skin disorder

[cslanzon]

Hi All,

I have Psoriasis, not severely though and in places that can be hidden. My question is this, how strict is the Army on skin disorders?

I have been on the website in the FAQ section and it states that skin disorders can make you unsuitable.

If I prove to my local AFCO how much I want to join will it make things swing in my favour?

Any info would be great, cheers.

[alex4013]

Psoriasis shouldn't be a problem, My Training Plt Sgt in 4 para had psoriasis on his face, he did alright for himself.

The doc will give you the cream etc. Just Go For It.

[cslanzon]

Many thanks alex4013. I will go for it! Went to my local AFCO and the guy down there said as long as it is no widespread should be ok.

Thanks again .

[lew]

sorry to sounds dumb, but what exactly is Psoriasis, is it some form of exma.


cheers.


lew

[flo]

Its a condition which can be triggered by stress, there are many types of psoriasis, i suffer from gutate which is small patches. It is caused by the skin cells regenerating too fast which causes a crust like 'spot' on the skin. it can be controlled through steroid and emulsifying ointments and i find that a sunbed keeps it in check.

[lew]

Cheers flo.


lew

[Tab]

It can develop into large weeping sores, it is not the thing for the tropics or the desert, also it can develop into arthritis's in time. I don't think that the Army would be to keen on taking you, as this disease can take many shapes and forms

[flo]

Tab is right as prolonged contact with damp and heat can trigger an attack, and trust me it can be painful.
Try to see a dermitologist for his opinion.

[Vladek]

What about Eczema?

I have a small patch behind my ear, say a CM square, its not widespread and hasn't caused me any problems, any idea about this? I am intending on asking the AFCO when i go of course, just wondering now though.

[cslanzon]

Many thanks for all the replies.

I am going to go with what the AFCO said, anyway whats the worse that can happen? I get turned down! At least I tried

[AdamR]

Eczema is a no no indeed as it can be an indication that you may develop Asthma at some stage.
As for the psoriasis you'll have trouble passing the medical and if you do you definately won't be going anywhere hot or sandy (two guys from my TA unit were branded UK ops only due to psoriasis and it was hardly widespread). Don't even think about covering it up as you'll be in a world of hurt if it ever gets found out added to the fact that if you go down with some sort of complication on a tour somewhere then you'll be letting your mates down and leaving a hole in your unit.
If I were you I'd try and sort it out before you get a medical. There's bound to be plenty of advice (new age and otherwise) available on the interweb, good luck.

[Vladek]

What dispite being healthy and able to run, hill walk, backpack etc a small bit of eczema is a definate no becouse maybe in 10-20 years i'll develop asthma sometime? Seriously???

Edit, Just been reading, there are different types of ezcema, "Atopic Eczema" is linked to asthma, but the one i think i have isn't, so is it still a bar, i should really ask a doctor

[Tab]

Just think about it for a bit, the Army works all over the world and often you get stuck in an area that most people would not keep pigs in. Now if you do have skin problems then it can get far worse very quickly and you have to be moved out, this then leaves your unit a man down. Now looking at this problem from the Armies point of view why should they take a person that has problem that could cause them to be pulled out of the line, then think about having to deal with a medical discharge. Now training is not cheap and the Army expects to get it's money worth out of you, so why would they employ any one with any form of medical problem, then train them, only to see them go on medical grounds with in a year or so. I know this sounds harsh but these are the facts of life.

[Vladek]

Not all Eczema means you come out like a red blob when something goes wrong you know :p

And yes I have thought about it and i don't see how mild eczema could present itself as a problem. I can see how if you're covered from head to toe in a rash and need to apply ointment daily or you scratch yourself to death could be a problem. but a patch of eczema a cm squared?? Surely they'd do it on a case by case basis? I just can't see how it would interfere with the job at hand?

[cslanzon]

Hey Guys,

I was told that it depends on your own GP and what he tells the army doctor, then apparently they base it on your history and what your condition is currently like.