The cost of treating seborrheic dermatitis on the scalp in Korea varies depending on the clinic, treatment method, and severity. Below is a breakdown of typical cost components:
1. Initial Consultation & Scalp Analysis
- Basic dermatologist visit: ₩50,000
- Specialized scalp health check-up (including scalp microscopy): ₩50,000 to ₩150,000
2. Medicated Shampoo / Antifungal Treatments
- Ketoconazole or antifungal shampoo (OTC, 2%): ₩20,000–₩35,000
- Prescription-strength antifungal shampoo (clinic grade): ₩35,000–₩60,000
- Treatment set (shampoo + scalp serum + scalp oil): ₩60,000–₩120,000
3. Scalp Scaling, Cleansing & Detox
- Scalp scaling / medical-grade exfoliation: ₩80,000–₩150,000 per session
- Emollient-based scalp cleansing: ₩40,000–₩120,000
- Salicylic acid scalp exfoliation: ₩40,000–₩90,000
4. Light / Laser Therapy
- LED light therapy (for inflammation control): ₩30,000–₩70,000 per session
- Advanced laser or combination therapies may cost higher, especially in multi-session packages
5. Herbal / Traditional Medicine Treatment
- Monthly topical herbal treatment: around ₩97,900
- Oral or external herbal formulas may vary depending on the clinic
6. Follow-Up / Maintenance
- Follow-up dermatologist visits: ₩30,000 per session
- Chronic management packages (scaling + light therapy + medicated products) can cost several hundred thousand KRW depending on duration and frequency
7. Total Estimated Treatment Cost Range
For moderate seborrheic dermatitis (diagnosis + scaling + medication + light therapy), total costs for a few sessions are typically ₩100,000 to ₩500,000 (approximately USD $75–$370), depending on clinic and treatment intensity.
Factors That Influence Cost
- Clinic Reputation & Location: Clinics in premium areas may charge more
- Treatment Type: Medicated shampoo alone vs. combined in-clinic treatments
- Number of Sessions: More sessions increase total cost
- Follow-Up & Maintenance: Long-term care plans cost more but provide better results
- Medication Strength: Prescription treatments cost more than over-the-counter options
- Use of Traditional Medicine: Herbal approaches affect overall cost
Tips for Medical Tourists
- Request a detailed cost quote including treatment plan
- Confirm if the clinic has English-speaking staff
- Provide a history of your scalp condition for accurate assessment
- Ask about package deals for multiple sessions
- Clarify if follow-up visits or maintenance are included
