Any one else have weird skin changes following deployments?

SGT Ben Keen — Thu, 16 Apr 2015 10:53:14 -0400

Okay so for the past few days or so, I been battling a case of the hives and really painful rashes following a change in fabric softener. I recently decided to try out Downy's Unstopple In-wash scent boosters figuring that with all my traveling they would do a better job keeping my clothes smelling fresh rather than a suitcase. Well, they did that and much more. After using them two times, my body fought back and this past Tuesday, my body was about 90% covered in red, painful itchy hives. It was so bad that I ended up going to an Urgent Care. Of course when I got there, they started asking about my past health situations. I looked at the nurse and said "I'm a combat disabled Veteran; where do you want to start?" After that he asked what meds I am on. I simply showed him the document I keep on my smartphone that lists my meds and doses.

The weird thing is, prior to my deployments, I never had any issues when any sort of products on my skin. I'm registered in the VA's Burn Pit registery and I sent my doctor over at the VA all the paper work and copy of the script for the meds the Urgent Care issued me and I'm clearing up but I'm wondering, has anyone else seen a weird change in their skin after being around the crap we were around in Iraq?

By the way, I recommend that people stay away from those Down Unstoppable things unless you want to itch your skin off.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 16 at 2015 2:05 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 16 Apr 2015 14:05:23 -0400

Your getting older...lol

Response by PO2 Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 16 at 2015 3:23 PM

PO2 Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 16 Apr 2015 15:23:38 -0400

I did have an episode like that right at the end of my enlistment that I went to medical for multiple times and I have become more sensitive to fabric softener and detergent, but I was never in country or at a burn pit.