Dr. Jill Amy Greenspoon – Dermatologist | North York, ON

Dr. Jill Amy Greenspoon is a specialized Pediatric Dermatologist, dedicated to diagnosing and treating skin, hair, and nail conditions in infants, children, and adolescents. Practicing at McMaster Children's Hospital in North York, ON, she is a key member of the local medical community. Her practice adheres to the high standards set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO). She focuses on common and complex pediatric skin conditions, utilizing gentle and effective treatments tailored to young patients. The clinic provides a child-friendly environment and is equipped to manage the unique dermatological needs of infants, children, and adolescents.

Dr. Greenspoon graduated with a Medical Degree from Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry in Canada. She has over 6 years of experience as a Pediatric Dermatologist, practicing since 2018. She is recognized as a RCPSC Specialist by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO), ensuring her credentials meet rigorous professional standards.

Her clinical philosophy emphasizes providing gentle and effective care for children's skin conditions, with a focus on family education and support. Dr. Greenspoon is committed to creating a welcoming, child-friendly environment and collaborates closely with pediatricians and other healthcare providers to deliver comprehensive dermatological care. She provides care in English and is dedicated to serving the families of North York with compassion and expertise.

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

Common & Specific Pediatric Skin Conditions

• Diaper Dermatitis (Diaper Rash - Irritant, Allergic, Candidal): Inflammation of the skin in the diaper area, commonly caused by prolonged wetness, friction, irritants, or secondary yeast/bacterial infection.
• Infantile Seborrheic Dermatitis (Cradle Cap): A common condition in newborns and infants causing greasy, yellowish, scaly patches on the scalp, and sometimes face or skin folds.
• Pityriasis Alba: A common skin condition in children and young adults causing poorly defined, hypopigmented (lighter) scaly patches, often on the face and arms, more noticeable in darker skin types or after sun exposure.

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.
• 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.
• 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).

Inflammatory & Immune-Mediated Skin Conditions

• 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.
• Urticaria (Hives) & Angioedema: Urticaria consists of itchy welts (wheals) that can appear anywhere on the body. Angioedema is a deeper swelling, often affecting eyelids and lips. Can be acute or chronic.
• 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).

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

• Genetic Skin Disorders (Genodermatoses) Consultation & Multidisciplinary Management: Diagnosis and supportive care for inherited skin conditions in children (e.g., ichthyosis, epidermolysis bullosa), often in collaboration with geneticists and other specialists.
• Acne Treatment in Adolescents & Pre-Adolescents: Tailored acne management plans for teenage and younger patients, considering efficacy, safety, and psychosocial impact, including topical and oral therapies.
• Diaper Dermatitis (Nappy Rash) & Cradle Cap (Infantile Seborrheic Dermatitis) Management: Guidance on prevention and treatment of common infant skin conditions.
• Treatment of Common Pediatric Skin Infections (Warts, Molluscum, Impetigo, Fungal Infections): Age-appropriate management of viral (e.g., warts, molluscum), bacterial (e.g., impetigo), and fungal (e.g., tinea capitis) skin infections common in children.
• Diagnosis & Management of Atopic Dermatitis (Eczema) in Infants & Children: Specialized care for eczema in infants and children, including comprehensive education on skin care, trigger avoidance, and advanced therapies for severe cases.
• Evaluation & Management of Birthmarks (Vascular & Pigmented Nevi): Assessment, monitoring, and treatment options (e.g., laser therapy for port-wine stains, propranolol for infantile hemangiomas) for various types of birthmarks.
• Pediatric Psoriasis Management: Specialized treatment approaches for psoriasis in children, which may include topical therapies, phototherapy, and systemic medications in select cases.

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

McMaster Children's Hospital in North York is a leading medical facility situated in the areas near central North York. The hospital serves as a vital part of the local healthcare infrastructure, providing specialized pediatric services. The hospital's location is accessible via local public transit, making it convenient for families and patients traveling from various parts of the city. The facility is wheelchair accessible to accommodate all patients and visitors. Parking is available at or near the hospital, ensuring easy access for those arriving by car. The hospital’s setting combines modern medical amenities with a welcoming environment, dedicated to the care of infants, children, and adolescents in the North York area.

Are consultations and dermatological treatments with Dr. Greenspoon, a Pediatric Dermatologist, covered by Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP) in ON?

Medically necessary consultations with a licensed Pediatric Dermatologist like Dr. Greenspoon, 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. Greenspoon'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. Greenspoon, a Pediatric 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 Pediatric Dermatologist such as Dr. Greenspoon. 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. Greenspoon might offer?

The benefits of cosmetic procedures offered by a qualified Pediatric Dermatologist like Dr. Greenspoon 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. Greenspoon 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. Greenspoon, 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.

What are some common medical procedures a Dermatologist like Dr. Greenspoon performs?

Dermatologists like Dr. Greenspoon perform a variety of diagnostic and therapeutic procedures. Common medical procedures include skin biopsies (punch, shave, or excisional) to diagnose conditions, cryosurgery (freezing with liquid nitrogen) for warts or precancerous spots (actinic keratoses), surgical excision of skin cancers or benign lesions like cysts and atypical moles, intralesional injections (e.g., for keloids or alopecia areata), and prescribing specialized topical or oral medications (including biologics or immunosuppressants for complex conditions). Many dermatologists also offer phototherapy. Dr. Greenspoon can discuss specific procedures relevant to your condition and may have subspecialty interests influencing the range of procedures offered.

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

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

McMaster Children's Hospital
1390 Don Mills Road, Bld D
North York, ON M3B 0A7

Phone: (416) 244-8377 | Fax: (416) 840-3606

The facility is wheelchair accessible.

Dr. Greenspoon is a licensed Pediatric 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 or pediatrician is typically required for consultations with Dr. Greenspoon for pediatric dermatological services covered by the provincial health plan.

Verify registration with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO): https://doctors.cpso.on.ca/DoctorDetails/Greenspoon-Jill-Amy/0288957-100647