non-residency related but just asking

[cheetoSnacks]

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I am considering to be a doctor but for the past 20 years I've had major eczema issues - and been to like 10 different dermatologists (no kidding) and it just doesn't go away. I'm concerned about having open cuts all the time etc In the past I said to myself this is prob a reason why I shouldn't be in medicine because I can't touch people. Then I thought - this could go away if I take my medications (with heavy side effects that sux) all the freakin time. Am i wimping out? Should I not chicken out over a little eczema and step up to the plate? (excuse the cheesy phrase) should I go for a medicine career? what do you people think after going through it all?

 

[cheetoSnacks]

😕 why won't anyone answer da**it!

 

[outofhere]

Sorry to hear about your horrible eczema. It seems so benign and shouldn't be a big deal, but boy, when you're itching, hurting, it sure is a big deal.
The likelihood of catching some infection from typical day-to-day contact of touch is pretty low- I mean, you already touch all sorts of door knobs...etc. But you can probably expect the dryness to get worse by the fact that you'll be washing your hands more frequently... Also, not all specialties involve physical touch- radiology, radiation oncology, psychiatry...etc. If you want to be in medicine, don't let eczema stop you!

 

[deleted109597]

😕 why won't anyone answer da**it!

Because only you can answer that question.

 

[Shah_Patel_PT]

I am considering to be a doctor but for the past 20 years I've had major eczema issues - and been to like 10 different dermatologists (no kidding) and it just doesn't go away. I'm concerned about having open cuts all the time etc In the past I said to myself this is prob a reason why I shouldn't be in medicine because I can't touch people. Then I thought - this could go away if I take my medications (with heavy side effects that sux) all the freakin time. Am i wimping out? Should I not chicken out over a little eczema and step up to the plate? (excuse the cheesy phrase) should I go for a medicine career? what do you people think after going through it all?

I know a surgeon who has eczema...you really don't touch anything when you are scrubbed in and covered up.

The key is probably to control exacerbations on the exposed areas of your skin and you should be alright.

This should be the least of your concern....in debating whether to enter medical school.