Sample Health Care Provider Letter about the impact of hidradenitis suppurativa to Teacher, School Nurse, Principal or 504 Plan Coordinator
(Place on clinic letterhead and edit as needed.)
Dear [insert name of Teacher, School Nurse, Principal or 504 Plan Coordinator]:
I am writing on behalf of my patient [insert name of child or teen], whom I treat for hidradenitis suppurativa. [Insert the name of child or teen] has had hidradenitis suppurativa for [insert number of months or years]. Hidradenitis Suppurativa is not a noncontagious disease but causes skin inflammation. Skin affected by hidradenitis suppurativa causes lesions that itch, causing pain and redness, and is filled with pus with consistent drainage and blood. In addition to physical effects, emotions may shift or change. Some days may be easier for my child than others depending on how he/she feels. How [insert name of child] typically feels includes:
Symptoms can ebb and flow, making some days more difficult for my patient and his/her parents.
In addition to physical effects, hidradenitis suppurativa can emotionally impact a child. Having a visible disease can cause a child to feel different. Children worry about being different and how they come to terms with their disease may change over time.
The purpose of this letter is not only to inform you of the needs of my patient, [insert name of child or teen], but also to encourage education among school staff and students. It is important to develop an understanding of hidradenitis suppurativa disease that helps [insert name of the child or teen] feel more comfortable in school. Having a network of support can help improve a child’s acceptance of his/her disease and build strong coping skills.
[Insert name of child or teen] may need or require:
Type of treatment is: [insert treatment]
Patient's limitations:
□ A storage area for treatment.
□ Additional time to travel between classes
□ Limitations to physical activity
□ Help administering treatment at school
□ Excused absence for doctor visits and the
□ Development of a 504 Plan requesting
opportunity to make up school work as needed
Provision of education about hidradenitis suppurativa disease to classmates and/or school staff accommodations at school.
For more information about hidradenitis suppurativa, I encourage you to contact the International Association of Hidradenitis Suppurativa Network Patient Support Center at 866-858-1930, or visit the website for youth at ishsn.org. Thank you in advance for your support. If you have any questions, please contact me at [insert phone number or email address].
Sincerely,
[insert name]
CC:
