Another Freeper (wish I could remember who it was) suggested a book “Shattered Sword” about the Battle of Midway, and these folks did some serious research on this book (It is widely lauded) and tells much of the Japanese side of the battle most of the west is somewhat ignorant of.
I know a bit about damage control on ships, but it was a real eye-opener to read about the deficiencies in the Japanese ship designs (at least at that point in the war)
I believe they looked at Halsey’s condition with a more modern light and came to that conclusion.
But like you, I will chalk it up to “A debilitating chronic skin condition” since I cannot positively ID it either!
I own and have read “Shattered Sword.” Terrific book.