Expert: Howard Lorenz - 4/28/2008

Question
QUESTION: I Have a mild case of Eczema on my scalp and behind my ears. I was told I could not get in the coast guard due to it. Despite my ASFAB score of 92. because it is listed in the coast guard Manual as a "Contagous" disease. It is a heraditary disease only. the only other possible way to get eczema is if someone altered Your DNA. Was the person telling me the truth, Or was it B.S.?

ANSWER: Sounds like you just ran into one of "OLD" regulations.... Have you been to the MEPS yet?....an who told you that?

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: No I have not been to MEPS yet. I was told I could not go due to eczema. It was the Supervisor of the recruiting station I went to. I found out this was not in the manual, after I sent you the question It was Cronic eczema that was not allowed.

Answer
The major problem with any eczema is that th emilitary at the time the regulations were written though it was contageous...What iused to tell folks ...mostly females....who had eczema was to get some lotion or something to lessen the appearance of the eczema... My daughter has severe eczema and we gound a lotion thru Meleluca that works wonders...the biggest thing for here was the burning or irritation of most lotions kept her from using it.

After some time, I would try again... The thing is its the CHief Medical Officers job to determine  "WHAT" chronic is....not the recruiters. Another thing you can do is go to a dermotologist and have them writer you a letter in your defense..