DoDMERB Medical History - Eczema

[efirestone14]

Just last night I filled out and completed my medical history form for my DoDMERB medical exam, which I will be completing within the next week. I have searched through the DoDMERB forum history and the list of disqualifications on the DoDMERB website, and I now realize that a history of eczema is disqualifying if occurring after the 12th birthday.

Back in 2006 at the age of 12, I had eczema on my legs due to my soccer shinguards rubbing against my skin. I was treated for the condition and prescribed a special ointment by the dermatologist that I went to. The eczema has since disappeared from my legs.

Last spring I had an allergic reaction to clay on my hands while working with clay in my school art class, and my condition was not related to eczema. I was again prescribed a specific ointment by my doctor and the condition gradually faded away into the spring.

Currently my hands have become red, dry, and itchy. I am unsure whether this is related to eczema, but I will be going to a specialist soon to have my hands looked at.

How difficult is it to obtain a waiver for eczema?

Will my allergic reaction to clay also be disqualifying?

Should I begin contacting the dermatologists and doctors I have seen to collect records in case I am granted a waiver, or should I wait until I hear from DoDMERB?

Since I have already completed and signed my medical history form and it seems that I am again developing eczema, should I note this on my form or should I wait until I see a specialist, which will most likely be after my medical exam?

I apologize for my very long post and thank you to anyone who takes the time to read it. I would be very disappointed if I am unable to obtain a waiver for my skin conditions because it has always been a goal of mine to become an officer in the Army through USMA or ROTC.

 

[Pima]

Deep breaths.

There is nothing you can do right now, but to get your medical documentation in order.

They will look at your records, and the meds prescribed. You might be wrapping yourself around a pole for nothing.

Deep breaths.

 

[Tigger]

The condition you describe in 2006 when you were twelve sounds more like contact dermatitis rather than atopic dermatitis (a.k.a. eczema). Atopic dermatitis typically presents at a much younger age and with different characteristics than what you describe.

I think your visit to a specialist will be helpful in clarifying what your diagnosis truly is and until then I think Pima's advise is perfect

Good luck!

 

[Pima]

Tigger,

I thought that too. Our DD has had eczema since she was about 5. It flares up, but it is more often than every few yrs., more like every yr in the start of spring through summer. She is going to be 21.

She did just go to the docs thinking it was eczema, but was diagnosed with shingles.

 

[efirestone14]

Thank you very much to both of you for your replies.