Dr. Julie Denise Lacroix – Dermatologist | Gatineau, QC

Dr. Julie Denise Lacroix 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 Services de santé Marleen Tassé in Gatineau, 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. Her approach is rooted in evidence-based medicine, ensuring that each patient receives personalized and effective treatment plans in a supportive environment.

Dr. Lacroix holds a Medical Degree from a recognized institution and has accumulated over 4 years of experience practicing as a Dermatologist since 2020. She has completed extensive post-graduate training and holds the necessary certifications to practice Dermatology (Comprehensive Care for Skin, Hair, and Nail Conditions) in Quebec, adhering to the high standards set by the Collège des médecins du Québec (CMQ). Her credentials reflect her commitment to ongoing professional development and excellence in dermatological care.

Her clinical philosophy emphasizes a commitment to evidence-based skin care, patient education on skin health and prevention, and the importance of early detection of skin cancers. Dr. Lacroix is dedicated to providing compassionate, individualized care to her patients in Gatineau, helping them achieve healthier skin and improved confidence. She speaks French fluently and is committed to ensuring her patients feel comfortable and well-informed throughout their treatment journey.

Dr. Julie Denise Lacroix diagnoses and treats a wide range of skin, hair, and nail conditions, including:

Inflammatory & Immune-Mediated Skin Conditions

• Dermatitis Herpetiformis: An intensely itchy, blistering rash often associated with celiac disease (gluten sensitivity), typically appearing on elbows, knees, buttocks, and scalp.
• 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).

Hair & Scalp Disorders

• Tinea Capitis (Scalp Ringworm): A fungal infection of the scalp and hair shafts, common in children, causing scaly patches, hair loss, and sometimes inflammation.
• Seborrheic Dermatitis of the Scalp (Dandruff): A common condition causing scaly patches, red skin, and stubborn dandruff on the scalp. Can also affect oily areas of the body.
• Telogen Effluvium: A type of temporary, diffuse hair shedding often triggered by significant stress, illness, surgery, nutritional deficiencies, or hormonal changes (e.g., postpartum).

Nail Disorders (Onychopathies)

• Ingrown Toenails (Onychocryptosis): A condition where the corner or side of a toenail grows into the soft flesh, causing pain, redness, swelling, and potential infection.
• 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. Julie Denise Lacroix.

• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.

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

Services de santé Marleen Tassé is situated in Gatineau's Hull Sector North (Parc de la Montagne, Wrightville) neighbourhood, within the vibrant community of Gatineau, QC. The clinic is conveniently located in the vicinity of Federal Government Buildings (Place du Portage), making it accessible for working professionals and residents alike. Public transit options include services operated by the Société de transport de l'Outaouais (STO), which includes the Rapibus BRT system, providing easy access from various parts of Gatineau and Ottawa. The facility is wheelchair accessible, ensuring barrier-free access for patients with mobility needs. Parking is available with metered street parking and nearby lots, offering flexibility for patients arriving by car. The practice aims to deliver high-quality dermatological care in a welcoming and accessible setting.

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

Medically necessary consultations with a licensed Dermatologist like Dr. Lacroix, 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. Lacroix'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. Lacroix, 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. Lacroix. 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. Lacroix for skin cancer screening?

The recommended frequency for skin cancer screenings by a Dermatologist like Dr. Lacroix 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. Lacroix 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 kind of sunscreen does Dr. Lacroix recommend?

While specific brand recommendations can vary, Dr. Lacroix 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. Lacroix can provide personalized recommendations based on your skin type and lifestyle during your consultation.

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

The benefits of cosmetic procedures offered by a qualified Dermatologist like Dr. Lacroix 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. Lacroix 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 does a Dermatologist like Dr. Lacroix specialize in?

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

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

A referral to a Dermatologist like Dr. Lacroix 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.

Services de santé Marleen Tassé
1171 boul Saint-Joseph
Gatineau, QC J8Z 2C3

Phone: (819) 595-0790

The facility is wheelchair accessible.

Dr. Lacroix 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. Lacroix 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=20708