Dr. Caroline Bernadette Horgan-Bell 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 Centre for Addiction and Mental Health in London, 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 welcoming environment, utilizing modern diagnostic tools and therapeutic options, all while adhering to the standards set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO).
Dr. Horgan-Bell graduated with her Medical Degree from the University of Toronto (Canada) and has over 33 years of experience as a Dermatologist since 1991. She is recognized as a RCPSC Specialist by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO), demonstrating her advanced training and expertise in dermatology. Her credentials reflect a deep commitment to ongoing professional development and excellence in patient care.
Her clinical philosophy centers on evidence-based skin care, patient education on skin health and prevention, early detection of skin cancer, and personalized treatment plans tailored to each individual’s needs. She is dedicated to providing compassionate and professional care to her patients in London, ensuring they are well-informed about their skin health. Dr. Horgan-Bell offers consultations and treatments in English, focusing on fostering trust and understanding through clear communication.
Dr. Caroline Horgan-Bell diagnoses and treats a wide range of skin, hair, and nail conditions, including:
Inflammatory & Immune-Mediated Skin Conditions
- Rosacea (Erythematotelangiectatic, Papulopustular, Phymatous, Ocular): A common skin condition that causes redness, visible blood vessels, flushing, and sometimes small, red, pus-filled bumps on the face. Can also affect the eyes.
- Dermatitis Herpetiformis: An intensely itchy, blistering rash often associated with celiac disease (gluten sensitivity), typically appearing on elbows, knees, buttocks, and scalp.
- Dermatomyositis: An inflammatory disease marked by muscle weakness and a distinctive skin rash, often on the face, eyelids (heliotrope rash), knuckles (Gottron's papules), and chest.
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.
- Lichen Planus of the Nails: Nail involvement in lichen planus, which can cause thinning, ridging, splitting, pterygium formation (scarring from nail fold to bed), or even nail loss.
- 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).
Hair & Scalp Disorders
- Cicatricial Alopecia (Scarring Alopecia - e.g., Lichen Planopilaris, Frontal Fibrosing Alopecia, CCCA): A group of rare disorders that destroy hair follicles, replace them with scar tissue, and cause permanent hair loss. Examples include Lichen Planopilaris, Frontal Fibrosing Alopecia, and Central Centrifugal Cicatricial Alopecia.
- Tinea Capitis (Scalp Ringworm): A fungal infection of the scalp and hair shafts, common in children, causing scaly patches, hair loss, and sometimes inflammation.
- Androgenetic Alopecia (Male/Female Pattern Hair Loss): A common hereditary form of hair loss characterized by a receding hairline and thinning crown in men, and diffuse thinning over the top of the scalp in women.
This list is not exhaustive. For personalized advice regarding your specific dermatological condition, please consult with Dr. Caroline Horgan-Bell.
- 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.
- Diagnostic Mycology (Fungal Scrapings & Cultures): Collecting skin, hair, or nail samples to identify fungal infections through microscopic examination (e.g., KOH prep) or fungal culture.
- 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.
- Eczema (Atopic, Contact, Seborrheic Dermatitis) Management: Treatment plans for various types of chronic inflammatory skin conditions like eczema, focusing on reducing inflammation, relieving itch, restoring skin barrier function, and preventing flare-ups with topical steroids, non-steroidal topicals, phototherapy, and systemic agents including biologics.
- 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.
- 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.
- Skin Cancer Screening & Mole Mapping (Dermoscopy & Digital Monitoring): Thorough examination of the skin for suspicious lesions, including moles and other growths. Utilizes dermoscopy for enhanced visualization and may involve digital mole mapping for high-risk patients to track changes over time.
Note: This list provides a general overview of medical and potentially some cosmetic services. Treatment plans are highly individualized. Discuss with Dr. Horgan-Bell 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.
The practice is situated within the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health in London's Hyde Park, Masonville (West) neighbourhood. Patients can enjoy convenient access to the facility, which is situated near popular landmarks such as Fanshawe Conservation Area and North London Athletic Fields. Public transit options are available via the London Transit Commission (LTC), making it accessible for those using bus services. The facility is wheelchair accessible, ensuring ease of entry for patients with mobility needs. Paid parking options are conveniently located nearby, providing ample parking for visitors to the clinic.
- Are consultations and dermatological treatments with Dr. Horgan-Bell, a Dermatologist, covered by Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP) in ON?
- Medically necessary consultations with a licensed Dermatologist like Dr. Horgan-Bell, 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. Horgan-Bell'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. Horgan-Bell, 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. Horgan-Bell. 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 the general risks and benefits of cosmetic procedures Dr. Horgan-Bell might offer?
- The benefits of cosmetic procedures offered by a qualified Dermatologist like Dr. Horgan-Bell 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. Horgan-Bell 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.
- What does a Dermatologist like Dr. Horgan-Bell specialize in?
- A Dermatologist, such as Dr. Horgan-Bell, 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. Horgan-Bell offers various medical, surgical, and potentially cosmetic treatments depending on their practice focus.
Centre for Addiction and Mental Health
Room 4223, 1055 Fanshawe Park West Suite 202
London, ON N6G 0w7
Phone: (519) 641-0002 | Fax: (519) 641-0040
The facility is wheelchair accessible.
Dr. Horgan-Bell 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. Horgan-Bell 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/HorganBell-Caroline-Bernadette/0042804-56782