Treatment guide · Skin Conditions
Folliculitis in Seoul
Diagnosis and treatment for red, itchy bumps around hair follicles, plus options to stop them coming back.
Ask the clinic for: 모낭염
Quick answer
Folliculitis is inflammation or infection of hair follicles that causes small red bumps or pus spots, often on the beard area, chest, back, buttocks or legs. Seoul dermatologists treat it with antibacterial or antifungal creams, washes or tablets depending on the cause. A visit costs about ₩10,000–₩100,000, has no downtime and mild cases often clear in 1–2 weeks.
Estimated cost in Seoul
₩10,000–₩100,000 per visit
Treatment time
10–20 minutes
Downtime
None
Results show
1–2 weeks
Results last
Can recur
Sessions
1–2 visits; laser if recurring
Folliculitis explained
Folliculitis is inflammation of hair follicles. It can be caused by bacteria, yeast, shaving, friction, sweat, hot tubs or tight clothes. It looks like acne but appears around hairs and often itches.
How Folliculitis works
The doctor first identifies the likely cause. Bacterial folliculitis is treated with antibacterial washes, creams or sometimes antibiotic tablets. Yeast-related folliculitis is treated with antifungal medicine. For people who get it again and again from shaving or ingrown hairs, laser hair removal reduces hair and so reduces the number of inflamed follicles. Tablets need a doctor's prescription in Korea.
Who Folliculitis is for
- Itchy red bumps after shaving, sweating or hot tubs
- Recurring bumps on the chest, back, buttocks or thighs
- Beard-area bumps that keep coming back
- People who want to know if it is bacterial or fungal
Who should avoid Folliculitis
- Large, painful boils with fever, which need prompt medical care
- Squeezing or picking bumps at home
- Laser hair removal on actively infected skin
- Long-term antibiotic use without a doctor's review
What happens at the appointment
- Dermatologist consultation and skin exam
- Swab or test if the cause is unclear
- Prescription cream, wash or tablets explained
- Advice on shaving, clothing and sweat
- Laser hair removal discussed for recurring cases
Aftercare and flying home
- Wash gently and dry the area well after sweating
- Wear loose, breathable clothing
- Pause shaving or use a clean electric trimmer
- Avoid hot tubs until it clears
- Finish the full course of any prescribed medicine
Side effects and risks
- Dryness or irritation from medicated washes
- Dark marks after bumps heal, especially on darker skin
- Recurrence if triggers continue
- Rare scarring or hair loss with deep infections
How much does Folliculitis cost in Seoul?
₩10,000–₩100,000 per visit (about US$8–75 per visit) — Costs depend on the consultation, tests and prescription medicine. Laser hair removal for prevention is charged per area and per session. Prices are estimates and vary by clinic.
Why get Folliculitis in Korea?
Seoul has many walk-in dermatology clinics with short waits and modest consultation costs. Laser hair removal, often used to stop recurring folliculitis, is widely available and usually less expensive than in many Western cities.
Prices are estimates gathered for Seoul clinics and change with brand, dose and promotions — confirm a quote with the clinic before booking. This page is general information, not medical advice; a doctor will assess whether a treatment suits you at consultation.
Frequently asked questions
How much does folliculitis treatment cost in Seoul?
A dermatologist visit with prescription usually costs about ₩10,000–₩100,000. Tests and laser hair removal are extra.
Does folliculitis treatment hurt?
No. Most treatment is creams, washes or tablets. The bumps themselves may be sore or itchy until they settle.
How long does folliculitis take to clear?
Mild cases often clear in 1–2 weeks with treatment. Deeper or recurring folliculitis can take longer.
Can I fly with folliculitis?
Yes. Keep the area clean and dry, wear loose clothing on the flight, and bring your medicine.
Is folliculitis contagious?
Bacterial folliculitis can occasionally spread through shared razors or towels. Avoid sharing them while you have bumps.
Can laser hair removal stop folliculitis?
It can help when folliculitis keeps returning from shaving or ingrown hairs, because fewer hairs means fewer inflamed follicles. It is started after active infection has cleared.
Where to get it in Seoul
Foreigner-friendly clinics cluster around Gangnam, Sinsa–Apgujeong–Cheongdam and Myeongdong. Tap a number to zoom in, then tap a pin to ask the clinic on WhatsApp whether they offer this treatment and for a quote.
Pins show each clinic's neighbourhood or nearest station, not the exact door. Not every clinic offers every treatment — ask before you go.
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