Dr. Smitha Kacheri Pathayappura – Dermatologist | Hamilton, ON

Dr. Smitha Kacheri Pathayappura 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 City Family Doctor Clinic Unit 103 in Hamilton, ON, she is a key member of the local medical community. She 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. Her practice is committed to delivering evidence-based dermatological care in a comfortable, professional setting, utilizing modern diagnostic and therapeutic equipment.

She graduated with a Medical Degree from Calicut University in India and has accumulated over 3 years of experience as a Dermatologist since 2021. Dr. Pathayappura is recognized as a CPSO Recognized Specialist by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO), ensuring adherence to the highest standards of medical practice in Ontario.

Her clinical philosophy emphasizes a commitment to evidence-based skin care, patient education on skin health and prevention, early detection of skin cancer, and providing personalized treatment plans tailored to each patient. She is dedicated to offering compassionate care to her patients in Hamilton. Dr. Pathayappura also speaks Malayalam in addition to English, facilitating effective communication with diverse patient populations.

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

Nail Disorders (Onychopathies)

• Onychomycosis (Fungal Nail Infection): A common infection of the toenails or fingernails by fungi, causing discoloration, thickening, brittleness, and separation from the nail bed.
• Nail Psoriasis: Psoriasis affecting the fingernails and toenails, causing pitting, discoloration (oil drop sign), thickening, onycholysis (separation from bed), and subungual hyperkeratosis.
• Ingrown Toenails (Onychocryptosis): A condition where the corner or side of a toenail grows into the soft flesh, causing pain, redness, swelling, and potential infection.

Inflammatory & Immune-Mediated Skin Conditions

• Urticaria (Hives) & Angioedema: Urticaria consists of itchy welts (wheals) that can appear anywhere on the body. Angioedema is a deeper swelling, often affecting eyelids and lips. Can be acute or chronic.
• 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.
• Lichen Planus: An inflammatory condition that can affect the skin, hair, nails, and mucous membranes (mouth, genitals), causing purplish, itchy, flat-topped bumps on the skin or lacy white patches in the mouth.

Hair & Scalp Disorders

• Tinea Capitis (Scalp Ringworm): A fungal infection of the scalp and hair shafts, common in children, causing scaly patches, hair loss, and sometimes inflammation.
• Alopecia Areata (Patchy, Totalis, Universalis, Ophiasis): An autoimmune disorder causing hair to fall out, often in round patches. Can affect scalp, beard, eyebrows, eyelashes, or entire body.

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

• Scar Revision Surgery & Keloid Treatment (Surgical, Intralesional Injections): Procedures to improve the appearance of scars or treat problematic keloid scars, which may involve surgical excision, steroid injections, or other modalities.
• 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.
• Cryosurgery (Liquid Nitrogen Treatment for Pre-cancers & Benign Lesions): Application of extreme cold (liquid nitrogen) to destroy benign (e.g., warts, seborrheic keratoses) or precancerous skin lesions (e.g., actinic keratoses).
• Mohs Micrographic Surgery for High-Risk Skin Cancers: Specialized surgical technique for removing complex or high-risk skin cancers (especially on the head, neck, hands, feet, genitals) with maximal tissue preservation by examining 100% of the surgical margin intraoperatively.
• Laser & Light-Based Treatments (IPL, Fractional Lasers, Ablative/Non-Ablative Resurfacing, Vascular Lasers, Pigment Lasers): Utilizing various laser (e.g., CO2, Erbium, Pulsed Dye, Nd:YAG, Alexandrite, Picosecond) and Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) technologies for skin rejuvenation, wrinkle reduction, scar improvement, hair removal, treatment of vascular lesions (e.g., spider veins, rosacea, port-wine stains), and pigmented lesions (e.g., sun spots, tattoo removal).
• Patch Testing for Allergic Contact Dermatitis (Standard & Expanded Panels): Diagnostic procedure to identify specific allergens causing contact dermatitis by applying small amounts of common (and sometimes occupational or specialized) allergens to the skin.
• Skin Biopsy (Punch, Shave, Excisional, Incisional): Obtaining a small sample of skin under local anesthesia for microscopic examination to diagnose various skin conditions, including infections, inflammatory disorders, and skin cancer. Techniques are chosen based on the suspected condition and lesion characteristics.

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

City Family Doctor Clinic Unit 103 is situated in Hamilton's Corktown, Stinson neighbourhood, offering convenient access for residents. The practice is close to Lime Ridge Mall and the Hamilton Mountain Shopping Area, making it easy for patients to visit during their daily routines. Public transit options are available via the Hamilton Street Railway (HSR), with bus stops nearby. The facility is wheelchair accessible, ensuring ease of entry for all patients. Paid parking options are conveniently located in the vicinity, providing ample parking for visitors.

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

Medically necessary consultations with a licensed Dermatologist like Dr. Pathayappura, 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. Pathayappura'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. Pathayappura, 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. Pathayappura. 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.

What are some common medical procedures a Dermatologist like Dr. Pathayappura performs?

Dermatologists like Dr. Dr. Pathayappura perform a variety of diagnostic and therapeutic procedures. Common medical procedures include skin biopsies (punch, shave, or excisional) to diagnose conditions, cryosurgery (freezing with liquid nitrogen) for warts or precancerous spots (actinic keratoses), surgical excision of skin cancers or benign lesions like cysts and atypical moles, intralesional injections (e.g., for keloids or alopecia areata), and prescribing specialized topical or oral medications (including biologics or immunosuppressants for complex conditions). Many dermatologists also offer phototherapy. Dr. Dr. Pathayappura can discuss specific procedures relevant to your condition and may have subspecialty interests influencing the range of procedures offered.

How should I prepare for my first dermatology appointment with Dr. Pathayappura?

To make the most of your first visit with Dr. Pathayappura, it's helpful to: 1. Make a list of your skin concerns, symptoms (e.g., itch, pain, duration), and any treatments you've already tried (both prescription and over-the-counter). 2. Bring a list of all your current medications, including vitamins and supplements. 3. Be prepared to discuss your personal and family medical history, including any history of skin cancer or significant skin conditions. 4. For a full skin exam, it's best to wear loose, comfortable clothing that is easy to remove and avoid wearing makeup or nail polish. 5. If your concern involves a rash that comes and goes, taking clear photos when it's visible can be very helpful. 6. Write down any questions you have for Dr. Pathayappura.

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

A referral to a Dermatologist like Dr. Pathayappura 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.

City Family Doctor Clinic Unit 103
Unit 103, 1200 Main Street West
Hamilton, ON L8N 3Z5

Phone: (905) 521-2100

The facility is wheelchair accessible.

Dr. Pathayappura 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. Pathayappura 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/Kacheri-Pathayappura-Smitha/0321569-113906