Dr. Amy Cao 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 Polyclinique St-Martin in Laval, QC, 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 welcoming and professional environment, utilizing modern diagnostic tools and therapeutic techniques.
Dr. Cao holds a Medical Degree from a recognized institution and has over five years of experience practicing as a Dermatologist since 2019. She has completed extensive postgraduate training and holds the necessary certifications to practice Dermatology (Comprehensive Care for Skin, Hair, and Nail Conditions) in Quebec, licensed by the Collège des médecins du Québec (CMQ). Her professional credentials ensure that she adheres to the highest standards of medical practice and patient safety.
With a strong commitment to evidence-based skin care, Dr. Cao emphasizes patient education on skin health and prevention. She is dedicated to early detection of skin cancer and providing personalized treatment plans tailored to each patient’s needs. Fluent in French, she strives to offer clear communication and compassionate care to her diverse patient population in Laval. Her clinical philosophy centers on building trusting relationships and empowering patients to take an active role in their skin health journey.
Dr. Amy Cao diagnoses and treats a wide range of skin, hair, and nail conditions, including:
Skin Cancers, Precancerous Lesions & Benign Growths
- Lipomas: Benign tumors composed of fat tissue, usually soft, movable, and painless, located just beneath the skin.
- Skin Cysts (Epidermoid, Pilar, Sebaceous): Benign, sac-like growths under the skin containing fluid or semi-solid material. May become inflamed or infected and sometimes require removal.
Nail Disorders (Onychopathies)
- 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).
- 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 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.
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.
- 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.
This list is not exhaustive. For personalized advice regarding your specific dermatological condition, please consult with Dr. Amy Cao.
- Treatment for Skin Infections (Bacterial, Fungal, Viral, Parasitic): Diagnosis and treatment of various skin infections, such as impetigo, cellulitis, erysipelas, ringworm (tinea), athlete's foot, nail fungus (onychomycosis), warts, molluscum contagiosum, herpes simplex/zoster, and scabies.
- Nail Surgery (e.g., Ingrown Toenail Removal/Matrixectomy, Nail Biopsy, Tumor Excision): Surgical procedures to treat painful or diseased nails, including permanent correction of ingrown toenails or removal of nail unit tumors.
- Chemical Peels (Superficial, Medium, Deep - Glycolic, Salicylic, TCA, Phenol): Application of chemical solutions to exfoliate the skin and improve texture, tone, and appearance by treating acne, sun damage, pigmentation, and fine lines. Peel depth varies by agent and concentration.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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. Cao 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 Collège des médecins du Québec (CMQ) and relevant dermatological care guidelines. Contact the clinic or your referring physician regarding new patient intake and referral processes.
Polyclinique St-Martin is situated in Laval's Chomedey West neighborhood, offering convenient access to residents of the area. The clinic is located near the vibrant Centropolis, known for its entertainment and dining options, making it a lively and accessible location for patients. Public transit options are plentiful, with the Société de transport de Laval (STL) providing bus services that connect the clinic to various parts of Laval and surrounding regions. The facility is wheelchair accessible, ensuring easy entry for all patients. Additionally, metered street parking and nearby parking lots are available, providing ample options for convenient parking during visits.
- Are consultations and dermatological treatments with Dr. Cao, a Dermatologist, covered by Régie de l'assurance maladie du Québec (RAMQ) in QC?
- Medically necessary consultations with a licensed Dermatologist like Dr. Cao, 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 Régie de l'assurance maladie du Québec (RAMQ) in QC 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. Cao's office or Régie de l'assurance maladie du Québec (RAMQ) beforehand, especially if there's a potential cosmetic component.
- Do I need a referral to see Dr. Cao, 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. Cao. 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 should I prepare for my first dermatology appointment with Dr. Cao?
- To make the most of your first visit with Dr. Cao, 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. Cao.
- What does a Dermatologist like Dr. Cao specialize in?
- A Dermatologist, such as Dr. Cao, 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. She is a Dermatologist specializing in the comprehensive medical and surgical care of skin, hair, and nail conditions. Dr. Cao offers various medical, surgical, and potentially cosmetic treatments depending on their practice focus.
Polyclinique St-Martin
203-1435 boul Saint-Martin O
Laval, QC H7S 2C6
Phone: (450) 233-6527
The facility is wheelchair accessible.
Dr. Cao is a licensed Dermatologist regulated by the Collège des médecins du Québec (CMQ) under the Medical Act in QC. A referral from a family physician is typically required for consultations with Dr. Cao for medically necessary services covered by the provincial health plan. Cosmetic consultations may have different requirements.
Verify registration with the Collège des médecins du Québec (CMQ): https://www.cmq.org/en/directory/physicians?number=19530