Dr. Arvin Ighani – Dermatologist | Toronto, ON

Dr. Arvin Ighani 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 Algonquin Family Health Team 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. His practice is committed to delivering evidence-based dermatological care in a comfortable and professional setting, utilizing modern diagnostic and therapeutic equipment.

Dr. Ighani graduated with a Medical Degree from the University of Toronto in Canada. He has been practicing as a Dermatologist since 2024 and is recognized as a Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada (RCPSC) Specialist by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO). His training and certification ensure that he is well-equipped to manage complex skin conditions with the latest clinical practices.

His 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. Dr. Ighani is dedicated to serving patients in Toronto, offering care in English. He strives to foster a supportive environment where patients feel informed and confident in their skin health journey.

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

Hair & Scalp Disorders

• Traction Alopecia: Hair loss caused by prolonged or repetitive tension on the hair follicles, often due to tight hairstyles (braids, ponytails, extensions).
• 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.

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.
• 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.

Skin Cancers, Precancerous Lesions & Benign Growths

• 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.
• Lipomas: Benign tumors composed of fat tissue, usually soft, movable, and painless, located just beneath the skin.
• Melanoma: The most serious type of skin cancer, developing in melanocytes. Early detection is crucial. Look for asymmetry, irregular borders, color variation, diameter >6mm, and evolving moles (ABCDEs).

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

• Hidradenitis Suppurativa Management (Medical, Interventional, Biologics): Medical (antibiotics, retinoids), interventional (incision & drainage, deroofing), and biologic therapy for a chronic inflammatory skin condition causing painful lumps, abscesses, and sinus tracts in skin folds.
• Phototherapy (Narrowband UVB, Broadband UVB, PUVA, Excimer Laser): Controlled administration of specific wavelengths of ultraviolet light to treat various skin conditions such as psoriasis, eczema, vitiligo, and cutaneous T-cell lymphoma.
• Surgical Excision of Skin Cancers (Melanoma, Basal Cell Carcinoma, Squamous Cell Carcinoma) with Margin Control: Complete surgical removal of malignant skin tumors with appropriate microscopic or clinical margins to ensure clearance, often followed by reconstructive closure.
• Psoriasis & Psoriatic Arthritis Management (Topical, Phototherapy, Systemic, Biologics, JAK inhibitors): Comprehensive management of psoriasis (plaque, guttate, pustular, erythrodermic) and associated psoriatic arthritis, using topical treatments, narrowband UVB or PUVA phototherapy, oral systemic medications (e.g., methotrexate, cyclosporine), and advanced biologic therapies or JAK inhibitors targeting specific immune pathways.
• 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.
• 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.
• Excision of Benign Lesions (Moles/Nevi, Cysts, Lipomas, Skin Tags, Seborrheic Keratoses): Surgical removal of non-cancerous skin growths for medical reasons (e.g., irritation, inflammation) or cosmetic purposes, with pathological examination if indicated.

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

Algonquin Family Health Team is located in the vibrant neighborhood of Lawrence Park in Toronto, ON. The practice is conveniently situated near the University Settlement Recreation Centre, making it accessible for residents and visitors alike. Public transit options include TTC services such as the subway, streetcar, and bus routes, providing easy access from various parts of the city. The facility is wheelchair accessible, ensuring barrier-free entry for all patients. Parking is available at or near the facility, making visits convenient for those arriving by car. The practice is committed to providing accessible and comprehensive dermatological care in a welcoming environment.

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

Medically necessary consultations with a licensed Dermatologist like Dr. Ighani, 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. Ighani'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. Ighani, 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. Ighani. 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. Ighani for skin cancer screening?

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

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

To make the most of your first visit with Dr. Ighani, 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. Ighani.

What is the difference between a Dermatologist and an Esthetician?

A Dermatologist, like Dr. Ighani, is a medical doctor (MD) who has completed medical school followed by several years of specialized residency training in dermatology. They are qualified to diagnose and treat over 3,000 diseases of the skin, hair, and nails, prescribe medications, perform surgical procedures (like skin cancer removal), and manage complex skin conditions. An Esthetician (or Aesthetician) is a skincare professional trained in cosmetic skin treatments and services that improve the appearance of the skin, such as facials, superficial chemical peels, microdermabrasion, waxing, and makeup application. They are not medical doctors and cannot diagnose skin diseases, prescribe medications, or perform medical or surgical procedures.

Algonquin Family Health Team
Suite 104, 2075 Bayview Ave
Toronto, ON M4N 3M5

Phone: (416) 480-6100

The facility is wheelchair accessible.

Dr. Ighani 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. Ighani 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/Ighani-Arvin/0328503-118740