Please find below the extract Extract from the Psoriasis Association Journal September 2002:
"Many of you will remember that the Association was involved two years ago in the issue of entry to the Armed Services if you have psoriasis. Policy did not change much although two of the young people involved were successful on appeal. Recently we were contacted by a member who is interested in working in the Services in a particular career within the Health Services of the Army. We wrote for clarification and an up to date statement – we wanted to check whether or not particular Army careers would be open to people with psoriasis. We received the following reply:
‘The medical standards were last reviewed and revised in November 2000. The current entry with regard to Psoriasis states:
Mild psoriasis does not usually interfere with service life. There is always a risk to severe exacerbation when individuals are put under excessive stress ( whether physical or psychological in nature). For this reason evidence of psoriasis on any part of the body, other than discreet areas only on the elbows and knees is a bar to entry.
Exemption to the bar may be considered when the skin ,without treatment, has been clear from any episodes of psoriasis for a period of at least five years. This exemption to the bar should only occur with single service liaison and opinion from a Service appointed Consultant Dermatologist.’
The letter goes on to emphasise the point that new recruits need to be of robust constitution and free from disease or injury. Also that flexibility of employment in the event of illness is limited.
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Regards
Jackie
