Unfortunately, as you've discovered, there are some folks in the world who seem to be more interested in your business than minding their own. I can't offer much in the way of suggestions, except the encouragement that you'll feel better once you get past worrying what others think.

Other guys will be more enlightened and provide better insight ... but I at least wanted to welcome you.

[50plus]

I'm with Frontier Guy in that once you get past what others think you will feel better. Having said that you share a very

personal experience Frakes and I'm sure I'm with others when I say THNKYOU for opening up on this topic.

I do not have this condition you speak of, however, I do have a very obvious scarring alopecia which is why I (with the help of

those on this site) decided to (slowly) go sly.

It was a very personal journey and eventual decision. I should say too that there were some times when I thought I was the

only person alive.

I'm not sure what you are thinking of doing at the moment but you will of moved on at the point of that decision.

You have my best wishes mate. It would be great to hear what you finally decide.

Just as a final note some people can be cruel - you can't help small brains and a sense of insecurity.