Can You Join the Military with Psoriasis?
Joining the military can be a prestigious and rewarding career, but it requires passing strict physical and medical screenings. For individuals with chronic health conditions like psoriasis, the process can be more challenging. In this article, we’ll dive into the world of psoriasis and the military to provide a comprehensive answer to the question: Can you join the military with psoriasis?
Contents
What is Psoriasis?
Psoriasis is a chronic skin condition characterized by red, scaly patches that occur due to an overproduction of skin cells. About 7.5 million Americans suffer from psoriasis, and it affects men and women equally. Although there is no cure, symptoms can be managed with treatments and lifestyle changes.
How Does the Military View Psoriasis?
The US military has a set of guidelines for enlisting candidates with psoriasis. In general, the military will consider applicants with psoriasis on a case-by-case basis. The following criteria are used to assess whether psoriasis is "satisfactory" for military service:
• Severity of symptoms: Mild, localized symptoms are more acceptable than severe, widespread involvement.
• Impact on quality of life: If symptoms are well-controlled and don’t significantly affect daily life, it’s more likely to be considered satisfactory for service.
• Effectiveness of treatment: If symptoms can be effectively managed with treatments, it’s seen as more acceptable for service.
• Duration of remission: If the disease is in remission at the time of enlistment, it’s more likely to be considered satisfactory.
Psoriasis and Military Medical Screening
During the enlistment process, psoriasis will be evaluated by a military doctor. This assessment includes:
• Reviewing medical history: Applicants must disclose their psoriasis diagnosis and any treatments used.
• Physical examination: The doctor will examine the affected areas to assess severity and extent of the disease.
• Laboratory tests: In some cases, tests may be conducted to confirm the diagnosis and rule out other conditions.
Important:
- Severity scores are used to quantify the impact of psoriasis on daily life and activities. Scores range from 0 (no disability) to 5 (totally disabled).
- If your psoriasis score is high, it may delay or disqualify your military service.
Military Branches and Psoriasis
Different military branches may have varying policies regarding psoriasis. Here are some general guidelines:
• Army: PS 13 (Psoriasis) is listed as a condition that may disqualify enlistment. Applicants must demonstrate satisfactory control over their symptoms and a documented remission period of at least 6 months prior to enlistment.
• Navy: Navy Policy Memo 14, paragraph 12-100 (Psoriasis) outlines requirements for satisfactory control over symptoms. Applicants must be asymptomatic or have stable symptoms at the time of enlistment.
• Air Force: AFI 44-161 (Policy and Procedure for Recruiting, Enlisting, or Appointing Persons with Physical Defects) details requirements for psoriasis diagnosis. Applicants must demonstrate effective control over symptoms and a reasonable assurance that they can adapt to the demands of aircrew duty.
Treatment and Management Considerations
While the military does accommodate some individuals with psoriasis, treatment and management must be effective and reliable to ensure successful service. Applicants should:
• Work closely with a dermatologist to establish an effective treatment plan.
• Provide detailed documentation of symptoms, treatments, and impact on daily life.
• Consider using topical treatments or medications to manage symptoms during service.
Bonus: Military Service Member’s Guide to Psoriasis Management
For those who have made the decision to join the military despite having psoriasis, here are some general guidelines to manage your symptoms and ensure successful service:
• Maintain treatment plan: Work closely with a dermatologist to stay on track with treatment plans and adjust as needed.
• Wear minimal makeup: Avoid heavy foundation, concealer, and powders, which may exacerbate symptoms.
• Avoid stress: Prioritize stress management techniques like exercise, meditation, and social support to minimize triggers.
• Keep an ongoing medical record: Record any changes in symptoms, treatment, and medical interventions for easy reference.
• Be prepared for temporary separation: In cases where psoriasis symptoms worsen or become unmanageable, you may be separated from service for treatment. Having a plan in place for this scenario is essential.
Conclusion
Psoriasis can be a manageable condition, but it may affect an individual’s suitability for military service. Understanding the military’s policies, requirements, and treatment approaches can help applicants make an informed decision about their path forward. While joining the military with psoriasis can be challenging, with proper treatment and management, many individuals have successfully completed their service. Consider discussing your options with a dermatologist, recruiter, and healthcare professional to explore the possibilities.
