Dr. Benjamin Barankin – Dermatologist | Toronto, ON

Dr. Benjamin Barankin is a dedicated Dermatologist specializing in the diagnosis and treatment of a wide array of conditions affecting the skin, hair, and nails in adult patients, and may see older children for certain conditions. Practicing at Southlake Regional Health Centre in Toronto, ON, he is a key member of the local medical community. He provides comprehensive medical and surgical dermatological care for a wide variety of skin, hair, and nail conditions, including acne, eczema, psoriasis, and skin cancer detection. Dr. Barankin adheres to the high standards set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO), ensuring quality care for his patients.

He graduated with a Medical Degree from Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry in Canada and has over 18 years of experience as a Dermatologist since 2006. He is recognized as a RCPSC Specialist by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO), demonstrating his expertise and commitment to dermatological excellence. His extensive training and certification enable him to offer a broad spectrum of skin care services, combining the latest advances with personalized patient care.

Dr. Barankin is committed to evidence-based skin care, patient education on skin health and prevention, and early detection of skin cancer. He strives to develop personalized treatment plans tailored to each patient's unique needs, ensuring effective and compassionate care. He also speaks Russian in addition to English, allowing him to serve a diverse patient population in Toronto. His practice emphasizes a comprehensive approach to skin health, emphasizing patient empowerment and ongoing support.

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

Inflammatory & Immune-Mediated Skin Conditions

• Cutaneous Lupus Erythematosus (Discoid, Subacute, Acute): Skin manifestations of lupus, an autoimmune disease, which can range from scaly, disc-shaped lesions to widespread rashes triggered by sun exposure.
• 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.

Skin Cancers, Precancerous Lesions & Benign Growths

• Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC): The most common type of skin cancer, typically slow-growing and arising from sun-exposed skin, appearing as a pearly or waxy bump, flat flesh-colored or brown scar-like lesion, or a bleeding/scabbing sore.
• Seborrheic Keratosis: Common, benign (non-cancerous) skin growths that often appear waxy, scaly, and slightly raised. Can vary in color from light tan to black.
• Actinic Keratosis (Solar Keratosis): A rough, scaly patch on sun-exposed skin that is considered precancerous and can sometimes progress to squamous cell carcinoma if left untreated.

Nail Disorders (Onychopathies)

• Nail Psoriasis: Psoriasis affecting the fingernails and toenails, causing pitting, discoloration (oil drop sign), thickening, onycholysis (separation from bed), and subungual hyperkeratosis.
• Nail Unit Tumors (Benign & Malignant): Various growths that can occur in or around the nail unit, including benign (e.g., glomus tumor, myxoid cyst) and malignant (e.g., squamous cell carcinoma, melanoma) tumors.
• Paronychia (Acute & Chronic): Inflammation or infection of the skin fold around the fingernails or toenails, causing redness, swelling, and pain. Can be acute (bacterial) or chronic (often fungal or irritant-related).

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

• Acne Vulgaris & Acne Rosacea Treatment (Topical, Oral, Systemic, including Isotretinoin): Management of acne and rosacea, including blackheads, whiteheads, pimples, cysts, and facial redness, using a range of treatments from topical creams and gels to oral antibiotics, hormonal therapies, and isotretinoin for severe or recalcitrant acne.
• Electrodessication & Curettage (ED&C) for Superficial Skin Cancers & Benign Lesions: Surgical procedure to scrape away superficial skin lesions (e.g., some BCCs, SCCs in situ, warts) and cauterize the base.
• Management of Autoimmune Skin Diseases (Lupus, Dermatomyositis, Pemphigus, Pemphigoid, Vasculitis): Diagnosis and treatment of autoimmune connective tissue diseases with skin manifestations and autoimmune blistering diseases, often in collaboration with rheumatologists or other specialists. May involve topical, oral, or biologic therapies.
• Microneedling (Collagen Induction Therapy) & Radiofrequency (RF) Microneedling: Procedures that create controlled micro-injuries in the skin to stimulate collagen and elastin production, improving skin texture, reducing scars (acne, surgical), fine lines, and stretch marks. RF Microneedling combines microneedling with radiofrequency energy for enhanced skin tightening and rejuvenation.
• Hair Loss (Alopecia) Evaluation & Treatment (Androgenetic, Areata, Telogen Effluvium, Scarring Alopecias): Investigating causes of hair loss (including scalp examination, hair pull tests, biopsies) and providing medical treatments for conditions like male/female pattern baldness, alopecia areata (including intralesional steroids, topical immunotherapy), telogen effluvium, and various forms of scarring alopecia.
• Medical-Grade Facials & Skincare Consultations: Professional facial treatments tailored to specific skin concerns and expert advice on developing an optimal at-home skincare regimen using medical-grade products.
• Nail Disorder Treatment (Fungal Infections, Psoriasis, Lichen Planus, Ingrown Nails, Tumors): Diagnosis and management of conditions affecting the nails, including infections, inflammatory disorders (like nail psoriasis or lichen planus), structural abnormalities, ingrown nails, and benign or malignant nail unit tumors.

Note: This list provides a general overview of medical and potentially some cosmetic services. Treatment plans are highly individualized. Discuss with Dr. Barankin 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.

Southlake Regional Health Centre in Toronto's Bathurst Manor, Wilson Heights, and Downsview North neighborhoods serves as a prominent medical facility with a specialized dermatology unit. The practice is situated within a modern hospital that provides comprehensive healthcare services. The hospital's dedicated dermatology department is easily accessible via public transit, including the TTC (Subway, Streetcar, Bus). The facility is wheelchair accessible to accommodate all patients. Parking is available at or near the hospital, ensuring convenient access for those arriving by car. This setting allows Dr. Barankin to deliver expert dermatological care in a well-equipped and patient-friendly environment, close to key community and medical resources such as Port Lands and Polson Pier.

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

Medically necessary consultations with a licensed Dermatologist like Dr. Barankin, 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. Barankin'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. Barankin, a 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 Dermatologist such as Dr. Barankin. 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.

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

The recommended frequency for skin cancer screenings by a Dermatologist like Dr. Barankin 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. Barankin 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.

When should someone consider seeing a Dermatologist like Dr. Barankin?

A referral to a Dermatologist like Dr. Barankin is often recommended by a family physician for: any new or changing moles or skin growths; persistent or severe skin rashes (e.g., eczema, psoriasis) not responding to initial treatments; severe or cystic acne; chronic hives; significant hair loss or scalp disorders; problematic nail conditions (e.g., persistent fungal infections, unusual changes); suspected skin infections; or for expert skin cancer screening, especially if you have risk factors like a personal or family history of skin cancer, numerous moles, or significant sun exposure. Early consultation can be key for effective management and diagnosis.

What does a Dermatologist like Dr. Barankin specialize in?

A Dermatologist, such as Dr. Barankin, is a medical doctor with highly specialized training in diagnosing and treating over 3,000 conditions affecting the skin, hair, and nails in patients of all ages – from newborns to seniors. This includes a wide spectrum of diseases from common issues like acne, eczema, and psoriasis, to more complex conditions like skin cancer, autoimmune skin disorders (e.g., lupus, pemphigus), severe allergic reactions, and genetic skin diseases. He is a Dermatologist specializing in the comprehensive medical and surgical care of skin, hair, and nail conditions. Dr. Barankin offers various medical, surgical, and potentially cosmetic treatments depending on their practice focus.

Southlake Regional Health Centre
4256 Bathurst Street
Toronto, ON M3H 5Y8

Phone: (416) 633-0001 | Fax: (416) 633-0002

The facility is wheelchair accessible.

Dr. Barankin is a licensed 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 is typically required for consultations with Dr. Barankin for medically necessary services covered by the provincial health plan. Cosmetic consultations may have different requirements.

Verify registration with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO): https://doctors.cpso.on.ca/DoctorDetails/Barankin-Benjamin/0181819-78418