Dr Uma Alagappan — Paediatric Dermatologist in Singapore

Dr Uma Alagappan is an MOH-accredited consultant dermatologist at The Dermatology Clinic, with rooms at Paragon Medical and Parkway East Specialist Hospital. She subspecialises in paediatric dermatology, women’s dermatology and general dermatology, and completed advanced specialist training in dermatology in 2015 after rotations through SGH, the National Skin Centre and Changi General Hospital. She undertook a paediatric dermatology fellowship at Boston Children’s Hospital.

Clinical focus

Paediatric & general dermatology (eczema, acne, women's skin).

Qualifications (as publicly listed)

MBBS (Singapore), MRCP (UK), FAMS (Dermatology).

Where they practise

• Clinic / practice: The Dermatology Clinic — Orchard (Paragon Medical) / Katong (Parkway East)
• Hospital / training affiliation(s): National Skin Centre, SGH, Changi General Hospital (training); Parkway East & Gleneagles Hospitals

Related skin-health guides

• Childhood eczema & allergies
• Common childhood rashes
• Eczema treatment

Getting to the clinic

Dr Uma Alagappan practises through The Dermatology Clinic, with rooms at Paragon Medical in Orchard and at Parkway East Specialist Hospital in Katong. Confirm which location your appointment is at when you book, as the two sites are in different parts of the island.

• Paragon Medical (290 Orchard Road): Orchard MRT (NS22/TE14) and Somerset MRT (NS23) are both close, with sheltered walks along Orchard Road.
• Parkway East (Katong): served by buses, with Eunos or Dakota MRT the nearest stations followed by a short bus or taxi ride.
• By car or taxi: both sites have taxi and ride-hailing drop-off and paid visitor carparks.

What paediatric and general dermatology covers

Dr Uma’s stated focus is paediatric and general dermatology, including eczema, acne and women’s skin. This combines skin care for children with general adult dermatology. Common areas include:

• Childhood eczema (atopic dermatitis) and common childhood rashes.
• Acne in teenagers and adults.
• Women’s skin concerns, including hormonal and pregnancy-related changes.
• General skin conditions such as infections, allergic rashes and inflammatory disorders.

Caring for children’s skin requires a gentle, age-appropriate approach, and parents are closely involved in the assessment and plan.

Children’s skin differs from adults’ in how it responds to disease and to treatment, so doses, products and routines are chosen with a child’s age and skin in mind. Childhood eczema in particular is common and can be very disruptive, affecting sleep for the whole family, so practical advice on moisturising, bathing and trigger avoidance is as important as any prescription. On the adult side, general and women’s dermatology covers a broad span of concerns, from acne and rashes to skin changes linked with hormones or pregnancy, each assessed individually so that treatment is both effective and appropriate to the person’s circumstances.

What to expect at a consultation

A first visit usually begins with a history of the skin problem — when it started, what makes it better or worse, previous treatments, and, for children, feeding, family history of allergy and the impact on sleep and daily life. The dermatologist examines the skin and may use a dermatoscope.

Investigations such as swabs, allergy-related tests or a biopsy may be arranged where appropriate. The discussion then covers treatment, from emollients and topical medicines to other options, and practical advice on skincare routines and triggers.

For children, much of the consultation is practical: showing parents how to moisturise effectively, how much treatment to apply, and how to recognise and manage a flare early. It helps to bring a sense of how the condition affects daily life — sleep, school and play — as this shapes the plan. For adults, the focus is on understanding the concern, what has already been tried, and what outcome you are hoping for, so that treatment is both effective and realistic. Clear, agreed review points let you judge whether the plan is working.

Preparing for your appointment

• Photo identification and any referral letter, if you have one.
• Previous records, test results or a list of treatments already tried.
• A list of current medications, supplements and skincare products, including those used on a child.
• A note of when the condition started and what seems to trigger flares.
• Photographs of flare-ups, which are useful when the skin varies between visits.

After your consultation and follow-up

For ongoing conditions such as eczema, follow-up reviews how treatment is working and adjusts it as the skin changes, which is particularly relevant in growing children. Results and reports are shared at review visits.

Continuity of care helps manage long-term skin conditions, and seeking a second opinion is reasonable. Seek earlier review if the skin becomes infected — increasingly red, weeping, crusted or painful — or if a child is very unwell or the rash spreads rapidly.

Booking, referrals and fees

As a private specialist, Dr Uma 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 routine consultations and cosmetic treatments are usually out of pocket. Confirm current fees and any coverage with the clinic before proceeding.

Common questions

Will my child grow out of eczema?

Many children’s eczema improves with age, though it varies; in the meantime, good skincare and treatment of flares keep the skin comfortable.

How is childhood eczema managed?

Management usually centres on regular moisturising, treating flares with prescribed creams, and identifying and avoiding triggers, with the plan tailored to the child.

Are skin treatments safe for children?

Treatments are chosen and dosed appropriately for a child’s age and skin; the dermatologist will explain how to use them safely.

When should acne be treated by a dermatologist?

Acne that is persistent, scarring or distressing is worth assessing, as effective treatments can reduce both breakouts and the risk of scarring; seeking advice earlier rather than waiting often gives the best chance of preventing lasting marks, and a dermatologist can tailor treatment to the type and severity of acne involved.

Sources & verification

• Parkway East Hospital — Dr Uma Alagappan

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.