Skin Concerns · Apgujeong, Seoul
Eczema
Itchy, inflamed, recurring patches need a proper diagnosis and a long-term plan, not another steroid cream.
Skin Concerns · Apgujeong, Seoul
Eczema
Itchy, inflamed, recurring patches need a proper diagnosis and a long-term plan, not another steroid cream.
Quick answer
Every plan at Oaro Dermatology Clinic begins with a 1:1 skin diagnosis by a board-certified dermatologist, so the dose, device settings and session count are set for your skin rather than a template. Meet our doctors or ask about your own skin .
At a glance
| Procedure time | 20–30 minute consultation; 20 minutes for calming treatments |
|---|---|
| Anaesthesia | None |
| Downtime | None |
| Sessions | Review every 2–6 weeks until controlled |
| Results last | Long-term control with maintenance |
| Performed by | Board-certified dermatologist |
Overview
What is eczema?
Eczema, or dermatitis, is inflammation of the skin that causes itching, redness, dryness, scaling and in acute flares small blisters and weeping. It is not a single disease. Atopic dermatitis is the most common form, driven by a genetic barrier weakness and an over-reactive immune response, and often runs alongside asthma or hay fever. Contact dermatitis is triggered by an irritant or an allergen touching the skin, such as nickel, fragrance, preservatives or frequent hand washing. Hand eczema, seborrheic dermatitis and discoid eczema are other patterns. Each looks slightly different, affects different sites and needs a different plan.
Flares are commonly set off by dry air, sweat, wool, stress, infections and certain foods or products. The itch-scratch cycle thickens the skin over time and increases infection risk. Many adults manage eczema with intermittent steroid creams for years without a clear diagnosis or a maintenance strategy, which is where recurrence comes from.
How eczema is treated at Oaro
At Oaro Dermatology Clinic in Apgujeong, Seoul, Dr. Chang-hyun Kim, a full member of the Korean Society of Atopic Dermatitis, examines the pattern and distribution of the rash and, when needed, arranges allergy or patch testing to find triggers. Treatment follows a written plan: a short course of prescription anti-inflammatory cream or, for stubborn cases, non-steroid alternatives and systemic options; a barrier-repair routine; and in-clinic LDM ultrasound or LED therapy to reduce inflammation without medication. Detailed guidance for atopic dermatitis and hand eczema is on their own pages. Progress is tracked in your care notebook.
Why patients choose Oaro
- Diagnosis and treatment by a board-certified dermatologist, not a technician
- Genuine devices and products: Ultherapy, Thermage FLX, Helios Pico, Rejuran, Juvelook
- One treatment plan, written down, with aftercare and follow-up
- Private 1:1 rooms in Cheongdam Tower, 8 minutes from Apgujeong Rodeo Station
- English-friendly coordination and clear, itemised pricing
Treatment goals
Common goals for eczema treatment
Stop the itch
Break the itch-scratch cycle quickly so the skin can begin to heal.
Clear the current flare
Settle redness, scaling and weeping with the lowest effective treatment.
Fewer, milder flares
Identify triggers and establish a maintenance routine that keeps the skin calm between visits.
Safe long-term care
Use steroids sparingly and correctly, with alternatives for sensitive sites such as the face and folds.
Your visit
What to expect
1. Consultation & diagnosis
Your dermatologist takes a history of your rash, family allergies, occupation and products, examines the skin and classifies the type of eczema. Testing is arranged if a contact allergen is suspected. You receive a written diagnosis and plan in English.
2. Treatment
Prescriptions are dispensed with clear instructions on where, how much and for how long. Where helpful, a 20-minute LDM or LED session calms active patches. Severe or widespread eczema may be treated with systemic medication under monitoring.
3. Aftercare & follow-up
Reviews every two to six weeks adjust treatment as the skin improves. A maintenance routine and a flare-action plan are recorded in your care notebook so you know what to do when symptoms return.
Cost guide
Eczema treatment cost in Seoul
Eczema is a medical condition. For patients covered by Korean national health insurance, consultations and many prescriptions are partly covered; international patients without coverage pay the listed rates in Apgujeong.
| Option | Typical range (KRW) |
|---|---|
| Consultation and prescription, insured | 10,000 – 30,000 per visit |
| Consultation and prescription, uninsured | 40,000 – 100,000 per visit |
| Patch or allergy testing | 80,000 – 250,000 |
| LDM or LED calming session | 80,000 – 200,000 |
Exact pricing is confirmed at consultation after examination.
Aftercare
Aftercare
- Apply moisturiser generously at least twice daily, including when the skin looks clear.
- Use prescribed creams exactly as directed; do not stop abruptly or extend beyond the plan.
- Shower briefly in lukewarm water and pat dry; avoid scrubbing and fragranced products.
- Keep nails short and wear cotton; avoid wool and overheating at night.
- Contact the clinic if patches become weepy, crusted or painful, which may indicate infection.
Medically reviewed by
Dr. Chang-hyun Kim, M.D.
Board-certified dermatologist and Representative Director of Oaro Dermatology Clinic, Cheongdam. Ulthera Certified Treatment Provider, Thermage FLX Master Certified, and full member of the Korean Dermatological Association, the Korean Society for Dermatologic Laser and the Korean Filler Society.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between eczema and dermatitis?
They are the same thing; dermatitis is the medical term and eczema is the everyday one.
Is eczema curable?
Atopic eczema is managed rather than cured, but with the right plan many patients go months or years without a significant flare.
Are steroid creams safe?
Yes, when the correct strength is used for the right site and duration under supervision. Problems arise from misuse, not from appropriate use.
Can I have eczema treated during a visit to Seoul?
Yes. A consultation, prescriptions and a written plan can be arranged within a single visit, with online follow-up.
Does diet cause eczema?
In some children, specific foods trigger flares; in adults this is less common, and testing is better than guessing.
Explore related care
Often considered together
- Atopic Dermatitis — the most common type of eczema
- Hand Eczema — eczema of the hands and fingers
- Contact Dermatitis — irritant and allergic reactions
- Itchy Skin — when itch is the main symptom
- Medical Dermatology — all medical skin conditions
- Skin Concerns — all concerns
- Contact & Booking — book a dermatology consultation
Private 1:1 consultation
Plan your treatment with a board-certified dermatologist in Apgujeong
Tell us what you would like to change, and we will examine your skin, explain the options and give you a written plan with clear pricing. English-speaking coordinators are available for international patients.