Dr Cheong Wai Kwong is a consultant dermatologist in private practice at Specialist Skin Clinic in Orchard, Singapore. His clinical interests include phototherapy, psoriasis, acne and acne scars, eczema, and laser/IPL treatments, and he previously trained and practised at the National Skin Centre. He is a past President of the Dermatological Society of Singapore.
Clinical focus
Medical dermatology (psoriasis, acne, eczema, phototherapy).
Qualifications (as publicly listed)
MBBS (Singapore), MRCP (UK), FRCP (Edinburgh), Dip Ven (London), FAMS (Dermatology).
Where they practise
- Clinic / practice: Specialist Skin Clinic — Orchard
- Hospital / training affiliation(s): National Skin Centre (former); St John's Dermatology Centre, London (training)
Related skin-health guides
Getting to the clinic
Dr Cheong Wai Kwong practises through Specialist Skin Clinic in the Orchard area of Singapore, a central, well-connected part of the city.
- By MRT: The Orchard Road belt is served by Orchard MRT (NS22/TE14) and Somerset MRT (NS23); confirm the exact building when you book so you can pick the nearest station and exit.
- By bus: Numerous services run along Orchard Road and the surrounding streets within easy walking distance.
- By car or taxi: Taxi and ride-hailing drop-off is readily available in the area, and central medical and retail buildings generally have paid visitor carparks.
What medical dermatology covers
Dr Cheong’s stated focus is medical dermatology — including psoriasis, acne, eczema and phototherapy. Medical dermatology treats skin disease through medicines, light therapy and procedures. Common areas include:
- Psoriasis, an inflammatory condition causing scaly plaques, often needing long-term management.
- Acne and acne scarring, treated with topical, oral and procedural options.
- Eczema and other inflammatory skin conditions.
- Phototherapy and laser or IPL treatments for suitable skin conditions.
Many of these are chronic conditions where the aim is to control flares and keep the skin comfortable over time rather than a single cure.
Inflammatory skin conditions such as psoriasis and eczema can affect sleep, comfort and confidence as much as the skin itself, so treatment looks at the impact on daily life and not only the appearance of the rash. Care is usually stepped, beginning with gentler measures and moving to stronger topical, light-based or systemic options when needed. Phototherapy, which uses controlled ultraviolet light, is one tool for certain conditions and is delivered as a supervised course. Acne is managed with topical and oral treatments and sometimes procedures, with attention to limiting scarring. Because these conditions tend to flare and settle, helping people understand their triggers and use treatments well at home is a key part of long-term control.
What to expect at a consultation
A first visit usually begins with a history of your skin problem — when it started, what triggers or relieves it, previous treatments and their effect, and any family history. The dermatologist examines the affected skin and may use a dermatoscope or examine the nails and scalp.
Investigations such as swabs, patch tests or a skin biopsy may be arranged where needed. The discussion then covers treatment options, from creams and oral medicines to phototherapy or procedures, and how the plan will be monitored and adjusted over time.
As these conditions are usually long-running, the first visit often begins an ongoing relationship rather than providing a single cure. It helps to describe clearly what you have already tried and how well it worked, how consistently you were able to follow it, and how the condition affects your sleep, comfort and confidence. This allows a plan that is realistic to follow as well as medically sound. Understanding the reason behind each treatment, and exactly how to use it, makes a substantial difference to how well a chronic skin condition stays under control between visits.
Preparing for your appointment
- Photo identification and any referral letter, if you have one.
- Previous records, biopsy results or a list of treatments you have already tried.
- A list of current medications, supplements and skincare or topical products.
- A note of when the condition started, how it behaves, and what seems to trigger flares.
- Photographs of flares, which help when your skin varies between good and bad days.
After your consultation and follow-up
For chronic skin conditions, follow-up reviews how treatment is working and adjusts it as needed. Treatments such as phototherapy run as a course of sessions, while systemic medicines may require monitoring. Results and reports are shared at review visits.
Continuity of care helps keep long-term conditions under control, and seeking a second opinion is reasonable. Seek earlier review if your skin worsens rapidly, becomes widely red and peeling, or shows signs of infection such as increasing pain, warmth or discharge.
Booking, referrals and fees
As a private specialist, Dr Cheong can usually be seen without a referral, though a GP or polyclinic referral may help with subsidies at public clinics. MediSave, MediShield Life and Integrated Shield Plans may apply to eligible medical procedures within set limits, while cosmetic treatments and routine consultations are usually out of pocket. Confirm current fees and any coverage with the clinic before proceeding.
Common questions
Can psoriasis be cured?
Psoriasis is generally a long-term condition that is managed rather than cured, with treatment aimed at controlling flares and keeping the skin clear and comfortable.
What is phototherapy?
Phototherapy uses controlled doses of ultraviolet light to treat certain inflammatory skin conditions and is delivered under supervision over a course of sessions.
How is acne treated?
Acne is treated with topical and oral medicines and sometimes procedures, chosen according to its severity and how it responds, with the aim of reducing breakouts and scarring.
Why does eczema keep coming back?
Eczema tends to flare and settle, often in response to triggers such as irritants, weather or stress; ongoing skincare with regular moisturising and treating flares promptly as they appear help keep it under control over the long term.
Sources & verification
See also: Best dermatologists in Singapore (editorial directory) and our shortlist of dermatology clinics.
This is an independent, factual profile compiled from the public sources listed above — not a paid listing, advertisement or endorsement. Details can change; always verify a doctor’s current registration on the Singapore Medical Council public register and confirm specifics directly with the clinic. This page is general information, not medical advice or a recommendation of any individual practitioner. See our editorial policy.
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