Dr. Michael Terrance Connolly – Dermatologist | Niagara Falls, ON

Dr. Michael Terrance Connolly is a specialized Pediatric Dermatologist, dedicated to diagnosing and treating skin, hair, and nail conditions in infants, children, and adolescents. Practicing at the Hospital For Sick Children in Niagara Falls, ON, he is a key member of the local medical community. His practice adheres strictly to the standards set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO). Dr. Connolly 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.

He completed his medical education with a Medical Degree from Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry in Canada. With over 45 years of experience as a Pediatric Dermatologist since 1979, Dr. Connolly brings extensive expertise to his practice. He is recognized as a RCPSC Specialist by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO), ensuring his adherence to the highest standards of dermatological care.

Dr. Connolly's clinical philosophy emphasizes providing gentle and effective care for children's skin conditions, coupled with family education and support. He strives to create a welcoming, child-friendly environment where young patients feel comfortable. Collaborating closely with pediatricians and other healthcare providers in Niagara Falls, Dr. Connolly is committed to delivering comprehensive dermatological care in English, tailored to the needs of each patient and their family.

Dr. Michael Connolly 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 Hemangiomas & Other Vascular Birthmarks: Common benign vascular tumors of infancy (strawberry marks) that grow rapidly then involute. Other vascular birthmarks include port-wine stains and salmon patches. May require treatment if functionally impairing or disfiguring.
• Atopic Dermatitis (Eczema) in Infants & Children: A very common itchy skin rash in young children, often appearing on the face, scalp, and outer surfaces of limbs, requiring careful management of triggers and skin barrier.

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.
• 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.
• Keratosis Pilaris: A common, harmless condition causing small, rough bumps on the skin, usually on the upper arms, thighs, cheeks, or buttocks, due to keratin buildup in hair follicles.

Skin Infections & Infestations

• Warts (Common, Plantar, Flat, Genital): Benign skin growths caused by various strains of the human papillomavirus (HPV), differing in appearance and location.
• Head Lice (Pediculosis Capitis): Infestation of the scalp by tiny parasitic insects, causing itching and visible nits (eggs) attached to hair shafts.
• Molluscum Contagiosum: A viral skin infection resulting in small, firm, dome-shaped, pearly bumps with a central dimple, common in children and sexually active adults, or immunocompromised individuals.

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

• 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.
• 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.
• Diaper Dermatitis (Nappy Rash) & Cradle Cap (Infantile Seborrheic Dermatitis) Management: Guidance on prevention and treatment of common infant skin conditions.
• Pediatric Psoriasis Management: Specialized treatment approaches for psoriasis in children, which may include topical therapies, phototherapy, and systemic medications in select 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.
• 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.

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

Hospital For Sick Children in Niagara Falls, located in the South End (Lundy's Lane West area) neighborhood, serves as a specialized medical hub within the larger hospital setting. The facility offers convenient access via the QEW highway, making it accessible for patients traveling from various regions. Public transit options include Niagara Region Transit (NRT), providing reliable transportation to the hospital. The practice is committed to accessibility; the facility is wheelchair accessible, ensuring ease of entry and movement for all patients. Ample parking is available nearby, with metered street parking and additional parking lots within walking distance, facilitating easy arrival for families seeking pediatric dermatological care in a supportive environment.

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

Medically necessary consultations with a licensed Pediatric Dermatologist like Dr. Connolly, 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. Connolly'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. Connolly, 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. Connolly. 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 Pediatric Dermatologist like Dr. Connolly specialize in?

A Pediatric Dermatologist, such as Dr. Connolly, 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. He is a Pediatric Dermatologist, focusing on dermatological conditions in children and adolescents. Dr. Connolly offers various medical, surgical, and potentially cosmetic treatments depending on their practice focus.

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

The recommended frequency for skin cancer screenings by a Pediatric Dermatologist like Dr. Connolly 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. Connolly 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 are some common medical procedures a Dermatologist like Dr. Connolly performs?

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

How should I prepare for my first dermatology appointment with Dr. Connolly?

To make the most of your first visit with Dr. Connolly, it's helpful to: 1. Make a list of your skin concerns, symptoms (e.g., itch, pain, duration), and any treatments you've already tried (both prescription and over-the-counter). 2. Bring a list of all your current medications, including vitamins and supplements. 3. Be prepared to discuss your personal and family medical history, including any history of skin cancer or significant skin conditions. 4. For a full skin exam, it's best to wear loose, comfortable clothing that is easy to remove and avoid wearing makeup or nail polish. 5. If your concern involves a rash that comes and goes, taking clear photos when it's visible can be very helpful. 6. Write down any questions you have for Dr. Connolly.

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

A referral to a Dermatologist like Dr. Connolly 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.

Hospital For Sick Children
Room 5428, 6684 January Drive
Niagara Falls, ON L2J 4J4

Phone: (905) 354-0871

The facility is wheelchair accessible.

Dr. Connolly 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. Connolly 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/Connolly-Michael-Terrance/0018168-22954