Sudden Skin Issue

I

INeedSomeHelp

New Member
Joined
May 26, 2018
Messages
2
Hello,

I recently accepted an appointment to one of the five service academies and I really can't be happier. During the DoDMERB, I filled out the survey without any issues and I passed the exam.

However, about three weeks after my appointment and DoDMERB, I experienced a mix of folliculitis and hair loss. I have a spot in my head where there is a minor bump and hair loss. In addition, I have some small acne that doesn't really show unless you really look. They do NOT cause any pain or irritation. Aside from hair loss, there is absolutely no negative symptoms.

I went to the doctors and they diagnosed it was folliculistic. I was prescribed antibiotics till one week before I leave for training.

1) Do I need to tell the academy about this? If I do, when should I?
2) Will it get DQ'd for this?
3) Assuming the hair doesn't grow back in time and there is a bump, what is the worse that can happen at the training?
4) What do I do? I'm worried that my dream will disappear.
 
INeedSomeHelp said:
Hello,

I recently accepted an appointment to one of the five service academies and I really can't be happier. During the DoDMERB, I filled out the survey without any issues and I passed the exam.

However, about three weeks after my appointment and DoDMERB, I experienced a mix of folliculitis and hair loss. I have a spot in my head where there is a minor bump and hair loss. In addition, I have some small acne that doesn't really show unless you really look. They do NOT cause any pain or irritation. Aside from hair loss, there is absolutely no negative symptoms.

I went to the doctors and they diagnosed it was folliculistic. I was prescribed antibiotics till one week before I leave for training.

1) Do I need to tell the academy about this? If I do, when should I?
2) Will it get DQ'd for this?
3) Assuming the hair doesn't grow back in time and there is a bump, what is the worse that can happen at the training?
4) What do I do? I'm worried that my dream will disappear.
Click to expand...
Acne - don't worry about it unless it is severe. Teenagers get zits.

Folliculitis: I'm not a doctor, have never heard of this condition, and this is strictly my opinion. Since you've seen a doctor, follow that doctor's advice regarding treatment and whether you will be able to go through basic training without risking your health and the health of other trainees.

Check the information you have received in reference to reporting changes in medical condition. If it is not clear what you should do, use your judgement. If your doctor believes this is a minor, temporary condition that will be gone before reporting, then it seems to me that it does not need to be reported.

You can be sent home if a medical condition prevents them from participating in training, but policies at each SA may be different.
 
INeedSomeHelp said:
Hello,

I recently accepted an appointment to one of the five service academies and I really can't be happier. During the DoDMERB, I filled out the survey without any issues and I passed the exam.

However, about three weeks after my appointment and DoDMERB, I experienced a mix of folliculitis and hair loss. I have a spot in my head where there is a minor bump and hair loss. In addition, I have some small acne that doesn't really show unless you really look. They do NOT cause any pain or irritation. Aside from hair loss, there is absolutely no negative symptoms.

I went to the doctors and they diagnosed it was folliculistic. I was prescribed antibiotics till one week before I leave for training.

1) Do I need to tell the academy about this? If I do, when should I?
2) Will it get DQ'd for this?
3) Assuming the hair doesn't grow back in time and there is a bump, what is the worse that can happen at the training?
4) What do I do? I'm worried that my dream will disappear.
Click to expand...

Go back and read all your reporting-in materials. For example, USAFA provides specific guidance as seen below, p. 6. I believe the other SAs do the same thing. They want to know about post-DODMERB changes that meet their criteria.

You had a condition arise. You saw a doctor for it. They diagnosed something and prescribed medication. That is a change from the history currently known by DODMERB. If you were asked face-to-face, “have you seen a doctor for any medical issue since your DODMERB physical” what would you reply?


https://www.usafa.edu/app/uploads/2022_Appointee_Booklet.pdf

Don’t shop an anonymous Internet forum for unofficial opinions, including mine, perhaps hoping for someone to tell you how to avoid taking the scarier path if necessary. Read the applicable guidance for your SA, think about it, make a decision.
 
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Take the antibiotics. Wash your hair with dandruff shampoo. Let warm water run on your head for a few minutes while in the shower. I think you'll be OK.
 
Capt MJ said:
Devil Doc said:
Yep, I'm no DODMERB admin expert but I know how to treat folliculitis. Easy day.
Click to expand...

Is it an “itis” of the hair follicle? Bacterial in nature? Just educating myself.
Click to expand...
Yes. -itis can mean inflammation or infection. Folliculitis is usually a staph bacterial infection of the hair follicle.
 
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