Medical emergency? Call 912 (SAMU ambulance, free) or go to the nearest hospital emergency department. A rash with fever and severe illness, swelling of the face or lips with breathing difficulty, or a serious burn needs emergency care. Kigali Clinics is a booking service, not a clinic, and does not give medical advice.
Searching for a dermatologist in Kigali? Kigali Clinics helps you find and book a licensed skin specialist for problems with your skin, hair or nails. Tell us what is bothering you, where in Kigali is convenient, and how you will pay. We look for a suitable private clinic and come back to you with options and timing.
Skin problems are some of the most common reasons people look for a doctor, and many of them, such as acne and eczema, can affect sleep, confidence and work. Getting the right diagnosis early often means simpler treatment and less chance of lasting marks.
Skin, hair and nail problems we can help you book
| Concern | Examples |
|---|---|
| Acne | Spots, painful cysts, dark marks or scars left behind |
| Eczema and dermatitis | Dry, itchy, inflamed skin, often in children |
| Rashes | Rashes that keep coming back or are not improving |
| Infections | Fungal infections of skin, scalp or nails, recurring boils |
| Pigmentation | Dark patches, uneven tone, light patches |
| Moles and marks | New marks, or moles that have changed |
| Hair | Hair loss, thinning, scalp conditions |
| Nails | Thickened, discoloured or painful nails |
If you are unsure whether you need a specialist, a general practitioner can look at many skin problems first and refer you if needed.
When to book a skin appointment
Many minor rashes settle on their own. Consider booking a dermatologist if:
- Acne is not improving. The NHS suggests seeing a doctor if you have tried treating acne yourself and it is getting worse, if you have many spots that are deep, painful or scarring, or if acne is affecting how you feel. The NHS also notes that acne can leave scars, and that picking or squeezing spots can cause them.
- Eczema is hard to control. Itching that disturbs sleep, skin that cracks or weeps, or flare-ups despite moisturising.
- A mole or mark has changed. See below.
- A rash keeps returning or has lasted several weeks.
- Hair is falling out in patches or thinning quickly.
- You want safe advice about dark patches or uneven skin tone.
Moles and new marks: what to watch for
The NHS advises seeing a doctor if:
- a mole has changed size, shape or colour;
- a mole is painful or itchy;
- a mole is inflamed, bleeding or crusty;
- you have a new or unusual mark on your skin that has not gone away after a few weeks.
Most changes turn out to be harmless, but the NHS points out that skin cancer such as melanoma is easier to treat when found early. A dermatologist can examine the mark and decide whether it needs to be removed or tested.
What happens at a dermatology appointment
- History. When the problem started, what makes it better or worse, what you have already tried, and your general health.
- Examination. The dermatologist looks closely at the skin, sometimes with a handheld magnifier called a dermatoscope.
- Tests if needed. For example a skin scraping for fungal infection, or a small biopsy.
- Treatment plan. This may include creams, tablets, procedures or changes to your skincare routine.
- Follow-up. Many skin conditions need a review visit to see how treatment is working.
Bring a list of all creams, soaps and medicines you have used, including anything bought without a prescription. Photos of how the problem looked at its worst can also help.
Looking after your skin in Kigali
- Moisturise if you have eczema. The NHS describes emollients (moisturising creams, lotions and ointments) as a main treatment for atopic eczema, applied as often as possible and at least 2 times a day.
- Protect your skin from strong sun. WHO advises limiting time in the midday sun, seeking shade, wearing protective clothing and a broad-brimmed hat, and using broad-spectrum sunscreen on skin you cannot cover, when the UV index is 3 or above. WHO adds that sunscreen should not be used to spend longer in the sun.
- Be careful with unlabelled creams. Avoid products with no clear ingredient list, especially strong lightening creams. Ask a dermatologist for safe options.
- Do not pick spots. Picking can lead to marks and scarring.
Paying for a dermatology visit
- RSSB medical scheme. Medical consultations are on RSSB's list of covered services, with RSSB paying 85% and the member 15% at accredited facilities contracted with RSSB.
- Private insurance. Specialist visits are often covered, but some policies need a GP referral or pre-approval first.
- Self-pay. Fees vary by clinic and any procedures. Contact us for a current quote.
Our health insurance guide explains RSSB, Mutuelle and private cover in more detail.
Children's skin problems
The NHS notes that atopic eczema is most common in young children and often improves as they get older. If your child has a skin problem along with fever or seems generally unwell, a children's doctor may be the best first appointment. For a broader picture of where specialist care happens in the city, see our guide to hospitals and clinics in Kigali.
Book your dermatology appointment
Use the form on this page, choose "Dermatologist (skin, hair, nails)", and add a short description, such as "acne on face and back for 1 year" or "mole on arm has changed colour". Tell us your preferred area, for example Kimihurura, Kacyiru or Kicukiro, and a date. We will come back to you with options.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a referral to see a dermatologist in Kigali?
For self-pay visits at a private clinic, usually not. Some insurers and employer schemes want a referral from a general practitioner before they pay for a specialist. Check your policy, or tell us your insurer in the booking form and we ask the clinic.
What skin problems does a dermatologist treat?
Dermatologists diagnose and treat conditions of the skin, hair and nails. Common reasons to book include acne, eczema, persistent rashes, fungal infections, pigmentation changes, hair loss, nail problems and moles or marks that look different or have changed.
When should I get a mole checked?
The NHS advises seeing a doctor about a mole that has changed size, shape or colour, is painful or itchy, or is inflamed, bleeding or crusty, and about any new or unusual mark that has not gone away after a few weeks. Early checks make problems easier to treat.
Should I see a GP or a dermatologist first?
A GP can treat many common skin problems and refer you if needed. If you have already tried treatment, the problem is severe, scarring or spreading, or you specifically want a specialist opinion, booking a dermatologist directly may save time.
Are skin-lightening creams safe?
Some skin-lightening products sold informally contain ingredients that can harm the skin and general health. Do not use creams without a clear ingredient list or a prescription. Ask a dermatologist about safe treatment for dark patches, uneven tone or marks left by acne.
How much does a dermatology visit cost?
Fees depend on the clinic, whether you need a procedure or tests such as a skin scraping or biopsy, and your insurance. RSSB covers consultations at contracted facilities with a 15% member share. Contact us for a current quote for a specific visit.
Can a dermatologist see children?
Yes. Many skin conditions, including atopic eczema, are most common in young children. Choose 'Dermatologist' in the form, mention your child's age, and we look for a clinic that sees children. For general child health, a children's doctor may be the first step.