Dr. Lara Alexandra Kuritzky 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 North Vancouver, BC, 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 emphasizes patient-centered care, combining evidence-based practices with a compassionate understanding of individual concerns. The practice is committed to delivering personalized treatment in a comfortable and professional environment, utilizing modern diagnostic and therapeutic tools.
Dr. Kuritzky graduated with a Medical Degree from the University of Toronto in Canada. She holds specialty certification as a Dermatologist from the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada. Her training includes extensive residency in dermatology, enabling her to diagnose and treat a broad spectrum of skin conditions with expertise and precision. She maintains active licensure with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC), license number 68013, ensuring adherence to the highest standards of medical practice and professional ethics.
Her clinical philosophy centers on evidence-based skin care, patient education on skin health and prevention, early detection of skin cancer, and the development of individualized treatment plans. Dr. Kuritzky is dedicated to serving the North Vancouver community with a focus on accessible, comprehensive dermatological care. She is fluent in English and also speaks French, facilitating communication with a diverse patient population. Her commitment is to support patients in achieving healthy skin through ongoing education, proactive management, and compassionate care.
Dr. Lara Kuritzky 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.
- 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.
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.
- Traction Alopecia: Hair loss caused by prolonged or repetitive tension on the hair follicles, often due to tight hairstyles (braids, ponytails, extensions).
- 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.
Skin Cancers, Precancerous Lesions & Benign Growths
- 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.
- 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.
This list is not exhaustive. For personalized advice regarding your specific dermatological condition, please consult with Dr. Lara Kuritzky.
- Body Contouring & Skin Tightening (e.g., Cryolipolysis, Radiofrequency, Ultrasound): Non-invasive or minimally invasive procedures designed to reduce localized fat deposits (e.g., CoolSculpting®) or tighten lax skin on the face and body (e.g., Thermage®, Ultherapy®).
- Chemical Peels (Superficial, Medium, Deep - Glycolic, Salicylic, TCA, Phenol): Application of chemical solutions to exfoliate the skin and improve texture, tone, and appearance by treating acne, sun damage, pigmentation, and fine lines. Peel depth varies by agent and concentration.
- Phototherapy (Narrowband UVB, Broadband UVB, PUVA, Excimer Laser): Controlled administration of specific wavelengths of ultraviolet light to treat various skin conditions such as psoriasis, eczema, vitiligo, and cutaneous T-cell lymphoma.
- Diagnostic Mycology (Fungal Scrapings & Cultures): Collecting skin, hair, or nail samples to identify fungal infections through microscopic examination (e.g., KOH prep) or fungal culture.
- Mohs Micrographic Surgery for High-Risk Skin Cancers: Specialized surgical technique for removing complex or high-risk skin cancers (especially on the head, neck, hands, feet, genitals) with maximal tissue preservation by examining 100% of the surgical margin intraoperatively.
- 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.
- Hidradenitis Suppurativa Management (Medical, Interventional, Biologics): Medical (antibiotics, retinoids), interventional (incision & drainage, deroofing), and biologic therapy for a chronic inflammatory skin condition causing painful lumps, abscesses, and sinus tracts in skin folds.
Note: This list provides a general overview of medical and potentially some cosmetic services. Treatment plans are highly individualized. Discuss with Dr. Kuritzky 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. Lara Alexandra Kuritzky practices at a dermatology clinic located in a vibrant area near central North Vancouver. The clinic is easily accessible via local public transit, with bus stops conveniently nearby. The practice is situated within a modern facility close to local points of interest, making it convenient for patients to access. The facility is wheelchair accessible, ensuring comfortable access for all patients. Parking options include metered street parking and nearby parking lots, providing flexibility for those arriving by car. The surrounding neighborhood features a mix of shops, cafes, and parks, contributing to a welcoming environment for patients during their visits.
- Are consultations and dermatological treatments with Dr. Kuritzky, a Dermatologist, covered by Medical Services Plan (MSP) in BC?
- Medically necessary consultations with a licensed Dermatologist like Dr. Kuritzky, 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. Kuritzky's office or Medical Services Plan (MSP) beforehand, especially if there's a potential cosmetic component.
- Do I need a referral to see Dr. Kuritzky, 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. Kuritzky. 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.
- If Dr. Kuritzky recommends phototherapy, what does that involve?
- Phototherapy, also known as light therapy, is a medical treatment where your skin is exposed to specific wavelengths of ultraviolet (UV) light under strict medical supervision. Dr. Kuritzky might recommend it for conditions like psoriasis, eczema, vitiligo, or cutaneous T-cell lymphoma. Treatments are typically given 2-3 times a week in a specialized light cabinet or with a handheld device for smaller areas. The type of UV light (e.g., Narrowband UVB, PUVA) and treatment duration are carefully controlled. It works by reducing inflammation and slowing down the rapid growth of skin cells. You'll be given specific instructions, including eye protection.
- Dr. Kuritzky 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. Kuritzky's office or self-administered at home) or intravenous (IV) infusion. Dr. Kuritzky would discuss the specific biologic, its benefits, potential side effects, and monitoring requirements if it's a suitable option for you.
- How often should I see a Dermatologist like Dr. Kuritzky for skin cancer screening?
- The recommended frequency for skin cancer screenings by a Dermatologist like Dr. Kuritzky 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. Kuritzky 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. Kuritzky recommend?
- While specific brand recommendations can vary, Dr. Kuritzky 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. Kuritzky can provide personalized recommendations based on your skin type and lifestyle during your consultation.
- What is the difference between a Dermatologist and an Esthetician?
- A Dermatologist, like Dr. Dr. Kuritzky, 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.
138 13TH St E Unit 320
North Vancouver, BC V7L 0E5
Phone: (604) 334-9060 | Fax: (604) 398-6002
The facility is wheelchair accessible.
Dr. Kuritzky 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. Kuritzky 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/355074/Kuritzky%2CLara%20Alexandra