Is it possible to join the U.S. military if you have eczema? If you’re interested in enlisting, it’s important to know that an eczema diagnosis can affect your eligibility. However, recent changes in military guidelines could make it easier for people with mild cases of eczema to join the U.S. armed forces.

If you or a loved one has eczema and would like to enlist in the military, read this article for more information.

Does Eczema Disqualify You From the Military?

Traditionally, skin conditions — such as chronic contact dermatitis, severe acne, psoriasis, and eczema — have been causes for disqualification from U.S. military service. Specifically, people diagnosed with atopic dermatitis (the most common type of eczema) after the age of 12 have been disqualified from joining the U.S. armed forces. The same goes for people who had recurring contact dermatitis or dyshidrotic eczema within two years of being eligible for military candidacy, if they required a treatment beyond a topical steroid.

Some service branches have had even stricter medical standards. The U.S. Army and Navy have disqualified people who’ve had an active atopic dermatitis diagnosis after the age of 9.

Enlistment Guidelines Recently Changed

Recent changes in the Department of Defense’s medical guidelines could make it possible for more people with active eczema to enlist. These updated guidelines allow military duty if you meet the following conditions:

• You haven’t had active atopic dermatitis or eczema within the previous three years requiring treatment stronger than over-the-counter hydrocortisone products or eczema-friendly moisturizers.
• You don’t have any active lesions or residual hyperpigmented or hypopigmented areas (areas with darkened or lightened skin due to eczema) at the time of your entrance examination.

In other words, if your eczema is treatable with over-the-counter topical medications, you should fall within the military’s general medical standards for enlisting or appointment as an officer. This is true as long as you’re not going through a flare-up at the time of examination. If you’ve received an eczema diagnosis but haven’t experienced any flare-ups in the past three years, you may still be able to serve.

Why Is Eczema a Disqualifier for the Military?

It may seem strange that eczema could keep someone from a military career. However, different medical conditions, including skin conditions like eczema, can limit a military member’s effectiveness at critical times.

Facets of Military Service May Trigger Eczema

Active duty can involve harsh environmental conditions, such as extreme cold and extreme heat. It may also involve other difficult physical and mental conditions. All of these can trigger eczema flare-ups. It can be difficult or impossible to fully wash or apply creams and lotions while deployed in the field. These factors can make eczema flares more likely and harder to control once they start.

Military clothing and gear can trigger eczema. Uniform materials and equipment may contain skin irritants. Some people with eczema have better symptom control by using certain fabrics for their bedsheets and clothes. Even detergent can be a problem. Many MyEczemaTeam members report problems with common detergents. “I’ve found scented soaps, detergents, and dryer sheets can be very irritating to my eczema,” one member said.

Another member reported, “I had to change my laundry detergent to unscented and free of dyes.”

Eczema-friendly detergents may not always be available for uniforms when serving in the military.

Some Vaccines Required for Military Service May Affect Eczema

Some service members must receive a smallpox vaccine. People with active eczema or a history of eczema are at risk of developing eczema vaccinatum. This is a rare but dangerous skin condition. It causes defective skin barriers associated with eczema, allowing live virus from the smallpox vaccine to spread through the skin. Eczema vaccinatum causes a severe rash and systemic (bodywide) illness. However, not every service member will need a smallpox vaccine.

Can Eczema Get You Discharged From the Military?

If you develop eczema in the military, there’s a chance it could be a reason for a medical discharge or for your contract to not be renewed when it’s up. There’s not a lot of information available on this, but it makes sense that you could be discharged if eczema interferes with your duties. However, there are also stories of people serving in the military with eczema flares and not facing any negative consequences. The answer to “Can you have eczema in the military?” remains murky and may depend on your specific doctor and situation.

Can You Get Military Disability for Eczema?

If you develop eczema in the military because of something that happens while you’re serving, you may be able to qualify for military disability. Eczema due to military service usually happens because you come into contact with some chemicals. You may be able to get a partial or full disability rating, depending on how the eczema affects your life.

A Medical Waiver May Help You Qualify To Serve With Eczema

The recruiting process isn’t exact, and even if you have only mild eczema, you may still face disqualification. However, remember that “permanent disqualification” for enlistment or appointment isn’t actually permanent disqualification. Medical waivers, available on a case-by-case basis, may allow you to serve with an eczema diagnosis.

Some branches of the U.S. military are currently experiencing a shortage of qualified enlistees, and each branch is allowed to make its own waiver decisions. Therefore, certain branches may be more likely to issue medical waivers.

Get an Accurate and Updated Diagnosis

Consulting with a dermatologist can help you with the waiver process, especially if you were diagnosed with eczema at a young age. “Eczema” is often used as a broad term and has symptoms that look like a number of other conditions. As one MyEczemaTeam member said, “I have had about five different diagnoses. It’s truly crazy what they put you through!”

A reexamination by a dermatology provider may be helpful if you haven’t experienced eczema flares recently. In some cases, earning a high score on the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery test and being open to different military occupational specialties may improve your chances of enlistment. In addition, some military career paths involve less risk of exposure to flare-up triggers and could be more appropriate for people with eczema.

If you don’t have an official diagnosis of eczema but have experienced mild dry skin or itching, don’t self-diagnose out of concern. Unless your condition has been diagnosed by a healthcare provider and is recorded in your medical records, there’s no need to declare that you have eczema.

Talk With Others Who Understand

MyEczemaTeam is the social network for people with eczema and their loved ones, where members come together to ask questions, give advice, and share their stories with others who understand life with eczema.

Do you have eczema and an interest in military service? How do you plan to try to serve your country with an eczema diagnosis? Share your experience in the comments below, or start a conversation by posting on your Activities page.