What is a Dermatologist?

A Dermatologist is a doctor who specializes in treating the skin, hair, nails, and mucous membranes (e.g., lining inside the mouth, nose and eyelids). Dermatologists diagnose and treat more than 3,000 different diseases.

Referrals in writing are required from family physicians, dermatologists or sub-specialty physicians.  Direct patient bookings are not accepted for Dermatology clinics 

Phototherapy involves utilizing ultraviolet light, in carefully administered doses, to treat a wide spectrum of skin diseases including psoriasis, eczema, vitiligo, cutaneous T-cell lymphoma, lichen planus, generalized pruritus, morphea and granuloma annulare. Treatments are administered in whole-body stand-up units, three to five times weekly, for several weeks. Smaller units are available for hand and/or foot treatments only. Treatment is covered by OHIP. 

Mohs micrographic surgery is a specialized and highly effective procedure for treating common types of skin cancer. Mohs surgery is most commonly used to treat basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma of the skin. Certain melanomas and other skin cancers can also be treated with Mohs surgery. Mohs surgery provides very high cure rates with minimal loss of normal tissue. It is all performed under local anesthetic.

Dermatologists have been leaders in the field of cosmetic surgery, having gone on to complete specialized fellowships. Many are trained in the use of botox, fillers, and laser surgery. Some dermatologists also perform cosmetic procedures including liposuction, blepharoplasty, and face lifts. Most dermatologists limit their cosmetic practice to minimally invasive procedures.

Primary care providers can consult with an Ontario dermatologist, receiving timely advice for patients within an average of 5 days, often eliminating the need for an in-person referral. OTN’s Telederm program is available at no cost to health care providers or patients, and is part of Ontario’s publicly funded health care system.

The Pigmented Lesion Clinic has as its principal goal, the detection of malignant melanoma in its early, curable, phase in high-risk patients.  Patients are referred to this clinic for melanoma screening and the assessment and management of complicated pigmented lesions. A referral in writing is required from a dermatologists for this service. 

 A patch test is a method used to determine whether a specific allergen is causing allergic contact dermatitis on a patient's skin. Patches with suspected allergens are applied to the patient's back and left in place for 48 hours. The skin is then examined to obtain a diagnosis for the treatment of contact allergies. 

Vulvar dermatology clinics aims to diagnose and treat vulvar skin issues. The clinics manages patients with inflammatory conditions, lesions needing assessment or biopsy and malignancies.