Eczema and naval service

mrfunbun

Member
Joined
Aug 27, 2015
Messages
16
i am currently 13 and wanting to join the navy and go to flight school. I was figuring everything out, but was heart broken to find out that people with eczema cannot join. I am not sure if it eczema or just dry skin, but hopefully I can find out soon. It is only on one of my arms just in the bend of my elbow and only gets dry when I have been in a chlorinated pool for too long, in dry heat, and when I don't mousterize. I was wondering if when I go to apply I could talk to a recruiter and take the physical test. I heard that if people with eczema get the smallpox vaccine they can die. Is there anyway that I could still join?
 
I also heard of a new small pox vaccine that could be safe for eczema. Nothing about my skin is on my medical records and I have read things that say if it's not in your records you could get through meps and then say you notice it and get cleared for the small pox vaccine
 
Talk to your doctor, Do not try to self diagnose. You're probably worried about nothing.
 
Talk to your doctor, Do not try to self diagnose. You're probably worried about nothing.
My mom is a doctor, and she said it might bbe eczema, but I developed it while in a hot climate and it usually goes away after I mousterize
 
She said might have not that you do have. If your concerned get your mom or whoever to looks at it seriously and make a determination. I can't speak to the availability of a waiver for eczema, but I'm sure if you serach these forums for eczema, you'll find your answer.
 
I agree get it determined now by a dermatologist. Honestly, you are years out from this issue causing a real impact, and nobody knows what the regulations and waiver process for the class of 2024. Right now just work on academics and your ECs (sports, etc). Good luck
 
I had eczema last when I was 10 or so, DoDMERB didn't even bat an eye when I told them. I guess it's all circumstantial.
 
Jason,

It is an age thing too. 10 is not going to be a factor for eczema. They ask about diagnosis after the age of 13, or maybe it is 14 for medical aspects. You would answer no in this situation, since you were 10 and not on scripts. The Op may have to answer yes since it is past the age bar. Hence, why it is important not to self diagnose and get a doctor to evaluate the situation.
 
I talked to a naval recruiter yesterday and he said that it won't really matter because I have not gone to a dermatologist and had it diagnosed. It is not in my medical records, so he said I'm fine. I also got a second opinion and they said that once I get rid of my psoriasis I am edible to apply
 
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I have eczema, and so does my DD. This is not a get rid of it and it is permanently gone, if it is truly eczema. This is scratching your skin raw when it flares up. You can use a ton of moisturizer, and topical ointments, but that does not mean without a prescription it will go away.

The reason eczema becomes an issue is tied to the fact that sufferers can scratch their skin until it is raw, and that can create an infection. Not good when you are deployed to the sandbox (Iraq/Afghanistan) or the Jungle.

The OP is 13. 13! Sorry, but mrfunbun, this is going to be harsh. Right now you need to care more about your curriculum and your ECs than this issue. Whatever happens medically happens, but it has no impact on your ability to receive an appointment.
~ They can offer you an LOA with no DoDMERB exam. DoDMERB DQs, USNA will waive. You can get an appointment and wait for a medical waiver. You still have the appointment.

No flaming, I know the finesse issues, but the OP is 13, so I won't go down that rabbit hole .

Your course rigor and EC, CFA and the Whole Candidate Score will be the 1st factor. If you have no ECs, you probably will not get an appointment, even with a waiver for eczema.

Seniors and their parents walk away emotionally and mentally drained after 1 year in this process. You need to be a kid. Enjoy life. Hang out with your friends.
~ I would never want to start this process 5 years out. You will not graduate HS until 2020, aka class of 2024 SA. Almost a decade from now before you commission.

I am ready to be flamed, but I will stand by my statement.

PS mrfunbun,
I get it. You want to serve. I respect it, but be a kid first. Don't start pigeon holing yourself because you live on the net googling your future and chances. Make memories by hanging out with real people and not an anonymous forum about what may be 5 years from now.

Flame on.
~
 
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Thanks a lot for that advice, but I actually found out it is just very mild psoriasis which can go away and I am working on getting rid of it. I am enjoying being a kid and I am making plenty of memories, but I feel the need to start working now because I want to get good grades and have a successful career. I have talked to a recruiter and they said I would be fine if I get rid of whatever the problem may be. And I know that this is so far away and I may not get a waiver or an appointment, but this is the only thing I have wanted to do for my whole life. Be a fighter pilot, even though many people say I may not get to, it's a dream which I want to try my hardest to achieve
 
Good for you for having a goal at 13! I agree with the previous posters, you have a long time before your application process starts, and you have no idea of DodMerb's future guidelines.

That said, if it truly worries you, address the condition now. IF you do go to the Dr and there is a diagnosis, ask what is being written in your file, then make sure there is a follow up letter, also in your file. The letter, written by the Dr should state if the condition was treated (whether by prescription or over the counter measures) and it is no longer a concern, with no physical limitations. That is how we handled our DS's concern at 13 (USMA'19 Accepted Appointment, USNA'19 Appointed) and there were no further questions from DodMerb.
 
Good for you for having a goal at 13! I agree with the previous posters, you have a long time before your application process starts, and you have no idea of DodMerb's future guidelines.

That said, if it truly worries you, address the condition now. IF you do go to the Dr and there is a diagnosis, ask what is being written in your file, then make sure there is a follow up letter, also in your file. The letter, written by the Dr should state if the condition was treated (whether by prescription or over the counter measures) and it is no longer a concern, with no physical limitations. That is how we handled our DS's concern at 13 (USMA'19 Accepted Appointment, USNA'19 Appointed) and there were no further questions from DodMerb.
Thanks for th tips. My mom and dad don't know that I want to be in the military yet, so they will probably wonder what is going on when I ask what is going on my record. My mom is a doctor, could she do the letter stating that it is cured (when it has been cured of course). I am super close to getting rid of my skin issues all th lotion and a little of cortisone creme. My goal is to have it all gone before freshman year, which is next year for me. I talked to a recruiter and all of them said if i got it all cleared up before graduation I would be fine. I don't know if you could tell if that's okay that would be great.
 
You need to understand that the medical process for enlistment is different than for officer. Recruiters typically work the enlistment side. OCS is the exception. ROTC and SA candidates go through a different process (BGO for USNA), not recruiters.

Your Mom will not work because they will require you to fill out your medical history and if they give you a remedial or DQ, they will want your family physician that is on record. Plus they may send you to their DoDMERB specialist.

Eczema and psoriasis are 2 different things. Please read this link.
http://healthguides.healthgrades.com/article/psoriasis-eczema-dermatitis-whats-the-difference
Psoriasis is a lifelong condition that causes thickened, red patches of skin and silvery-white scales. Psoriatic patches can be itchy, sore, and even burn.
Eczema usually shows up as very itchy patches that become red, swollen, and cracked from scratching. Rashes usually occur on the face, inside the elbows, behind the knees, and on the hands and feet.
Certain substances may trigger an eczema breakout, so it’s important to identify and avoid them. Common irritants include household cleansers, detergents, soaps, chlorine, and wool. Stress and abrupt temperature changes can also cause eczema to appear.

To confirm whether you have eczema, your doctor may ask about your family history of allergies and want you to have an allergy or blood test.

Hence, why you should go to a dermatologist to determine if it is one or the other or neither, and it appears you are self diagnosing.

I get you want to be a fighter pilot. However, here is the thing, you can get Qualified for USNA, but DQd for rated. You will need to pass the FAA Flight Class 1 physical which is a higher level than the DoDMERB. You need to also ask will you be happy in the Navy if you don't fly.

You are 13. Get an appointment and commission, but no rated slot, you will still be in until at least 2029. It will be 9 years of your life (4 USNA and 5 Active Duty).

I am not trying to dissuade you at all. I hope you go onto fly the 35, but you need to sit down with the folks now and tell them your desires. You need their guidance as parents, not only from a medical aspect, but from the competitive admission aspect. Mom being a doctor knows and understands that long run academic process. To become a pilot it is 2 more years of work/academics before you are operational...on a good day.
~ She will be able to talk to the dermatologist one on one from a peer aspect.

It is great you are getting in front of this, but to really be in front of it, talk to the folks and get a true diagnosis by a dermatologist.
 
What do I do if it's dermatitis? Will I get DQd? Whatever it is its going away and is almost gone. All I want to do is be in the navy or airforce, even if it not in flying. I have sensitive skin, so u don't know what the cause may be. I don't know if eczema or psoriasis can just show up randomly like it on me. Whatever it is its almost gone
 
I am not a doctor, but you started this with your Mom thought it might be...

You need to ask the folks to take you to a dermatologist. I would doubt that your Mom as a doc would say it could be if this is the first time you ever had it. Again, I am not a doctor, but I have eczema, and my DD does too. There is a difference impo, from a dry skin patch and eczema.
~ I am currently dealing with a flare up right now, (between fingers). You know if it is eczema or psoriasis. You will scratch your skin until it bleeds to soothe the itch if it is not treated with some type of topical lotion/ointment. The skin feels rough even if you drop a gallon of lotion on it.

And yes, it can just show up randomly. My DD and I can go for a year or two with no flare ups, live through it for a few weeks, and VOILA it is gone. i would say overall my DD gets a flare up 1x a year, usually in the summer when she spends her life in the pool....chlorine and sweat exasperates her eczema. She has it behind her knee and in one elbow.
~ She has been diagnosed with eczema. She now stays away from dairy, nuts and shell fish because it causes a flare up.

This is a reason why they DQ. It is about the mission, and not you. Can they deploy you to the sandbox (Iraq/Afghanistan) if the dry temps flame the condition? Can they deploy you without medical prescriptions for a flare up? As a flier how will that impact you, especially when you have to wear gloves to fly if you have a flare up... will they have to remove you from the flight schedule for a day, a few days, a week?

Go to a dermatologist and stop the second guessing. Talk to the folks and say I want to serve our country, but this might be an issue. You are really young, and if you talk to the folks now so they can get you in front of this, than you can move forward with everything else you will need...sports, leadership, rigorous course loads, etc.

Sitting here and guessing if you may or may not have it, does absolutely no good. In reality, you are harming yourself because they will go back into your medical records until your current age for DoDMERB. Getting this cleared now helps in multiple ways.
1. If it is eczema or psoriasis you can find a specialist that may have a connection to the military and assist later on when you do go through the DoDMERB exam.
~ Sometimes it is not just the diagnosis, but the prescription to treat that will cause the DQ. Meds can be a DQ too.
2. If you do have it, and it can be waived for an appointment, how about flight school?

As a Mom, you need to be honest with the folks.

Do not take this the wrong way, but I am shocked that any recruiter talked to you at all, due to 2 reasons.
1. You are 13. That is a waste of time for them since most military member tours are 3-4 years. You are nowhere near being on their radar.
2. You are 13. A big time Minor! You have stated the folks don't know about your desire to serve. Thus, he/she could be in trouble for talking to you without their knowledge.
~ My guess is that recruiter was on another forum, and they may have been talking only about their knowledge for enlisting, aka MEPS and not DODMERB.

You will come to learn that is how you pose the question is probably the most important thing, I am color vision deficient, can I serve? Yes. That is different than saying can I fly in the Navy?

I am not trying to be mean or harsh. I am just saying if you really want this, than tell the folks. Tell them now because all they want in their life is you to obtain your dream, and the longer you wait, the higher the risk will be for you having the chance to get that dream.

I am a proud wife of an AF WSO F15E (Navy RIO) and a proud Mom of an AF Pilot (C130J). Just saying that FAA FC1 is also going to matter in 2025.
 
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As I said it just showed up I have never had a problem with my skin before. It could just be that every time I get it I have not moisteriz d in weeks. As of now a night after I moisterized my skin was super soft even where the dry skin was. I'm gonna get rid of it and then see how long it is before I need to treat it again. I'll see how it goes, for now, and then I'll tell my parents. I have not used any medications, just lotion and a spot of cortisone creme. How should I go about with th dermatologist? Will they put it on my record? When it's treated will they write a letter saying it's been treated? I don't know what to do, I know this is what i want to do, but I just don't know how to go about doing it
 
Okay, time to say stop!

Talk to the folks.

You are very young, and trust me there are posters that thought one medical aspect would cause a DQ, and came to find later on that they got nailed for a totally different issue.

JMPO, but you need to talk to Mom. They love you. They want you to achieve your dreams.

Yes, they will put it on your record. Yet, that is not necessarily a killer.
~ Question when you fill out the questionnaire would you with hold that information when asked if you were treated ?

If the answer is yes you would, than go to a flipping doc and get treated. The longer you wait, the more harm you can do to yourself.

If it is just dry skin, than no harm/foul. If it is something more than you are in front of it.

Just my opinion, and $2.07 will get you a small Starbucks coffee, but the reason you don't know what to do is tied to the fact that you have yet to tell your folks of your dreams.

Mom talking again, but you are breaking my heart. The idea that my child is reaching out to strangers on an anonymous forum asking medical questions when I am a doctor would cut me to the core. It would break my heart and make me ask why didn't he come to me for guidance regarding medical issues.

Not trying to guilt you.

Have you thought about the idea of you joining? Telling the folks that they may join this site and other forums too can create a bond. That her medical expertise can help you because now she knows how to navigate the system?

I am not going to answer your questions of the record, letters, or what to do, because you are 13! You are not talking to the folks!

I am being a Mom, and I would be annoyed/disgusted/angered/incest, etc. if any person responded to my 13 year old child; giving advice and not stating to talk to me.

I know that sounds harsh, mean, rude, and unkind, but I truly hope that other posters agree with me. That if their 13 yr old came on this site we would continue to say them talk to the folks.

Trust me mrfunbun I get it. Just saying you will want their support when you go to USNA.
 
Thank you so much with all your help, I will tell my parents soon and fix my skin problem. I will ask if we can go to the dermatologist and have it checked out. I will also get off this site, i was just coming here for guidance on what to do. I will do everything that you told i was not doing, go to the doctor, talk to my parents, anything to acheive what i want to do. I was just holding off on the doctor because I don't want whatever medicine they give me to DQ me. As of right now what I'm doing seems to be doing well and I will continue on my journey to the military and health.
 
I am not saying that you should leave this site. I am saying that you need to talk to your folks and create a path together.

You are young, So much will change in your life in the next 5 years. Think about it, how much have you changed between now and when you were 8? That is how much you will change between now and 18.

My kids are military brats They lived their entire life as an AF kid. They attended no less than 9 schools. My DS at age 10 said he wanted to be an AF JAG and until he was 16 he was going to go to Duke, AFROTC, law school and ending up in govt. Guess what? By the time he was 17 and applying to colleges, he had no desire to attend Duke. He had the grades/SATs, but no desire to go to Duke. He also decided he wanted to be an AF pilot...career(20 years) at 17. He is now a pilot and that 20 year career is up in the air at the ripe old age of 25.

You just don't know what will be in the future. Keep every option open. Don't get tunnel vision.

We constantly say here have plan, B-Z in place.

You can't understand this, but emotionally and mentally living through this as a candidate (HS SR) this is a ride you want to get off as soon as you can. You are burnt out by 6-9 months on the roller coaster.
~ Just saying I wouldn't want to get on it 4 years before I needed to if at all possible.

I get your dream. I truly do. I just think right now if you lurk and make sure your academic rigor is on par, along with ECs than you have done everything you can control. If you have eczema than that is out of your control.
~ Not getting a diagnosis can hurt more sometimes.

Please do not leave. Just be a kid and enjoy life because when you are at BCT those memories will matter the most.
 
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