Dr. Lauren Elizabeth LaBerge – Dermatologist | Ottawa, ON

Dr. Lauren Elizabeth LaBerge 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 Women's College Hospital in Ottawa, ON, 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 evidence-based care delivered in a comfortable, professional environment, utilizing modern diagnostic and therapeutic equipment to ensure optimal patient outcomes.

Dr. LaBerge graduated with a Medical Degree from the University of Ottawa (Canada) and has over 12 years of experience practicing as a Dermatologist since 2012. She is recognized as a RCPSC Specialist by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO), holding license number 86862. Her extensive training, certifications, and commitment to ongoing professional development enable her to provide high-quality dermatological services tailored to each patient's needs.

Her clinical philosophy centers on a commitment to evidence-based skin care, patient education on skin health and prevention, early detection of skin cancer, and creating personalized treatment plans. Dr. LaBerge is dedicated to serving the Ottawa community with compassionate, patient-focused care. Fluent in both English and French, she strives to foster clear communication and trust with her patients, helping them understand their conditions and treatment options thoroughly.

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

Inflammatory & Immune-Mediated Skin Conditions

• 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.
• Lichen Planus: An inflammatory condition that can affect the skin, hair, nails, and mucous membranes (mouth, genitals), causing purplish, itchy, flat-topped bumps on the skin or lacy white patches in the mouth.

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.
• Lichen Planus of the Nails: Nail involvement in lichen planus, which can cause thinning, ridging, splitting, pterygium formation (scarring from nail fold to bed), or even nail loss.
• 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.

Skin Cancers, Precancerous Lesions & Benign Growths

• 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.
• Melanoma: The most serious type of skin cancer, developing in melanocytes. Early detection is crucial. Look for asymmetry, irregular borders, color variation, diameter >6mm, and evolving moles (ABCDEs).

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

• 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.
• Excision of Benign Lesions (Moles/Nevi, Cysts, Lipomas, Skin Tags, Seborrheic Keratoses): Surgical removal of non-cancerous skin growths for medical reasons (e.g., irritation, inflammation) or cosmetic purposes, with pathological examination if indicated.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.

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

Women's College Hospital in Ottawa's Highland Park, Carlingwood West neighborhood serves as a key medical facility with a dedicated dermatology unit. The hospital is conveniently situated near landmarks such as the Supreme Court of Canada and Library and Archives Canada. Accessible via OC Transpo (O-Train LRT, Bus), the facility is wheelchair accessible and designed to accommodate patients with mobility needs. Paid parking options are conveniently located nearby, ensuring easy access for patients attending appointments. The hospital's dermatology department is committed to providing excellent care in an accessible and welcoming environment.

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

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

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

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

A referral to a Dermatologist like Dr. LaBerge 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.

Women's College Hospital
4th floor, 770 Broadview Avenue
Ottawa, ON K2A 3Z3

Phone: (613) 680-9092 | Fax: (613) 680-9093

The facility is wheelchair accessible.

Dr. LaBerge 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. LaBerge 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/LaBerge-Lauren-Elizabeth/0243259-86862