Dyshidrotic Dermatitis (Eczema)

T

Tptb518

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Apr 29, 2017
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Hello folks,

I have had this condition (self-diagnosed) for about 2 years (on and off). No doc has ever diagnosed this condition. The symptoms are mild and only affect 3 of my fingers, and it is hardly noticeable. I only use regular hand lotion every so often. I just went through an extremely rigorous training week and this condition never hindered me whatsoever. The only negative things is that they get slightly itchy once and a while and the fingers get a bit dry and red.

I will be going through dodmerb soon and will not note it because i have no real diagnosis. However, if they do notice it, based on this regulation and my case, WILL or WILL I NOT be DQed?

Here is the reg on eczema:

b. Current or history of atopic dermatitis (691) or eczema (692.9) after 12th birthday. (1) Atopic Dermatitis. Active or history of residual or recurrent lesions in characteristic areas (face, neck, antecubital and or popliteal fossae, occasionally wrists and hands). (2) Non-specific Dermatitis. Current or history of recurrent or chronic non-specific dermatitis to include contact (692) (irritant or allergic), or dyshidrotic dermatitis (705.81) requiring more than treatment with over the counter medications.


I am confused about a few things about this reg:

1. What is non-specific dermatitis?
2. What is the difference between Non-specific and Atopic?

If i am reading the reg correctly, I should NOT be DQed. I have Dyshidrotic Derm that doesnt not require more than OTC (it doesnt even require that!!)



Thank you so much
 
AHA. Thank you for posting the reg. I've got eczema (diagnosed at a young age), but my last flare up was quite some time ago and since then I've been using everyday moisturizer. Based of what I have gleaned from perusing the eczema threads, if it has not been diagnosed then do not put it down. If you really must know what it is, then go to the doctor I suppose.

"However, if they do notice it, based on this regulation and my case, WILL or WILL I NOT be DQed?"

I think someone with more DODMERB experience can answer that one for you as I have not gone through the process yet.

Best of luck!
 
IMHO, if you are concerned about it, see your doctor/dermatologist. She/he can confirm if it is indeed eczema and if a course of treatment is recommended.

We don't have the full background (nor would I recommend putting much detail on a open forum) and know there is self-diagnosis is always suspect, but I hope you are not avoiding treatment just to avoid having to list it on your DODMERB history. Specific medical conditions are disqualified by the DODMERB for very specific reasons - the "I won't mention the condition in hopes that the examiner won't notice it" approach is one that may come back to haunt you later in your career.

If your doctor/dermatologist indicates the the condition is not eczema, then you are good to go. If the condition is eczema, then you have already started dealing with it and your doctor's assessment will be useful in determining if a waiver is appropriate in your case.

Remember - this is just my opinion... (my recommendations + $5 may buy you a cup of coffee).
 
The skin is the largest organ in the body with many functions. It also causes much anguish to include DQ from military service. As a primary healthcare provider I never hesitated to refer a patient to a dermatologist if I suspected cancer, eczema, or other serious skin conditions. If you have a skin disease get it treated. If not, don't talk about it.
 
I would say you don’t have anything other than an unknown dry skin condition that has never been severe enough to see a doctor. If you haven’t been diagnosed, don’t self diagnose. You technically have no idea what you have. If it was my kid, I would tell them to answer no. If it is bad enough, see a doctor.
 
As it's obvious who the poster is....For applicants who will be screened thru DoDMERB, here's the applicable standard that will be applied:

" DQ if = d. History of atopic dermatitis or eczema after the 12th birthday. History of residual or recurrent lesions in characteristic areas (face, neck, antecubital or popliteal fossae, occasionally wrists and hands)."
 
For context: My post immediately above was in response to a post that was there this morning but now, no longer appears:wiggle:
 
MullenLE said:
As it's obvious who the poster is....For applicants who will be screened thru DoDMERB, here's the applicable standard that will be applied:

" DQ if = d. History of atopic dermatitis or eczema after the 12th birthday. History of residual or recurrent lesions in characteristic areas (face, neck, antecubital or popliteal fossae, occasionally wrists and hands)."
Click to expand...
So this is the 64000 dollar question. I realize if a questionnaire asks you a specific question you have to answer truthfully, but would a person have to say they had eczema if has never been diagnosed? I am not talking just about eczema but all other conditions. The standard comment i have heard over and over again is that if it wasn't diagnosed by a doctor, it doesn't exist. Even if you were disclose everything wrong with you, in this particular case he could easily just say that he has dry skin and uses hand cream to deal with it. This would be 100% truthful and yet if diagnosed it could be eczema. I also realize there is what the academies want to see and what happens in the real world about notification. What exactly are they looking for? And yes i realize that a in-depth answer could help people cheat

​

 
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Excellent question!

Applicants should answer all questions honestly and they can explain whatever their explanation is: "(Do you) Currently have or a history of."

NOTE: Not all diagnoses are DQd...and not all DQs have been diagnosed:wiggle:
 
Consider whether there's a mention of dry, red, or slightly itchy fingers in your medical record from age 12 on.
 
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