As the title says, I appreciate any information regarding MEPS regulations on skin conditions that cause hives, particularly CIU and environmental urticaria (such as cold-induced hives). I have sensitive skin (when I scratch my arm, it turns red pretty quickly (its not dermatographia)) and have been getting itchy hives for the past 9 months at random points throughout the day. Contact with water is a big trigger for me, and it seems like my skin is more sensitive after touching water and thus produces more hives. They are relatively mild (no large patches of hives, sections of raised skin, anaphylaxis, angioedema, just a small amount of sparse pimple-like hives in certain areas like legs, arms, and upper torso), and I can control the symptoms with an OTC second generation non-drowsy antihistamine. I talked with a dermatologist and took an allergy test which revealed I have zero food/environmental allergies, no eczema, dermatitis, etc. I was told I most likely just have sensitive skin and could be getting hives from just hormones, stress, or some other cause, and that it's very possible this condition resolves itself over time. From here, I would like to know if I can get into the Academies or enlist if this condition persists when I reach MEPS. I am a rising Junior in high school and really hoping my current dose of antihistamines and diet adjustments can make this go away soon, but if it doesn't, is it a wavier-able condition? Do I even need a wavier? I think I would, but I'm not sure because I can hardly find any information regarding hives and MEPS online. If anyone has any information or experience with something similar to this, I would appreciate it greatly, thank you!
DoDMERB Stance on Urticaria and Hives
EJF
AROTC Mom
- Joined
- Feb 17, 2022
- Messages
- 282
Good morning! I'm sorry that I don't have any specific answers for you. I am attaching the standards that you might find helpful to review. That can change between now and then though. In the meantime it sounds like you are doing what you can to clarify and resolve this issue. I would suggest keeping up with requesting copies of your medical records direct from the office, don't just print from the patient portal. When it comes time to fill out your DoDMERB questionnaire don't overshare, but be honest, and don't self diagnose. For example, I can't see any reason you would need to say that you have sensitive skin unless a doctor has given you an actual diagnosis for that. Don't put down your opinion or someone else opinion on that. The Urticaria/hives is different of course and you can explain that when the time comes since you are seeing a Physician for that. I also want you to know that each service academy and branch is different in what they will waive, and it can change from year to year, so it's good to keep your options open. It could be waiverable, but no one here is going to be able to tell you that for sure. Consider any branch you are interested in and remember there is an opportunity for ROTC scholarships as well as Service Academies if you are interested in commissioning as an officer out of college. (DODMERB process). Then there is also National Guard and Active Duty enlistment where you would though MEPS. Hope that helps and I hope it resolves for you!
https://www.esd.whs.mil/Portals/54/.../613003_vol1.PDF?ver=7fhqacc0jGX_R9_1iexudA==