For AF, and I would assume it is true for Army and Navy, it is actually not a DoDMERB physical for rated cadets/mids, it is actually an FAA FC1 physical. ADAF rated officers will take an annual physical, one year it will be a short physical, like a DoDMERB (45 Mons), the next year it will be what is called a long physical, more like the FAA (blood work, hearing tests, etc)
At least 2 years ago, even nonrated will be given a DoDMERB exam prior to commissioning. It is called the exit exam.
Cadets selected for SFT (Summer Field Training) will be required to have a short physical prior....basically a sports physical and checking/proving that all their shots are up to date. Even scholarship cadets must prove their medical records are current.
~ Again that was years ago and it may have changed.
Finally, AFROTC cadets that also applied to USAFA might find their DoDMERB exam become invalid prior to contracting their 3 yr Type 2, because it is only valid for 2 years.
~ IE If they took the DoDMERB as a rising senior in HS Aug. 15th, received a TWE from USAFA, received a 4 yr Type 7, converted to a 3 yr Type 2 and their school starts August 17th, that means for that cadet, even with a scholarship, their DoDMERB is no longer valid from a contracting purpose even with the scholarship, since the exam is no longer valid.
Back on topic...I agree with your post. Neither of us are docs, hence my contact kp, but the way I see it is if they need a prescription than it needs to be reported as a change.
I would not advise not seeking a doctor, because as someone that has a family history with myself and my DD, eczema can be constant itching to the point your skin will bleed. The OP is to attend SFT at Maxwell. Scratching to a point where your skin will bleed while you are in the woods, creating a skin infection, could lead them to issues, and it can be more harmful from the point that they could medically DQd them at Maxwell. Whereas, by informing them, they can take the ointment with them and graduate.
~ Eczema can flame up at anytime. If the inflammation is behind the knees, elbows or fingers, even the first part where they wear their polyester uniform (blues) can create problems for on attention deficit (scratching) to creating open sores that could get infested in the woods.
If you have never experienced eczema, you just won't get it. You will scratch your skin raw.