Hemophilia is a bleeding disorder that most often impacts boys, but in some cases can affect girls—though their type of bleeding disorder may be milder. Hemophilia causes abnormalities in blood clotting, which can lead to internal bleeding that may be severe, difficulty stopping bleeding of cuts, large bruises that result from bumps, and painful joints from joint bleeds. Hemophilia persists to adulthood.

Especially for children in school, but also for adults, wearing medical ID jewelry can be important for various reasons when you have hemophilia. Even with treatment, severe bleeds may occur, and lifestyle modifications should be followed, to ensure that they stay safe. For example, those with hemophilia should avoid contact sports, and may require more visits to doctors or clinics to ensure that they are healthy. [1] In school, modifications should be made in gym class to ensure the child with hemophilia learns how to be active in ways that are safe for them, but without putting them at risk. While often it is recommended for children with hemophilia to be scorekeepers or assist in other ways, it is just as important for children with hemophilia to be included in as many activities as possible or provided safe, active alternatives or protective equipment, to promote optimal development, so long as this is approved by their doctor.

Accidents do happen, and bleeds can also occur unexpectedly with hemophilia. For this reason, medical ID jewelry should be worn at all times. A sport bracelet may be the best choice for someone with hemophilia to avoid bumping the skin, but it will depend on the person’s condition.

Most hemophilia can be treated with injections of a blood clotting factor that helps replace what is missing in the blood of people with hemophilia [1]. Often, these injections may be taken through a port in the chest [1]—central venous access ports, sometimes called central catheters—can cause additional health risks such as infection, if not managed properly. Those with a port should wear medical ID telling first responders that they have a port, so that it may be accessed in an emergency or infection can be investigated to determine if it is stemming from the port. For many reasons, medical ID jewelry is important for those with hemophilia!

While hemophilia may interrupt a person’s lifestyle, causing missed work or school, or require modifications to activities, these modifications should allow full participation most of the time. Hemophilia may have impact on career related choices—many resources can be found from the National Hemophilia Foundation Steps for Living website to help with guidance at all stages of life. Support groups may also be helpful for those living with hemophilia. And of course, hemophilia medical ID jewelry can help provide assurance at all stages of life.