Eczema (atopic dermatitis) is a chronic inflammatory skin condition that can range from mild dryness to debilitating, widespread rashes. For many people in Singapore, managing eczema means a long-term commitment—not just to treatments but also to understanding what those treatments cost. Whether you’re dealing with occasional flare-ups or severe, persistent skin inflammation, knowing the potential financial burden is critical.
If you’re considering expert care, consulting a good eczema doctor in Singapore (link below) can help you plan an effective and financially sustainable management strategy:
good eczema doctor in Singapore
In this guide, we break down the real costs of eczema treatment in Singapore—from simple moisturisers and prescription creams to advanced therapies like biologics.
Why Eczema Costs Vary Widely
Several factors contribute to the wide cost range for eczema treatment:
- Severity and Extent
Mild eczema may respond to over-the-counter moisturisers, while moderate to severe cases require prescription treatments. - Type of Treatment
Options range from topical creams, phototherapy, immunosuppressants, to biologic therapies. Each tier has drastically different costs. - Clinic and Specialist Fees
Visiting a board-certified dermatologist or dermatologist-led clinic is more expensive than basic GP services—but often more effective and safer for chronic or severe eczema. - Follow-Up Frequency
Chronic eczema often requires multiple follow-up visits, dose adjustments, and lab monitoring. - Medication Monitoring
Systemic or biologic therapies may require blood tests, screening, and monitoring over time. - Long-Term Use vs. Short-Term Relief
Some treatments are used only during flare-ups, while others are maintenance therapies, affecting long-term cost.
Typical Cost Breakdown for Eczema Treatments in Singapore
1. Basic Skincare & Over-the-Counter (OTC) Products
- Moisturiser / Emollients
- Simple ceramide-based or fragrance-free moisturisers: SGD 15–40 per bottle or tube (e.g., big pharmacy brands).
- Richer, medical-grade moisturisers may cost more.
- Gentle Cleansers
- Mild, soap-free or non-irritating cleansers: SGD 10–25.
These OTC products are typically your first line of defense and fundamental to any eczema management plan.
2. Prescription Topical Treatments
When OTC is not enough, dermatologists may prescribe stronger topical options:
- Topical Steroids
- Low potency (e.g., hydrocortisone): SGD 10–30 for a small tube.
- Medium to high potency (e.g., betamethasone, clobetasol): SGD 20–70 depending on brand and size.
- Steroid usage is carefully prescribed to minimize side effects and costs over time.
- Non-Steroidal Topicals
- Calcineurin inhibitors (tacrolimus, pimecrolimus): Commonly prescribed for sensitive areas like the face or folds. These may cost SGD 40–120 depending on strength and brand.
- PDE-4 inhibitors (e.g., crisaborole): Newer, non-steroidal option; likely higher cost, around SGD 100+ for a tube.
- Barrier Repair Treatments
- Prescription ceramide creams, urea or lactic acid formulations: SGD 30–80 depending on product and size.
These prescription treatments are often used for flare-ups or specific problem areas.
3. Phototherapy (Light Therapy)
For moderate to severe eczema, dermatologists may recommend phototherapy:
- Narrowband UVB Therapy
- Typically requires 2–3 sessions per week over several weeks or months.
- Each session cost can vary from SGD 30 to SGD 80, depending on clinic.
- Total course cost may range from SGD 500–1,500+ depending on number of sessions.
- PUVA / Other Light Modalities (less common)
- More intensive and may require oral or topical photosensitisers, driving up cost.
Phototherapy is a powerful treatment for widespread or persistent eczema but requires commitment and regular clinic visits.
4. Systemic Medications (Non-Biologics)
When topical treatments are not enough, systemic (oral) medications may be prescribed:
- Oral Corticosteroids
- Used for acute flare-ups for short periods. Cost depends on prescription but generally lower in short-term use.
- Risks and side-effects limit long-term use.
- Immunosuppressants
- Cyclosporine, Methotrexate, Azathioprine are commonly used.
- Monitoring: Frequent blood tests are required (e.g., liver, kidney, blood counts).
- Estimated cost: Varies widely — roughly SGD 100–400 monthly (drug + monitoring), but depends heavily on dose, duration, and lab testing.
These options are effective but require careful monitoring, which adds to the total cost.
5. Biologic Therapies
Biologics are the newest and most advanced (and expensive) option for severe eczema:
- Dupilumab (Dupixent®)
- One of the most established biologics for moderate-to-severe eczema.
- Cost in Singapore: Can be very high — depending on subsidy and clinic, it could range from thousands of SGD per month if unsubsidized.
- Requires regular dosing (e.g., every 2 weeks) and follow-up with a dermatologist.
- Other Biologics / JAK inhibitors
- Emerging therapies are entering the market, but cost and availability vary.
- These treatments need specialist oversight, frequent monitoring, and typically come with a high price tag.
Because biologics are expensive, many clinics or patients negotiate payment plans, access subsidy schemes, or apply for assistance based on clinical need.
Hidden Costs: What Many Patients Overlook
- Consultation Fees
- Seeing a dermatologist for specialized eczema care often costs more (SGD 80–200+ per consult, depending on clinic).
- Follow-up visits add up, especially for dose adjustments or treatment monitoring.
- Lab Tests / Monitoring
- Systemic drugs: Blood tests (CBC, liver, kidney), screening (viral, immunology) every few months can be costly.
- Biologics: Regular clinical monitoring, possibly imaging or specialist reviews.
- Hospital or Clinic Visits
- If phototherapy: Travel and time cost too.
- If needing injection biologics: sometimes done in a clinic, possibly with facility or care fees.
- Aftercare Products
- Prescription or premium moisturisers, barrier creams, and corticosteroids.
- Sunscreen: Vital for skin recovering from inflammation, adding to monthly skin-care budgeting.
- Opportunity Cost
- Time off work for clinic visits or recovery.
- Long-term treatment means ongoing financial and lifestyle commitment.
How to Manage and Plan for These Costs
Dermatologists recommend several strategies to make eczema care more affordable without compromising quality:
- Prioritize Your Treatment Goals
- Focus first on stabilizing your skin, then layer in higher-cost treatments if needed.
- Ask your dermatologist which treatments they recommend first based on severity and budget.
- Use Generic or Cost-Effective Alternatives
- Ask for generic versions of immunosuppressants if available.
- Use basic, but effective, moisturisers rather than premium or medical-grade ones when possible.
- Explore Subsidies or Insurance
- Check whether your biologic or drug is covered under government subsidy schemes or private health insurance.
- Some clinics offer payment plans or installment options for expensive therapies.
- Combine Treatments Wisely
- Use topical and systemic therapy together: a lower dose of systemic plus effective topical may maintain control and reduce cost.
- Combine phototherapy with topicals to reduce reliance on very expensive drugs.
- Use Maintenance Rather Than Continuous High-Potency Treatment
- Once skin stabilizes, taper expensive treatments to maintenance doses.
- Monitor closely with your dermatologist to avoid flares.
- Stay on Top of Follow-Up
- Regular check-ins help catch side effects early, reducing risk of complications that could add cost.
- Early adjustments can prevent wastage of expensive medications.
Choosing the Right Dermatologist to Manage Cost and Care
Here’s how to find a dermatologist who helps you balance cost and effectiveness:
- Look for a good eczema doctor in Singapore who has experience managing a full spectrum of eczema severities and treatments.
- Ask about their approach to cost: Are they open to starting with more affordable therapies? Can they help with follow-up and monitoring?
- Confirm their experience with advanced treatments like biologics or immunosuppressants if you need them.
- Review before/after case studies similar to your eczema type to gauge expected results.
Realistic Examples of Monthly Eczema Budget Scenarios
Here are a few hypothetical cost scenarios for eczema patients in Singapore:
Scenario A: Mild, Well-Controlled Eczema
- OTC moisturiser: SGD 20/month
- Super-low potency steroid (prescription): SGD 25/month (small tube)
- One dermatologist visit every 6 months: SGD ~100 (amortized)
- Total Monthly Cost Estimate: ~SGD 40–50
Scenario B: Moderate Eczema with Systemic Therapy
- Moisturizers + barrier repair: SGD ~60/month
- Methotrexate or Azathioprine + lab monitoring: SGD ~200–400/month
- Quarterly dermatologist visits: SGD ~150/month (averaged)
- Total Monthly Cost Estimate: ~SGD 300–600
Scenario C: Severe Eczema on Biologic
- Biologic (e.g., dupilumab): High cost (varies widely)
- Topical maintenance (moisturiser + steroid): SGD ~80–120/month
- Monthly or bi-monthly dermatologist reviews: SGD ~200/month (or more)
- Lab work and monitoring: Variable, possibly SGD ~50–150/month when averaged
- Total Monthly Cost Estimate: Can be several hundred to over a thousand SGD, depending on subsidy or payment plan
Conclusion
Eczema treatment in Singapore can vary dramatically in cost, depending on the severity of the condition, the type of therapy required, and the level of specialist care involved. From affordable moisturisers and topical medications to higher-investment options like phototherapy, systemic drugs, and biologics, every stage of treatment comes with financial considerations. While advanced therapies can offer life-changing improvement, many patients can still achieve excellent control with cost-effective, personalized treatment plans.
The most important step is working with a good eczema doctor in Singapore who can accurately assess your skin condition, guide you through the most appropriate treatment options, and help you balance results with long-term affordability. With the right plan, consistent follow-up, and professional guidance, eczema can be managed effectively without unnecessary stress on your health—or your finances.