Dr. Catherine Cameron McCuaig – Dermatologist | Montréal, QC

Dr. Catherine Cameron McCuaig 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 Hôpital Sainte-Justine, Dermatologie in Montréal, 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, adhering to the high standards set by the Collège des médecins du Québec (CMQ). Her practice is committed to delivering evidence-based dermatological care in a welcoming and professional environment, utilizing modern diagnostic tools and therapeutic options.

Dr. McCuaig holds a Medical Degree from a recognized institution and has accumulated over 37 years of experience as a Dermatologist since 1987. She has completed extensive postgraduate training in dermatology and holds the necessary certifications to practice in Quebec, ensuring her expertise aligns with provincial standards and best practices for comprehensive skin, hair, and nail 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 patient's unique needs. She is dedicated to providing quality care to her patients in Montréal, speaking both French and English to facilitate clear communication and patient understanding.

Dr. Catherine Cameron McCuaig diagnoses and treats a wide range of skin, hair, and nail conditions, including:

Acne, Rosacea & Follicular Disorders

• Keratosis Pilaris: A common, harmless condition causing small, rough bumps on the skin, usually on the upper arms, thighs, cheeks, or buttocks, due to keratin buildup in hair follicles.
• Folliculitis (Bacterial, Fungal, Non-infectious): Inflammation of hair follicles, often caused by infection (e.g., Staph aureus, Malassezia) or irritation, leading to itchy or painful bumps, sometimes with pustules.
• Hormonal Acne / Adult Female Acne: Acne linked to fluctuations in hormones, often presenting in adult women along the jawline, chin, and neck, and may persist beyond teenage years.

Nail Disorders (Onychopathies)

• Beau's Lines & Other Nail Dystrophies: Transverse depressions in the nails (Beau's lines) or other changes in nail texture or appearance that can indicate systemic illness, trauma, or nutritional deficiencies.
• 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.
• Nail Psoriasis: Psoriasis affecting the fingernails and toenails, causing pitting, discoloration (oil drop sign), thickening, onycholysis (separation from bed), and subungual hyperkeratosis.

Hair & Scalp Disorders

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

This list is not exhaustive. For personalized advice regarding your specific dermatological condition, please consult with Dr. Catherine Cameron McCuaig.

• 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.
• 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.
• Cyst Excision and Drainage of Abscesses: Surgical removal of various types of skin cysts (e.g., epidermoid, pilar) and incision and drainage for skin abscesses.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.

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

Hôpital Sainte-Justine, Dermatologie is situated in Montréal's Côte-des-Neiges Central (UdeM area) neighbourhood, within a major medical facility dedicated to pediatric and adult dermatological care. The clinic is conveniently located near cultural landmarks such as the Musée des beaux-arts de Montréal and Parc Lafontaine Access. Easily accessible via Société de transport de Montréal (STM) public transit options, including Métro and Bus routes, the facility is wheelchair accessible to accommodate all patients. Paid parking options are conveniently located nearby, ensuring ease of access for patients arriving by car. The setting is designed to serve as a key dermatology unit within the hospital, offering specialized care in a comfortable, accessible environment.

Are consultations and dermatological treatments with Dr. McCuaig, a Dermatologist, covered by Régie de l'assurance maladie du Québec (RAMQ) in QC?

Medically necessary consultations with a licensed Dermatologist like Dr. McCuaig, 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. McCuaig'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. McCuaig, 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. McCuaig. 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. McCuaig specialize in?

A Dermatologist, such as Dr. McCuaig, 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. McCuaig offers various medical, surgical, and potentially cosmetic treatments depending on their practice focus.

What is the difference between a Dermatologist and an Esthetician?

A Dermatologist, like Dr. McCuaig, 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.

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

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

Dr. McCuaig 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. McCuaig's office or self-administered at home) or intravenous (IV) infusion. Dr. McCuaig would discuss the specific biologic, its benefits, potential side effects, and monitoring requirements if it's a suitable option for you.

Hôpital Sainte-Justine, Dermatologie
3175 ch de la Côte-Sainte-Catherine
Montréal, QC H3T 1C5

Phone: (514) 345-4931 | Fax: (514) 345-2134

The facility is wheelchair accessible.

Dr. McCuaig 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. McCuaig 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=85533