What Does a Dermatologist Treat?
A dermatologist in Singapore is a Ministry of Health (MOH)-accredited specialist who diagnoses and treats conditions of the skin, hair, and nails. Unlike general practitioners or aesthetic doctors, a dermatologist completes a dedicated 3–4 year residency in dermatology following medical school, and must obtain a recognised postgraduate qualification such as the Membership of the Royal College of Physicians (MRCP) and the FAMS (Fellowship of the Academy of Medicine Singapore) in Dermatology.
Singapore-registered dermatologists treat a wide spectrum of conditions, from common and chronic skin disorders to complex immunological conditions and skin cancers. Their scope covers:
- Inflammatory skin conditions: Atopic eczema, psoriasis, contact dermatitis, seborrhoeic dermatitis
- Acne and acne scarring: Hormonal acne, cystic acne, ice-pick and rolling scars
- Skin infections: Fungal infections (tinea), viral warts, molluscum contagiosum, cellulitis
- Hair and scalp disorders: Androgenetic alopecia (male/female pattern hair loss), alopecia areata, telogen effluvium
- Nail disorders: Onychomycosis (nail fungus), nail psoriasis, ingrown toenails
- Pigmentation disorders: Melasma, post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, vitiligo
- Skin cancer: Basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, melanoma; Mohs micrographic surgery
- Aesthetic dermatology: Laser treatments, chemical peels, botulinum toxin, dermal fillers (by fellowship-trained dermatologists)
When Should You See a Dermatologist in Singapore?
While a GP can manage many mild or acute skin conditions, you should see a specialist dermatologist if you experience any of the following:
- Persistent acne that is not responding to over-the-counter treatments or antibiotic courses
- Changing moles or skin lesions — any change in size, shape, colour, or bleeding warrants urgent review
- Chronic eczema or psoriasis requiring systemic medication, biologics, or phototherapy
- Significant hair shedding (more than 100 hairs per day) persisting beyond 2–3 months
- Suspected fungal or viral skin infections that have not resolved with standard treatment
- Painful or spreading rash — possible indication of shingles, erythema multiforme, or autoimmune blistering conditions
Cost of Seeing a Dermatologist in Singapore (2026)
| Service | Private Specialist Clinic | Public Hospital (Subsidised) |
|---|
| Initial Consultation | S$200–S$380 | S$80–S$130 |
| Follow-up Consultation | S$120–S$250 | S$50–S$80 |
| Patch Testing (allergy) | S$300–S$600 | S$150–S$300 |
| Skin Biopsy | S$200–S$500 | S$100–S$250 |
| Phototherapy (per session) | S$80–S$180 | S$30–S$60 |
| Fractional Laser (acne scars) | S$500–S$2,000 | N/A |
* Medisave is claimable for selected dermatology procedures including skin biopsies and certain surgical excisions under the Medisave500 scheme. Cosmetic treatments are not Medisave-claimable.
→ See our full curated list: Best Dermatologists in Singapore (2026)
Frequently Asked Questions — Dermatology in Singapore
Do I need a GP referral to see a dermatologist in Singapore?+
No. You can book directly with any private dermatologist in Singapore without a referral. However, if you plan to use your Integrated Shield Plan (ISP) or corporate insurance, check your policy as some plans require a GP referral letter for specialist claims.
What is the difference between a dermatologist and an aesthetic doctor?+
A dermatologist is a MOH-accredited specialist who has completed a dedicated dermatology residency programme. An aesthetic doctor is a GP with additional training in cosmetic procedures. For chronic skin conditions, skin cancer, or complex dermatological diseases, you should see a qualified dermatologist. Aesthetic doctors can safely perform many non-surgical cosmetic procedures.
Is acne scar treatment covered by Medisave or insurance?+
Generally, acne scar treatments (laser, subscision, dermal fillers for scars) are considered cosmetic and are not Medisave-claimable. However, if you have a medical condition such as keloid scars that require excision, this may be Medisave-claimable. Confirm with your specialist.
How long is the wait for National Skin Centre (NSC) in Singapore?+
The National Skin Centre is Singapore's public dermatology referral centre. Wait times for non-urgent outpatient consultations typically range from 4–12 weeks. Private dermatology clinics can usually offer appointments within days to 2 weeks.
Can a dermatologist treat nail fungus (onychomycosis) in Singapore?+
Yes. Nail fungal infections are a common reason for dermatology referral. Treatment typically involves 3–6 months of oral antifungal medication (e.g., terbinafine) or topical nail lacquer for milder cases. A dermatologist will confirm the diagnosis with nail clippings sent for culture.
