Dr. Francine Cardinal – Dermatologist | La Prairie, QC

Dr. Francine Cardinal is a dedicated Dermatologist practicing at COOP Santé Laprairie in La Prairie, QC. She specializes in the diagnosis and management of a broad spectrum of skin, hair, and nail conditions in adult patients, and may also see older children for specific dermatological concerns. Her practice is committed to providing comprehensive medical and surgical dermatological care, adhering to the high standards set by the Collège des médecins du Québec (CMQ). With a focus on delivering evidence-based treatments within a supportive environment, Dr. Cardinal utilizes modern diagnostic tools and therapeutic techniques to ensure optimal patient outcomes.

Dr. Cardinal holds a Medical Degree from a recognized institution and has accumulated over 29 years of experience as a Dermatologist since 1995. She has completed extensive postgraduate training and holds the necessary certifications to practice dermatology in Quebec, including the specialized role in Comprehensive Care for Skin, Hair, and Nail Conditions, authorized by the CMQ. Her expertise encompasses a wide range of dermatological issues, from common skin rashes to complex skin cancers and cosmetic concerns.

Her clinical philosophy centers on evidence-based skin care, patient education on skin health and prevention, early detection of skin cancer, and personalized treatment planning. Dr. Cardinal is dedicated to serving her patients in La Prairie with compassion and professionalism. She communicates fluently in French and is committed to improving her patients’ skin health and confidence through tailored, effective care.

Dr. Francine Cardinal 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.
• 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.

Skin Cancers, Precancerous Lesions & Benign Growths

• Lipomas: Benign tumors composed of fat tissue, usually soft, movable, and painless, located just beneath the skin.
• Actinic Keratosis (Solar Keratosis): A rough, scaly patch on sun-exposed skin that is considered precancerous and can sometimes progress to squamous cell carcinoma if left untreated.
• Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC): The most common type of skin cancer, typically slow-growing and arising from sun-exposed skin, appearing as a pearly or waxy bump, flat flesh-colored or brown scar-like lesion, or a bleeding/scabbing sore.

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.
• Nail Unit Tumors (Benign & Malignant): Various growths that can occur in or around the nail unit, including benign (e.g., glomus tumor, myxoid cyst) and malignant (e.g., squamous cell carcinoma, melanoma) tumors.

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

• Laser & Light-Based Treatments (IPL, Fractional Lasers, Ablative/Non-Ablative Resurfacing, Vascular Lasers, Pigment Lasers): Utilizing various laser (e.g., CO2, Erbium, Pulsed Dye, Nd:YAG, Alexandrite, Picosecond) and Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) technologies for skin rejuvenation, wrinkle reduction, scar improvement, hair removal, treatment of vascular lesions (e.g., spider veins, rosacea, port-wine stains), and pigmented lesions (e.g., sun spots, tattoo removal).
• Teledermatology Consultations (for select conditions & follow-ups): Remote dermatological consultations using secure digital imaging and communication technologies for initial assessment of certain conditions or for follow-up care, enhancing accessibility.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• Hyperhidrosis (Excessive Sweating) Treatment (Topical, Oral, Botulinum Toxin): Management options for excessive sweating of the underarms, palms, or soles, including prescription antiperspirants, oral medications, and botulinum toxin injections.
• 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.

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

COOP Santé Laprairie is situated in the vibrant area near central La Prairie, offering easy access for residents and visitors alike. The practice is conveniently located close to local points of interest, with excellent connectivity via local public transit. The facility is wheelchair accessible, ensuring comfort and ease of access for all patients. Paid parking options are conveniently located nearby, making your visit hassle-free. The practice’s setting fosters a welcoming environment where patients can receive attentive and comprehensive dermatological care in a modern, accessible facility.

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

Medically necessary consultations with a licensed Dermatologist like Dr. Cardinal, 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. Cardinal'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. Cardinal, 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. Cardinal. 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.

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

When should someone consider seeing a Dermatologist like Dr. Cardinal?

A referral to a Dermatologist like Dr. Cardinal is often recommended by a family physician for: any new or changing moles or skin growths; persistent or severe skin rashes (e.g., eczema, psoriasis) not responding to initial treatments; severe or cystic acne; chronic hives; significant hair loss or scalp disorders; problematic nail conditions (e.g., persistent fungal infections, unusual changes); suspected skin infections; or for expert skin cancer screening, especially if you have risk factors like a personal or family history of skin cancer, numerous moles, or significant sun exposure. Early consultation can be key for effective management and diagnosis.

What is the difference between a Dermatologist and an Esthetician?

A Dermatologist, like Dr. Cardinal, 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 often should I see a Dermatologist like Dr. Cardinal for skin cancer screening?

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

COOP Santé Laprairie
675 ch Saint-Jean
La Prairie, QC J5R 2L2

Phone: (450) 444-2002 | Fax: (450) 444-4920

The facility is wheelchair accessible.

Dr. Cardinal 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. Cardinal 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=95213