Dr. Christopher Simon Sladden – Dermatologist | Courtenay, BC

Dr. Christopher Simon Sladden 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 a dermatology clinic in Courtenay, BC, 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 warm, professional environment, utilizing modern diagnostic and therapeutic tools to support optimal patient outcomes.

He graduated with a MB BCh from the University of Wales in the United Kingdom and holds specialty certification as a Dermatologist. Dr. Sladden has obtained certifications including from the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada, as well as certification in the College of Family Physicians of Canada, ensuring his adherence to the highest standards of medical practice and continuous professional development.

Dr. Sladden's clinical philosophy centers on providing patient-centered, evidence-based skin care, emphasizing patient education on skin health, prevention, and early detection of skin cancer. He is dedicated to offering personalized treatment plans tailored to each patient's unique needs. Fluent in English, he strives to serve the Courtenay community with compassion, expertise, and a commitment to the highest standards of dermatological care.

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

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.
• 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.

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.
• Psoriasis (Plaque, Guttate, Inverse, Pustular, Erythrodermic): An autoimmune disease characterized by patches of abnormal skin that are typically red, itchy, and scaly due to rapid skin cell turnover. Can also affect nails and joints (psoriatic arthritis).

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.
• Nail Psoriasis: Psoriasis affecting the fingernails and toenails, causing pitting, discoloration (oil drop sign), thickening, onycholysis (separation from bed), and subungual hyperkeratosis.
• 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).

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

• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• Patch Testing for Allergic Contact Dermatitis (Standard & Expanded Panels): Diagnostic procedure to identify specific allergens causing contact dermatitis by applying small amounts of common (and sometimes occupational or specialized) allergens to the skin.
• 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.
• Scar Revision Surgery & Keloid Treatment (Surgical, Intralesional Injections): Procedures to improve the appearance of scars or treat problematic keloid scars, which may involve surgical excision, steroid injections, or other modalities.

Note: This list provides a general overview of medical and potentially some cosmetic services. Treatment plans are highly individualized. Discuss with Dr. Sladden 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 British Columbia (CPSBC) and relevant dermatological care guidelines. Contact the clinic or your referring physician regarding new patient intake and referral processes.

Dr. Sladden practices at a dermatology clinic situated within a modern healthcare facility in Courtenay, BC, located in the vibrant neighborhood of Courtenay City, Comox, Cumberland, Rural Comox Valley. The clinic is conveniently accessible from Downtown Courtenay and is near notable landmarks such as the Courtenay & District Museum & Palaeontology Centre. Public transit options are available via the Comox Valley Transit System (BC Transit), making it easy for patients to reach the clinic. The facility is wheelchair accessible, ensuring ease of access for individuals with mobility needs. Parking is available at or near the facility, providing convenient options for patients arriving by car.

Are consultations and dermatological treatments with Dr. Sladden, a Dermatologist, covered by Medical Services Plan (MSP) in BC?

Medically necessary consultations with a licensed Dermatologist like Dr. Sladden, 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 Medical Services Plan (MSP) in BC 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. Sladden's office or Medical Services Plan (MSP) beforehand, especially if there's a potential cosmetic component.

Do I need a referral to see Dr. Sladden, 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. Sladden. 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 kind of sunscreen does Dr. Sladden recommend?

While specific brand recommendations can vary, Dr. Sladden would likely advise choosing a broad-spectrum sunscreen that protects against both UVA and UVB rays, with an SPF (Sun Protection Factor) of 30 or higher. For daily use, a lighter formulation might be preferred, while for prolonged outdoor activities, water-resistant sunscreen is important. Consider your skin type: individuals with sensitive skin might prefer mineral-based sunscreens containing zinc oxide or titanium dioxide. The most important thing is to apply sunscreen generously and reapply it every two hours, or more often if swimming or sweating. Dr. Sladden can provide personalized recommendations based on your skin type and lifestyle during your consultation.

How often should I see a Dermatologist like Dr. Sladden for skin cancer screening?

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

What does a Dermatologist like Dr. Sladden specialize in?

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

What are the general risks and benefits of cosmetic procedures Dr. Sladden might offer?

The benefits of cosmetic procedures offered by a qualified Dermatologist like Dr. Sladden 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. Sladden 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 is the difference between a Dermatologist and an Esthetician?

A Dermatologist, like Dr. Sladden, 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.

201-1350 England Ave, Courtenay Medical Associates
Courtenay, BC V9N 8X6

Phone: (250) 334-4411 | Fax: (250) 338-1245

The facility is wheelchair accessible.

Dr. Sladden is a licensed Dermatologist regulated by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC) under the Health Professions Act in BC. A referral from a family physician is typically required for consultations with Dr. Sladden 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 British Columbia (CPSBC): https://www.cpsbc.ca/public/registrant-directory/search-result/325235/Sladden%2CChristopher