The service was established in 1980 and there are currently three part-time and one full-time faculty. In September 2014, a full-time faculty position in Dermatology (within the Division of Rheumatology) was established.

Our clinical programs include roughly 5,400 patient visits per year and we diagnose and treat:

• Birthmarks and vascular lesions
• Atopic dermatitis (Eczema)
• Genodermatoses
• Pigmentation disorders (Vitiligo)
• Inflammatory skin disorders requiring systemic treatment (Psoriasis, Hidradenitis suppurativa)
• Complicated Acne
• Infections and infestations
• Autoimmune disorders
• Drug reactions
• Nevi (moles)
• Hair and nail abnormalities
• Tumors (benign and malignant)
• Skin lesions not yet diagnosed

Our team’s mission is to provide comprehensive, evidence-based, family-centred care for children and youth with skin disorders. We also focus on educating and empowering patients, parents and the community to be active participants in the achievement of optimal health outcomes. 

To learn more about members of the Dermatology Division — including their biography, area(s) of practice, research interests and other affiliations — visit CHEO’s Find Your Doctor Directory or visit the CHEO Research Institute's site to Find A Researcher. 

Inpatient care

Dermatology consults on approximately 60 in-patients per year, the majority of which are patients with co-morbid skin disease admitted for another problem. Drug reactions, severe eczema exacerbations, severe drug reactions and complicated infantile hemangiomas are other dermatologic problems for which our patients can be hospitalized.

There are no dedicated dermatology beds, although there is the possibility to admit dermatology patients to dermatology on the clinical teaching units.

Outpatient care

Approximately 1,900 new patients and 2,500 returning patients are seen in general pediatric Dermatology outpatient clinics per year. We also participate in a multi-disciplinary vascular anomalies' clinic with plastic surgery, ENT, radiology and surgery. We have developed a complex dermatology clinic for patients with severe skin conditions that require complex care and management.

Clinical problems and diseases evaluated and followed

• Birthmarks and vascular lesions  
• Atopic dermatitis (Eczema)  
• Genodermatoses
• Pigmentation disorders (Vitiligo)  
• Inflammatory skin disorders requiring systemic treatment (Psoriasis, Hidradenitis suppurativa)  
• Complicated Acne
• Infections and infestations
• Autoimmune disorders
• Drug reactions
• Nevi (moles)  
• Hair and nail abnormalities
• Tumors (benign and malignant)  
• Skin lesions not yet diagnosed 

For patients that require wound care, we help to facilitate wound care at home.

Undergraduate training opportunities

Dermatology is an important area of education for medical students. Whether they go on to become pediatricians or general practitioners, skin complaints are common in all patient populations. The ability to describe skin lesions accurately, develop broad categories of diagnosis, as well as management of common pediatric skin conditions are emphasized.

Medical students on selective and elective rotations attend outpatient dermatology clinics and are encouraged to attend Dermatology academic rounds on Thursday afternoons. Elective students are accepted through the Division of Dermatology at The Ottawa Hospital as we do not currently offer a dedicated pediatric dermatology elective. 

Postgraduate training program

Pediatric Dermatology is part of the five-year Royal College-accredited University of Ottawa Dermatology Residency Training Program. Residents have longitudinal exposure to pediatric dermatology clinics as part of several of their rotations, allowing them to develop both diagnostic and therapeutic management skills over time. They participate in inpatient and emergency room consultations on a rotating basis, developing a broad base of comfort with diagnoses of varying acuity and complexity. 

Additional postgraduate training

Opportunities for postgraduate electives in pediatric dermatology are available to residents in pediatrics, family medicine, emergency medicine, plastic surgery and others. 

Areas of research include:

• Atopic dermatitis/eczema
• Vascular anomalies  
• Hidradenitis suppurativ
• Vitiligo  
• Psoriasis