Back to school means new classes and new teachers for all, but this is also the time many parents need to discuss a child’s Vascular Birthmark. We have created a document that anyone can use or recreate to help you explain what a Port Wine Birthmark is and how it is treated. It is a great way to address laser treatments before the next visit. We also have included some fun tips and items that many community members have enjoyed in the past. REACH out anytime for any more resources to help you smoothly head back to school!
Educate Your Teachers and School Personnel
EDUCATE your school all about birthmarks!
Use this letter by making a copy from Canva to customize OR click the link below to download to print as is. If you have any issues with the files, please, email us here to help you get access to this document!
Educate The Class
We believe in the importance of advocating for our community and educating others about birthmarks! An easy way to do that is by reading a birthmark themed book to the class, especially when it comes time for laser treatment. Most children return from laser with purpura— or what we like to call polka dots. So a great way to minimize the questions and surprise of returning to the classroom could be a book! There are three ways you could successfully do this:
Give the book to the teacher to read to the class before your treatment date!
Go in to class and you (the parent(s)) read the book to the class and answer any questions they may have! It's an amazing way to educate your community and be a resource to answer any questions that they kids or teacher may have!
In addition to 1 & 2, you can sign your class up for a Purple Polka Dot Day anytime in May where we provide a book, a mini-lesson plan, and some fun swag items for all kids during the May Month of Awareness for Vascular Birthmarks!
Find more information about Polka Dot Days here!
There are so many great birthmark books to choose to send to school. Below are just a few you could order for class reading time:
• Made Marvelous
• Sam's Birthmark
• Tyler's Purple Arm
• No More Leggings For Lainey
Sun Protection Resources
Sun protection is important for those with a vascular birthmark to keep the skin as healthy as possible, no matter if one choses to have laser treatment or not.
Dermatologists recommend SPF >30 and reapplying every 80 minutes. If receiving laser treatment, keep the skin pale and protected to make sure future laser treatments are most effective.
Keep in mind, some states do treat sunscreen and even Aquaphor as medication. Reach out to your school to check ahead of time if you need a doctors note for application at school.
Here are a few of our favorite sunscreens:
Pack a wide-brim hat for school and use when outside.
Here is our favorite sun protection hat and the options are endless! It is the same hat in the school photo above.