If I go back to medical and admit that my hives (Idiopathic Urticaria) have been getting worse, would I be medboarded?

SGT(P) Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 01 Aug 2022 14:26:24 -0400

I have been dealing with hives for uknown reasons after like the second year after I enlisted. I'm on my fifth year now, and have been treating them with OTC allegra these last few years. The hives usually pop up whenever I am doing cardio or I take hot baths/showers, sometimes they even just show up for no good reason. I believe the doctor back then called it idiopathic urticaria. Nowadays Allegra doesn't seem to cut it, I can't run or lift heavy weights without being attacked by hives all over my body. If I go back to medical and admit that these things have been getting worse, would I be medboarded or would I still be able to meet the standard and stay in?

Response by SGT David A. 'Cowboy' Groth made Aug 1 at 2022 3:10 PM

SGT David A. 'Cowboy' Groth — Mon, 01 Aug 2022 15:10:45 -0400

I would see a dermatologist to be on the safe side brother SGT(P) Private RallyPoint Member

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 1 at 2022 3:26 PM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 01 Aug 2022 15:26:16 -0400

You are going to need to see a Dermatologist for this issue. Based on one search result (healthline.com), it states that "Chronic idiopathic urticaria isn’t an allergy and isn’t contagious. It’s probably caused by a combination of factors. These may include environmental irritants, your immune system, and genetics. It can also be a response to a bacterial, fungal, or viral infection."

If this did not develop until after you enlisted, then lucky you because DoDI 6130.03 states this issue is a DQ.

As for a MEDBOARD, only your Doctor can answer that one. Now, your choices are to go and admit you have a skin problem that isn't resolving and get it treated or not get it treated and it possibly get even worse than it already is.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 1 at 2022 3:45 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 01 Aug 2022 15:45:43 -0400

I've seen that before, it's not uncommon. Basically the sweating irritates the skin and causes hives. Allegra is a 2nd Gen antihistamine, they are better at handling allergic reactions with fewer side effects but don't act as strong as first gen antihistamines with work well against systemic issues but have worse side effects
For instance, Allegra is good for seasonal allergies, Benadryl is good when you're allergic to bee stings and have been stung. There are newer third gen antihistamines that your provider can try as well. In fact there are probably close to a dozen different ones to try before throwing in the towel.

You need to go back to your provider so they can exhaust other options. It's not uncommon for people to rotate through antihistamines as one loses effectiveness and another works for a while. Obviously, I'm not a doctor so don't go self prescribing based off what I've told you. Ask for a referral to a dermatologist

As for MEB, you'll stay in until your provider exhausts all options for treatment and the condition prevents you from doing your job.

Response by SSgt Christophe Murphy made Aug 1 at 2022 4:20 PM

SSgt Christophe Murphy — Mon, 01 Aug 2022 16:20:10 -0400

Go to dermatology and let them have a whack as treating the issue. I understand your concern but you haven't been treating the issue. You have been putting bandaids on it to cover it but you need to work with a specialist to diagnose the issue so you can accurately treat it.

Response by MSgt Steven Holt, NRP, CCEMT-P made Aug 2 at 2022 6:04 PM

MSgt Steven Holt, NRP, CCEMT-P — Tue, 02 Aug 2022 18:04:23 -0400

Speaking as a Paramedic...This sounds like an issue that could/should be easily resolved by a Dermatologist. They can complete testing and evaluations to determine the root cause of your Urticaria and develop a treatment plan. It make come down to changing the brand of soap/detergent you use or receiving regular allergy shots once they identify the cause. My son and wife are highly allergic to Tide branded detergents. We switched to something else and their issues resolved completely.

I'm not up on the current rules/regulations/etc governing what triggers a Med Board but your Primary Care should be able to assist with answering that question as well.