By Mary Anne Dunkin
LOS ANGELES—For many veterans of the Gulf War, 
chronic health conditions have become part of life long 
after service ends. Among these, persistent skin disorders 
such as eczema—also known as atopic dermatitis—can 
be especially disruptive, affecting comfort, sleep, mental 
health and overall quality of life.
Eczema is a chronic inflammatory skin condition 
marked by dry, itchy and inflamed skin. While it can affect 
anyone, veterans may face unique exposures—such as 
environmental irritants, burn pits and extreme climates—
that can trigger or worsen symptoms.
In some cases, eczema may develop or persist alongside 
other chronic symptoms associated with Gulf War illness. 
Its ongoing nature and impact on daily life can make it 
challenging to manage and, in some cases, contribute to 
eligibility for disability compensation under VA guidelines.
Eczema may qualify as a presumptive VA disability 
when it is diagnosed as a chronic condition lasting 6 
months or longer and rated at least 10% disabling. For those 
who served in the Southwest Asia theater of operations 
beginning Aug. 2, 1990, chronic skin conditions are 
recognized as part of Gulf War-related illnesses.
“Health outcomes varied consistently with veterans’ 
demographic and military characteristics, and with 
exposures during deployment,” according to a study 
two years ago in the journal Environmental Health. “All 
outcomes were most prevalent among youngest veterans 
(< 50 years), Army and Marine Corps veterans, enlisted 
personnel (vs. officers), veterans located in Iraq and/or 
Kuwait for at least 7 days, and veterans who remained in 
theater from January/February 1991 through the summer 
of 1991. In multivariable models, GWI/ill health was 
most strongly associated with three exposures: chemical/
biological warfare agents, taking pyridostigmine bromide 
pills and use of skin pesticides.”1
Earlier studies have noted that rash was one of the most 
common symptoms reported by U.S. registries of Gulf 
veterans and that, in studies comparing Gulf veterans with 
non-Gulf veterans, dermatitis was the third most common 
health condition (21%) reported by the veterans.
A recent expert consensus review, published in the 
Journal of Drugs in Dermatology, highlighted a shift in how 
Eczema Management 
In Gulf War Veterans: 
Emerging Therapies, 
Evolving Treatment
Persistent skin disorders, including 
atopic dermatitis (AD), have plagued 
Gulf War veterans since they were 
deployed in the early 1990s.  Now, 
they and other patients with AD are 
benefiting from the development of 
nonsteroidal topical treatments shown to 
be effective for their conditions without 
the bothersome side effects associated 
with continuous steroid use.
	
	
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