Dr. Melanie Dawn Pratt – Dermatologist | Ottawa, ON

Dr. Melanie Dawn Pratt is a specialized Pediatric Dermatologist, dedicated to diagnosing and treating skin, hair, and nail conditions in infants, children, and adolescents. Practicing at the Hospital For Sick Children in Ottawa, ON, she is a key member of the local medical community. She adheres to the high standards set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO), ensuring that her practice reflects the most current and ethical medical standards. Dr. Pratt focuses on common and complex pediatric skin conditions, utilizing gentle and effective treatments tailored to young patients. Her approach emphasizes compassionate care in a child-friendly environment, providing reassurance and expert guidance to both children and their families.

She graduated with a Medical Degree from the University of Ottawa in Canada and has over 41 years of experience as a Pediatric Dermatologist, having been in practice since 1983. Dr. Pratt is recognized as a RCPSC Specialist by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO). Her extensive training and ongoing commitment to professional development enable her to deliver specialized dermatological services for pediatric patients with a wide range of skin, hair, and nail conditions.

Dr. Pratt’s clinical philosophy centers on providing gentle, effective, and individualized skin care for children. She values family education and support, creating a welcoming, child-friendly environment that fosters trust and comfort. Her collaborative approach includes working closely with pediatricians and other healthcare providers to ensure comprehensive care. Fluent in English, she is dedicated to serving the Ottawa community with compassion and expertise in pediatric dermatology.

Dr. Melanie Pratt diagnoses and treats a wide range of skin, hair, and nail conditions, including:

Common & Specific Pediatric Skin Conditions

• Atopic Dermatitis (Eczema) in Infants & Children: A very common itchy skin rash in young children, often appearing on the face, scalp, and outer surfaces of limbs, requiring careful management of triggers and skin barrier.
• Gianotti-Crosti Syndrome (Papular Acrodermatitis of Childhood): A distinctive rash often following a viral infection in young children, characterized by symmetric, non-itchy, flat-topped papules on the face, buttocks, and limbs.
• Diaper Dermatitis (Diaper Rash - Irritant, Allergic, Candidal): Inflammation of the skin in the diaper area, commonly caused by prolonged wetness, friction, irritants, or secondary yeast/bacterial infection.

Acne, Rosacea & Follicular Disorders

• Keratosis Pilaris: A common, harmless condition causing small, rough bumps on the skin, usually on the upper arms, thighs, cheeks, or buttocks, due to keratin buildup in hair follicles.
• Acne Vulgaris (Comedonal, Papulopustular, Nodulocystic): A common skin condition characterized by pimples, blackheads, whiteheads, and sometimes deeper cysts and nodules, occurring when hair follicles become clogged with oil and dead skin cells. Severity can vary.

Inflammatory & Immune-Mediated Skin Conditions

• Eczema (Atopic, Contact, Seborrheic, Discoid, Asteatotic): A group of chronic conditions causing itchy, inflamed, and often dry skin. Types vary in appearance and common locations, triggered by genetics, allergens, irritants, or other factors.
• Dermatitis Herpetiformis: An intensely itchy, blistering rash often associated with celiac disease (gluten sensitivity), typically appearing on elbows, knees, buttocks, and scalp.

This list is not exhaustive. For personalized advice regarding your specific dermatological condition, please consult with Dr. Melanie Pratt.

• Treatment of Common Pediatric Skin Infections (Warts, Molluscum, Impetigo, Fungal Infections): Age-appropriate management of viral (e.g., warts, molluscum), bacterial (e.g., impetigo), and fungal (e.g., tinea capitis) skin infections common in children.
• Diagnosis & Management of Atopic Dermatitis (Eczema) in Infants & Children: Specialized care for eczema in infants and children, including comprehensive education on skin care, trigger avoidance, and advanced therapies for severe cases.
• Evaluation & Management of Birthmarks (Vascular & Pigmented Nevi): Assessment, monitoring, and treatment options (e.g., laser therapy for port-wine stains, propranolol for infantile hemangiomas) for various types of birthmarks.
• Pediatric Psoriasis Management: Specialized treatment approaches for psoriasis in children, which may include topical therapies, phototherapy, and systemic medications in select cases.
• Genetic Skin Disorders (Genodermatoses) Consultation & Multidisciplinary Management: Diagnosis and supportive care for inherited skin conditions in children (e.g., ichthyosis, epidermolysis bullosa), often in collaboration with geneticists and other specialists.
• Acne Treatment in Adolescents & Pre-Adolescents: Tailored acne management plans for teenage and younger patients, considering efficacy, safety, and psychosocial impact, including topical and oral therapies.
• Diaper Dermatitis (Nappy Rash) & Cradle Cap (Infantile Seborrheic Dermatitis) Management: Guidance on prevention and treatment of common infant skin conditions.

Note: This list provides a general overview of medical and potentially some cosmetic services. Treatment plans are highly individualized. Discuss with Dr. Pratt for care relevant to your specific condition. Coverage for services varies; medically necessary treatments are typically covered by provincial health plans, while cosmetic procedures are usually self-pay.

All medical and surgical services (if applicable) are provided in accordance with the standards of practice set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO) and relevant dermatological care guidelines. Contact the clinic or your referring physician regarding new patient intake and referral processes.

Located within the Hospital For Sick Children in Ottawa's Hintonburg neighbourhood, the clinic is a vital part of a leading medical facility dedicated to children's health. The hospital is conveniently accessible from Carleton University and is well-connected via public transit, including OC Transpo (O-Train LRT and buses). The facility is wheelchair accessible, ensuring ease of access for all patients. Parking is available at or near the hospital, providing convenient options for families visiting from various parts of Ottawa. This setting allows Dr. Pratt to deliver specialized dermatological services in a comprehensive, child-friendly environment within a major hospital complex.

Are consultations and dermatological treatments with Dr. Pratt, a Pediatric Dermatologist, covered by Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP) in ON?

Medically necessary consultations with a licensed Pediatric Dermatologist like Dr. Pratt, diagnostic procedures (e.g., skin biopsies), and treatments for provincially insured skin conditions (e.g., psoriasis, severe eczema, skin cancer, infections) are generally covered by Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP) in ON when a referral from a family doctor is in place. Purely cosmetic procedures (e.g., Botox for wrinkles, most laser hair removal, fillers for aesthetic enhancement) are typically not covered and are self-pay. It's crucial to discuss coverage specifics for any proposed treatment with Dr. Pratt's office or Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP) beforehand, especially if there's a potential cosmetic component.

Do I need a referral to see Dr. Pratt, a Pediatric Dermatologist?

Yes, for medically necessary dermatological care covered by the provincial health plan, a referral from your family physician or another specialist (e.g., an ER doctor for an acute issue) is almost always required to see a Pediatric Dermatologist such as Dr. Pratt. This ensures coordinated care and that your visit is appropriate for specialist assessment. Some dermatologists may offer consultations for uninsured cosmetic services without a referral, but these would be a direct cost to you. Always check with the clinic regarding their specific referral policy.

If Dr. Pratt recommends phototherapy, what does that involve?

Phototherapy, also known as light therapy, is a medical treatment where your skin is exposed to specific wavelengths of ultraviolet (UV) light under strict medical supervision. Dr. Pratt might recommend it for conditions like psoriasis, eczema, vitiligo, or cutaneous T-cell lymphoma. Treatments are typically given 2-3 times a week in a specialized light cabinet or with a handheld device for smaller areas. The type of UV light (e.g., Narrowband UVB, PUVA) and treatment duration are carefully controlled. It works by reducing inflammation and slowing down the rapid growth of skin cells. You'll be given specific instructions, including eye protection.

How often should I see a Pediatric Dermatologist like Dr. Pratt for skin cancer screening?

The recommended frequency for skin cancer screenings by a Pediatric Dermatologist like Dr. Pratt varies based on your individual risk factors. These include a personal or family history of skin cancer (especially melanoma), having many moles (e.g., >50) or atypical moles, fair skin that burns easily, a history of excessive sun exposure or tanning bed use, or a suppressed immune system. Your family doctor can assess your risk, or Dr. Pratt can provide a personalized recommendation after an initial consultation. Regardless of professional check-ups, performing monthly self-skin exams to monitor for any new or changing lesions (using the ABCDEs of melanoma as a guide) is crucial for early detection.

Hospital For Sick Children
737 Parkdale Ave, Department Of Diagnostic Imaging
Ottawa, ON K1Y 1J8

Phone: (613) 798-5555 | Fax: (613) 761-4692

The facility is wheelchair accessible.

Dr. Pratt is a licensed Pediatric Dermatologist regulated by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO) under the Regulated Health Professions Act, 1991 and Medicine Act, 1991 in ON. A referral from a family physician or pediatrician is typically required for consultations with Dr. Pratt for pediatric dermatological services covered by the provincial health plan.

Verify registration with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO): https://doctors.cpso.on.ca/DoctorDetails/Pratt-Melanie-Dawn/0025822-30645