Dr. Maryam Shayesteh Alam – Dermatologist | Barrie, ON

Dr. Maryam Shayesteh Alam is a dedicated Dermatologist practicing in Barrie, ON, with a focus on diagnosing and treating a broad spectrum of conditions affecting the skin, hair, and nails in adult patients. She may also see older children for certain dermatological concerns. She provides comprehensive medical and surgical dermatological care in accordance with the standards set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO). Her practice emphasizes evidence-based approaches to skin health, ensuring each patient receives personalized, effective treatment in a professional and compassionate environment. Dr. Alam's expertise encompasses a wide array of conditions, including acne, eczema, psoriasis, and skin cancer detection, utilizing modern diagnostic tools and therapeutic options to optimize patient outcomes.

She graduated with a Medical Degree from Tehran University of Medical Sciences School of Medicine in Iran and has over 16 years of experience as a Dermatologist since 2008. Dr. Alam is recognized as a Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada (RCPSC) Specialist by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO), affirming her commitment to maintaining high standards of dermatological care. Her extensive training and clinical experience enable her to deliver expert dermatological services tailored to each patient's unique needs.

Dr. Alam is dedicated to promoting skin health through patient education on prevention, early detection of skin cancers, and personalized treatment plans. She emphasizes a holistic approach to dermatology, combining clinical expertise with compassionate patient care. Fluent in English and Farsi, she strives to ensure clear communication and understanding with all her patients in Barrie, fostering a trusting doctor-patient relationship that supports optimal skin health and well-being.

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

Acne, Rosacea & Follicular Disorders

• 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).
• Acne Scars (Atrophic, Hypertrophic, Keloidal): Permanent textural changes and indentations (atrophic), raised scars (hypertrophic), or overgrown scars (keloidal) that can result from severe or picked acne.

Inflammatory & Immune-Mediated Skin Conditions

• Eczema (Atopic, Contact, Seborrheic, Discoid, Asteatotic): A group of chronic conditions causing itchy, inflamed, and often dry skin. Types vary in appearance and common locations, triggered by genetics, allergens, irritants, or other factors.
• 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.
• 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)

• 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.

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

• Botulinum Toxin Injections (e.g., Botox®, Dysport®, Xeomin®) for Wrinkles & Hyperhidrosis: Injectable treatments to temporarily relax facial muscles and reduce dynamic wrinkles (e.g., frown lines, crow's feet, forehead lines), or to treat excessive sweating (hyperhidrosis).
• Surgical Excision of Skin Cancers (Melanoma, Basal Cell Carcinoma, Squamous Cell Carcinoma) with Margin Control: Complete surgical removal of malignant skin tumors with appropriate microscopic or clinical margins to ensure clearance, often followed by reconstructive closure.
• 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.
• Nail Surgery (e.g., Ingrown Toenail Removal/Matrixectomy, Nail Biopsy, Tumor Excision): Surgical procedures to treat painful or diseased nails, including permanent correction of ingrown toenails or removal of nail unit tumors.
• 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.
• Scar Revision Surgery & Keloid Treatment (Surgical, Intralesional Injections): Procedures to improve the appearance of scars or treat problematic keloid scars, which may involve surgical excision, steroid injections, or other modalities.
• 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.

Note: This list provides a general overview of medical and potentially some cosmetic services. Treatment plans are highly individualized. Discuss with Dr. Alam 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. Alam practices at a dermatology clinic located in Barrie's Downtown Barrie, East Bayfield neighborhood. The facility is conveniently situated near the Five Points Theatre and is accessible via Barrie Transit public transportation. The clinic is wheelchair accessible, ensuring ease of access for all patients. Metered street parking and nearby parking lots are available to accommodate visitors. The practice is committed to providing accessible, patient-centered dermatological care in a welcoming environment.

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

Medically necessary consultations with a licensed Dermatologist like Dr. Alam, 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. Alam'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. Alam, 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. Alam. 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 does a Dermatologist like Dr. Alam specialize in?

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

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

Dermatologists like Dr. Alam 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. Alam can discuss specific procedures relevant to your condition and may have subspecialty interests influencing the range of procedures offered.

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

The benefits of cosmetic procedures offered by a qualified Dermatologist like Dr. Alam 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. Alam 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.

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

The recommended frequency for skin cancer screenings by a Dermatologist like Dr. Alam 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. Alam 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. Alam recommend?

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

Suite 404, 105 - 5 Quarry Ridge Road
Barrie, ON L4M 7G1

Phone: (705) 503-6333 | Fax: (705) 503-6330

The facility is wheelchair accessible.

Dr. Alam 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. Alam 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/Shayesteh-Alam-Maryam/0233471-85096