Do you or your child suffer from hyperhidrosis (excessive sweating) and it’s affecting your education in the classroom?
If so, you may be able to request what is called a 504 for accommodations (in the U.S.) or an Educational Health Care Plan (EHCP in England).
Remember my friend Jess from Liverpool who has hyperhidrosis? Her parents asked for my help when submitting an EHCP on Jess’s behalf to the local school board. With a few simple modifications in the classroom, Jess can become an even better learner and student despite navigating life with sweaty hands and feet. Here’s the letter I wrote.
To Whom It May Concern,
I am writing on behalf of student Jessica and her family who have applied for an EHCP.
I am the founder of the hyperhidrosis patient advocacy blog My Life as a Puddle. I met Jessica and her family through my website when they were desperately looking for help and answers for how to help their daughter cope with a condition that can be mentally, emotionally, physically, and socially debilitating.
As a sufferer of hyperhidrosis myself, I can tell you firsthand how devastating and difficult it can be to navigate the educational years while dealing with an excessive, uncontrollable sweating condition. While hyperhidrosis is not rare, it is rarely talked about. I am writing to you today to advocate for Jessica to help her be the best learner she can be.
Hyperhidrosis is the medical term for excessive sweating. It mainly affects the hands, feet, and underarms, although it can occur anywhere on the body. In Jessica’s case, it affects her hands and feet.
Can you imagine what it’s like to sweat so badly that it’s all you can think about?
Hyperhidrosis can affect learning in the following ways:
- Difficulty gripping pens, pencils, and other objects
- Slipping and sliding in your shoes and not being able to participate in physical education classes
- Being so worried about your sweat that you can’t focus on homework or in-class work because your papers become soaked with sweat and in some cases tear apart
- Developing test anxiety not because you’re nervous to test, but because you’re nervous you’ll sweat too much and ruin the exam paper
Jessica deals with these scenarios every day of her life.
Imagine applying Vaseline to your hands and wrists and having to go through a school day that way. Or feeling like the bottoms of your feet are so slippery you’ll never get a proper foot in the door.
This is just a glimpse into Jessica’s daily life, one that she bravely faces and refuses to be reduced by. While I might be a hero to Jess, she, in fact, is mine. If I knew half of what she does at her age, perhaps I could have better asked for what I needed when I was in school.
Modifications included in an EHCP might look like:
- A laptop to take notes and submit assignments rather than pen and pencil
- Waterproof paper for assignments
- Extra time to take tests
- A secluded area for exams to minimize sweat triggers
- Alternative options for physical education activities to better accommodate hyperhidrosis
We all want our students to be better learners, which in turn makes them better citizens. It is my belief that with these simple modifications, Jessica’s school years will be looked upon as successful and equitable for everyone.
If I may be of additional help and expertise, please don’t hesitate to contact me.
Yours Truly,
Maria Thomas
Hyperhidrosis Patient Advocate
Raise Your Hand for Sweat
Do you need help navigating the school system while having an uncontrolled excessive sweating problem? Let’s talk! Hyperhidrosis doesn’t have to deter you from pursuing your dreams or attending school. Let’s educate others – together – about hyperhidrosis and what might help in the classroom. If you or your child need a letter similar to the one above to submit to your school, email me.
