Eczema is a chronic inflammatory skin condition causing dry, itchy, red, and cracked skin. Korea's seasonal extremes — humid summers and dry, cold winters — create unique challenges for eczema management.
Atopic dermatitis (eczema) is the most common form of eczema — a chronic condition causing inflamed, itchy, and dry skin that often flares and remits over time. It is part of the 'atopic triad' alongside asthma and allergic rhinitis, and people with eczema commonly have the other two conditions as well.
In Korea, eczema presents specific management challenges tied to the country's four distinct seasons. Hot, humid summers frequently trigger flares through sweating, while Korea's cold, very dry winters — combined with indoor heating (ondol floor heating and forced-air systems) — strip moisture from the skin. Many patients find that swimming in chlorinated pools or public bathhouses (jjimjilbang), both common activities in Korea, can worsen eczema without proper after-bathing moisturisation.
Eczema is not contagious and cannot be cured, but it can be very well controlled. The cornerstone of management is regular use of a thick, fragrance-free emollient (moisturiser) to restore the skin barrier, combined with short courses of topical corticosteroids for flares. Newer biologic medicines (dupilumab/Dupixent) have transformed treatment for moderate-to-severe eczema and are available at specialist clinics in Korea.
Key Points
- Most commonly affects the face, neck, elbows, behind knees, wrists, and ankles
- Intensely itchy — scratching worsens inflammation and can lead to infection
- Emollient (moisturiser) is the foundation of treatment — apply at least twice daily
- Topical corticosteroids treat flares — should be used as directed by a doctor
- Common triggers: sweating, soaps, fragrances, dust, synthetic fabrics, stress
- Dupilumab (Dupixent) is a biologic injection for moderate-to-severe eczema — available in Korea
Causes & Risk Factors
- Genetic skin barrier defect — filaggrin protein mutations make skin more permeable
- Overactive immune response to environmental triggers
- Seasonal humidity swings — summer sweating and winter dryness both trigger flares in Korea's climate
- Contact with soaps, detergents, shampoos, and fragrances
- Dust mites — common allergen, especially with winter indoor heating
- Stress and anxiety
- Certain foods (milk, eggs, nuts in some children)
- Chlorine from swimming pools and public baths
When to See a Doctor
- First occurrence for proper diagnosis — eczema can look similar to other skin conditions
- When over-the-counter treatments are not controlling symptoms
- If skin becomes infected (yellow crusts, weeping, warmth, or fever)
- If eczema significantly impacts sleep or quality of life
- To discuss biologic treatment for severe eczema
- Annual review if on regular topical steroids
For emergencies in Korea, call 119
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This content is published for educational purposes only. For accurate diagnosis and personalised treatment, consult a licensed KMA physician in Korea.
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This article is published by DoctorsInKorea.com for educational and informational purposes only. It does not replace a professional clinical evaluation by a licensed healthcare provider. For accurate medical diagnosis and personalised treatment paths, please book an appointment with a licensed KMA physician. For immediate life-threatening medical emergencies in Korea, please call 119.
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Last reviewed: May 29, 2026