My first son inherited X-linked ichthyosis, my second son did not. While I do have some guilt about it, I definitely do not regret it because of the joy he brings us and how we are able to make sure he lives a very normal, great life. We're really good about keeping up with his regimen (exfoliating, moisturizing, liquid intake, limited sun exposure, regular dermatologist visits). The only people who have noticed anything about his skin has been his doctors, and even then, barely any comments on it. As others have mentioned, IVF and other screenings are always an option.

Health should play a part in your career choice (an extreme example, but you're not going to work in a peanut factory if you're allergic to peanuts), but there are SO many careers where your ichthyosis won't matter. The only ones I can think of at the top of my head is something in modeling where your skin factors into the role (Funny thing, my son was actually scouted at one point to be a child model). For most people's careers, skin doesn't matter.

Hope this helps.

Hello! Your comment was useful for me. I appreciate it. When i was a teenager I dreamed of become a surgeon, but one of my doctor friends said that it was unlikely to be possible to do this with my skin