Summary of Recommendations For Caring for Hijab-Wearing Patients
| Recommendations |
| Hijab-wearing patients are not a monolithic entity, so it is important to discuss preferences with your patient and to avoid making assumptions. |
| When performing a thorough physical exam, scalp examination should be included. |
| If desired by the patient, provide the opportunity for gender concordance when scheduling an appointment that may necessitate hijab removal. |
| Have a thorough explanation of the head-to-toe physical exam, including providing the patient with a personal choice of removal of the hijab for examination. |
| Clearly explain the precautions that will be taken to protect the patient’s modesty during examination. |
| Limit outside disruptions during examination. |
| If an additional barrier such as a curtain is available to place between the patient and the door, then this can be placed to limit risk of exposure. |
| Allow the patient to remove the hijab on their own rather than removing it for them. |
| Explain to the patient the utility of photography in dermatology as a part of disease tracking. If photography of the head without the hijab is pursued, it should only be done with documented consent. |
| Explain the security of any medical photographs obtained. |
Note: If the patient is uncomfortable with having their photo taken, provide the option to have it taken on their personal device for review at subsequent visits. Synthesized from professional opinion as well as from Rehman et al.2