Dr. Brandon George Howell 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 the Ivey Eye Institute in Guelph, ON, he is a key member of the local medical community. His practice adheres to the high standards set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO), ensuring safe and effective care for all patients. Dr. Howell 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, utilizing modern diagnostic tools and therapeutic techniques to deliver evidence-based treatments in a professional and compassionate environment.
He graduated with a Medical Degree from the University of Toronto in Canada and has been practicing as a Dermatologist since 2011, accumulating over 13 years of specialized experience. Dr. Howell is recognized as a RCPSC Specialist by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO), reflecting his advanced training and commitment to excellence in skin care, hair, and nail disorder management.
Guided by a philosophy of evidence-based medicine, Dr. Howell is dedicated to patient education on skin health, early detection of skin cancers, and personalized treatment planning. He strives to provide accessible, high-quality dermatological care to the community of Guelph, communicating in English and ensuring each patient feels heard, informed, and cared for throughout their treatment journey.
Dr. Brandon Howell diagnoses and treats a wide range of skin, hair, and nail conditions, including:
Inflammatory & Immune-Mediated Skin Conditions
- 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.
- 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.
Acne, Rosacea & Follicular Disorders
- 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.
- Hidradenitis Suppurativa (Acne Inversa): A chronic, recurrent inflammatory skin condition featuring painful, deep-seated lumps, abscesses, sinus tracts, and scarring, typically in areas where skin rubs together (axillae, groin, under breasts).
- Acne Scars (Atrophic, Hypertrophic, Keloidal): Permanent textural changes and indentations (atrophic), raised scars (hypertrophic), or overgrown scars (keloidal) that can result from severe or picked acne.
Skin Cancers, Precancerous Lesions & Benign Growths
- 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.
- Squamous Cell Carcinoma (SCC): A common form of skin cancer developing in the squamous cells. Often appears as a firm, red nodule or a flat lesion with a scaly, crusted surface on sun-exposed areas. Can grow more rapidly than BCC.
This list is not exhaustive. For personalized advice regarding your specific dermatological condition, please consult with Dr. Brandon Howell.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Dermal Fillers (Hyaluronic Acid, Calcium Hydroxylapatite, PLLA) for Volume Restoration & Contouring: Injectable gels (e.g., Juvederm®, Restylane®, Radiesse®, Sculptra®) used to restore facial volume, smooth out static wrinkles and folds, enhance lip volume, and contour facial features.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
Note: This list provides a general overview of medical and potentially some cosmetic services. Treatment plans are highly individualized. Discuss with Dr. Howell 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.
Ivey Eye Institute is situated in Guelph's Kortright Hills and Hanlon Creek neighborhoods, offering convenient access for local residents. The practice is close to the University of Guelph South Entrance, making it easily reachable for students, staff, and visitors. Patients can utilize Guelph Transit services for public transportation, which stops nearby the facility. The building is wheelchair accessible, ensuring barrier-free entry for all patients. Parking is available at or near the facility, providing ample options for those arriving by car. The practice is committed to providing accessible and patient-friendly dermatological services in a welcoming environment.
- Are consultations and dermatological treatments with Dr. Howell, a Dermatologist, covered by Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP) in ON?
- Medically necessary consultations with a licensed Dermatologist like Dr. Howell, 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. Howell'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. Howell, 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. Howell. 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 does a Dermatologist like Dr. Howell specialize in?
- A Dermatologist, such as Dr. Howell, 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. Howell offers various medical, surgical, and potentially cosmetic treatments depending on their practice focus.
- What are the general risks and benefits of cosmetic procedures Dr. Howell might offer?
- The benefits of cosmetic procedures offered by a qualified Dermatologist like Dr. Howell can include improvement in skin appearance, texture, tone, reduction of wrinkles or scars, and enhanced self-confidence. However, all procedures carry some risks. Common risks for minimally invasive cosmetic treatments (like injectables or lasers) can include temporary redness, swelling, bruising, pain, or itching at the treatment site. Less common risks might include infection, allergic reaction, changes in skin pigmentation, or unsatisfactory results. More invasive procedures have different risk profiles. Dr. Howell will discuss the specific risks, benefits, and expected outcomes of any proposed cosmetic procedure in detail during your consultation to help you make an informed decision.
- How should I prepare for my first dermatology appointment with Dr. Howell?
- To make the most of your first visit with Dr. Howell, 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. Howell.
- Dr. Howell mentioned biologics. What are they for skin conditions?
- Biologic medications are a newer class of treatments for moderate to severe inflammatory skin conditions like psoriasis, eczema (atopic dermatitis), and hidradenitis suppurativa, when other treatments haven't been effective enough. Unlike traditional systemic drugs that suppress the broader immune system, biologics are proteins engineered to target very specific parts of the immune system that cause inflammation in these diseases. They are usually given by injection (either by Dr. Howell's office or self-administered at home) or intravenous (IV) infusion. Dr. Howell would discuss the specific biologic, its benefits, potential side effects, and monitoring requirements if it's a suitable option for you.
- What are some common medical procedures a Dermatologist like Dr. Howell performs?
- Dermatologists like Dr. Howell 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. Howell can discuss specific procedures relevant to your condition and may have subspecialty interests influencing the range of procedures offered.
Ivey Eye Institute
175 Chancellors Way, St. Joseph's Health Care
Guelph, ON N1G 0E9
Phone: (519) 763-0777 | Fax: (226) 486-0171
The facility is wheelchair accessible.
Dr. Howell 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. Howell 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/Howell-Brandon-George/0232872-84663