About
Dr. Howard Yanofsky 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 Toronto, ON, 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 adheres to the high standards set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO), ensuring that patients receive safe, effective, and evidence-based care in a supportive environment.
Dr. Yanofsky graduated with a Medical Degree from McGill University Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences in Canada. With over 47 years of experience as a Dermatologist since 1977, he has developed extensive expertise in skin care. He is recognized as a RCPSC Specialist by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO), reflecting his commitment to maintaining professional standards and ongoing medical education in dermatology.
Guided by a philosophy of evidence-based skin care, Dr. Yanofsky emphasizes patient education on skin health and prevention strategies. He is committed to early detection of skin cancer through thorough examinations and personalized screening plans. Dedicated to serving the Toronto community, he speaks both English and French, ensuring clear communication and compassionate care tailored to each patient's needs.
Dr. Howard Yanofsky 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.
- 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).
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.
- 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).
- 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.
Skin Cancers, Precancerous Lesions & Benign Growths
- Skin Cysts (Epidermoid, Pilar, Sebaceous): Benign, sac-like growths under the skin containing fluid or semi-solid material. May become inflamed or infected and sometimes require removal.
- 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.
- 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.
This list is not exhaustive. For personalized advice regarding your specific dermatological condition, please consult with Dr. Howard Yanofsky.
- Comprehensive Dermatological Consultation & Full Body Skin Examination: In-depth assessment of conditions affecting the skin, hair, and nails, including review of medical history, complete skin examination (including scalp, nails, and mucous membranes), diagnostic testing, and personalized treatment planning.
- 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.
- Cryosurgery (Liquid Nitrogen Treatment for Pre-cancers & Benign Lesions): Application of extreme cold (liquid nitrogen) to destroy benign (e.g., warts, seborrheic keratoses) or precancerous skin lesions (e.g., actinic keratoses).
- 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.
- 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.
- Cosmetic Mole Removal & Skin Tag Removal: Removal of benign moles or skin tags for aesthetic reasons, typically after dermatoscopic confirmation that the lesion is not suspicious for cancer.
- Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) Therapy (for Skin Rejuvenation & Hair Loss): Utilizing a concentration of a patient's own platelets to promote tissue repair and regeneration, used for facial rejuvenation (e.g., with microneedling) and to stimulate hair growth in certain types of alopecia.
Note: This list provides a general overview of medical and potentially some cosmetic services. Treatment plans are highly individualized. Discuss with Dr. Yanofsky 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.
Dr. Yanofsky's practice is situated within a modern dermatology clinic located in the vibrant neighbourhood of Bathurst Manor, Wilson Heights, and Downsview North in Toronto. The facility is conveniently accessible via public transit, with TTC (Subway, Streetcar, Bus) options nearby, making it easy for patients to reach from various parts of the city. The location is close to notable landmarks such as Spadina House and Chinatown, offering a culturally rich environment. The clinic is fully wheelchair accessible to accommodate patients with mobility needs. Parking is available through metered street parking and nearby parking lots, ensuring convenience for those arriving by car.
- Are consultations and dermatological treatments with Dr. Yanofsky, a Dermatologist, covered by Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP) in ON?
- Medically necessary consultations with a licensed Dermatologist like Dr. Yanofsky, 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. Yanofsky'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. Yanofsky, 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. Yanofsky. 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.
- How often should I see a Dermatologist like Dr. Yanofsky for skin cancer screening?
- The recommended frequency for skin cancer screenings by a Dermatologist like Dr. Yanofsky 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. Yanofsky 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 are the general risks and benefits of cosmetic procedures Dr. Yanofsky might offer?
- The benefits of cosmetic procedures offered by a qualified Dermatologist like Dr. Yanofsky 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. Yanofsky 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.
4256 Bathurst Street
Toronto, ON M3H 5Y8
Phone: (416) 633-0001
The facility is wheelchair accessible.
Dr. Yanofsky 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. Yanofsky 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/Yanofsky-Howard/0047985-61963
