Eczema Treatment Care

It doesn’t affect anything. It just gets itchy at times. Is there any way to work around it? Will that be the DQ for enlisting?

I’m a 21 year old female and I desperately want to join the army or the navy. I have eczema which is now under control. I’ve already taked my physical and passed even w/ ezcema because it wasn’t noticeable. My question is should I go along with everything? Also when do they give you the smallpox vaccine because I’ve heard some scary things about it mixed w/ eczema. And can I get a waiver to not get the vaccine? Thank you

Question by Tiffany: Eczema and the smallpox vaccine in the army?
I’m a 21 year old female and I desperately want to join the army or the navy. I have eczema which is now under control. I’ve already taked my physical and passed even w/ ezcema because it wasn’t noticeable. My question is should I go along with everything? Also when do they give you the smallpox vaccine because I’ve heard some scary things about it mixed w/ eczema. And can I get a waiver to not get the vaccine? Thank you

Best answer:

Answer by Lisa
Anyone with eczema should absolutely NOT get the smallpox vaccine, because they could get eczema vaccinatum. If you Google that, you’ll see some pretty disturbing photos.

The package inserts for the two brands of smallpox vaccine clearly say that eczema sufferers should not get the vaccine.

http://www.fda.gov/downloads/BiologicsBloodVaccines/Vaccines/ApprovedProducts/UCM142572.pdf
“Persons with eczema of any description such as, atopic dermatitis,
neurodermatitis, and other eczematous conditions, regardless of severity of the
condition, or persons who have a history of these conditions at any time in the
past, are at higher risk of developing eczema vaccinatum. Vaccinees with
close contacts who have eczematous conditions, may be at increased risk
because live vaccinia virus can shed and be transmitted to these close
contacts.”

http://www.fda.gov/downloads/BiologicsBloodVaccines/Vaccines/ApprovedProducts/UCM142613.pdf
“DRYVAX IS CONTRAINDICATED IN NON-EMERGENCY SITUATIONS IN THE FOLLOWING INDIVIDUALS:
PERSONS WITH ECZEMA AND PERSONS WITH A HISTORY OF ECZEMA”

Whatever your reason for wanting to join the military, is it worth sacrificing your health? Because having an autoimmune disease (eczema) makes it more likely that you will suffer adverse reactions to the many, many vaccines you will be required to get. The smallpox vaccine is probably the only vaccine you could get a medical exemption for.

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I never had on my hands or anywhere else BUT the inner part of my legs. Its not inflammed or blistery or anything. And it doesnt effect anything at all. Its just there. I havent seen a doctor in awhile so I cant really say that my doctor has told me I have eczema but its just common scense. My recruiter already made an appointment for MEPS next week so any answers would be helpful.

Okay so I am 14 years old and here are all the medical conditions I have.

-Asthma (I know thats a no no but what about for an officer and if I get rid or it)
-Eczema
-Atopic Dermatitis
-Jaundice (when I was a baby)
-Taking Medication (for my asthma, acne, depression, and allergies
-ear tubes
-Had anemia
-Braces (get them off in 2 weeks)
-depression

Thanks guys!