I was not stationed in the Gulf during the war, but did two 3 month tours over there in 94 and 97. I was involved in ship boardings in support of UN sanctions. The only thing we found being smuggled was oil. I have recently began having joint pain, headaches and a rash that looks like small bumps on my arms and feet. They itch like crazy. Sleep is also starting to get tougher to get. Do any of you all think that I could have GWS? I have recently been to my doctor complaining of the joint pain and I am now being sent to a rhumetoid(sp?) specialist. Any help would be appricated. Thanks.

Gulf War Syndrome started long before the Gulf War. I think you're on the right track with the rheumotologist. I have fibromyalgia.

As far as the rashes with the bumps, I think you might want to check with a dermatolgist first requesting treatment for "ringworm". The topical treatment is the same as for the nasty varieties of fungi in that desert environment.

The desert naturally hosts fungus, because it has nothing to balance it. But the U.S. sold the Iraqis numerous species of Candida Albicans. The Russians supposedly sold the Iranians something called the "Red" fungus. All of it gets into the pores of your skin when you sweat. You can't rinse it off. You can't soap it off.

If you can talk to an allergist/immunologist, they might test your saliva for the existence of Candida Albicans. And they might treat you with several different prescription fungicides: Sporanox, Diflucan, Mycelex troches (throat lozenges). Sometimes a topical cream used for athletes' foot might work.

Some of the drugs I mentioned are usually reserved for chemotherapy patients who lose their ability to balance their gut flora. It is also used on AIDS patients who have lost their ability to fight diseases and sustain life.

Headaches will be with you from now on, best I can tell. I've still got mine, and they've grown with intensity. Best you can do is start treating them with Benadryl or find a merciful doctor who will prescribe you migraine medication. You'll lose your ability to tolerate daylight if you don't treat them early.