Dr. Nowell Jay Solish – Dermatologist | Toronto, ON

Dr. Nowell Jay Solish 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 Ottawa General Hospital in Toronto, ON, he is a key member of the local medical community. He provides comprehensive medical and surgical dermatological care for a broad spectrum of skin, hair, and nail conditions, including acne, eczema, psoriasis, and skin cancer detection. His approach emphasizes evidence-based practices within a professional and compassionate environment, ensuring each patient receives personalized attention and effective treatment plans.

He graduated with a Medical Degree from the University of Toronto in Canada and has been practicing as a Dermatologist since 1994, bringing over 30 years of clinical experience. Dr. Solish is recognized as a RCPSC Specialist by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO), holding license number 62353. His extensive training and ongoing professional development enable him to stay at the forefront of dermatological advancements, providing patients with the latest and most effective therapies.

Dr. Solish's clinical philosophy centers on delivering patient-centered care through a commitment to evidence-based skin health management, patient education, and early detection of skin cancers. He strives to build trust and rapport with his patients in Toronto, offering clear communication and tailored treatment strategies. Fluent in English, he is dedicated to improving skin health and quality of life for his community through compassionate and comprehensive dermatological services.

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

Inflammatory & Immune-Mediated Skin Conditions

• 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).
• 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.

Skin Cancers, Precancerous Lesions & Benign Growths

• Dysplastic Nevi (Atypical Moles): Moles that look different from common moles (larger, irregular borders, varied color) and may have a higher risk of developing into melanoma. Often require monitoring or biopsy.
• 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.

Acne, Rosacea & Follicular Disorders

• Hormonal Acne / Adult Female Acne: Acne linked to fluctuations in hormones, often presenting in adult women along the jawline, chin, and neck, and may persist beyond teenage years.
• 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.

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

• Interpretation of Dermatopathology Reports & Second Opinions: Expert analysis of skin biopsy results to confirm diagnoses, guide treatment strategies, and provide second opinions on complex dermatopathology cases.
• 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.
• 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.
• Acne Vulgaris & Acne Rosacea Treatment (Topical, Oral, Systemic, including Isotretinoin): Management of acne and rosacea, including blackheads, whiteheads, pimples, cysts, and facial redness, using a range of treatments from topical creams and gels to oral antibiotics, hormonal therapies, and isotretinoin for severe or recalcitrant acne.
• 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.
• 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.
• Laser & Light-Based Treatments (IPL, Fractional Lasers, Ablative/Non-Ablative Resurfacing, Vascular Lasers, Pigment Lasers): Utilizing various laser (e.g., CO2, Erbium, Pulsed Dye, Nd:YAG, Alexandrite, Picosecond) and Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) technologies for skin rejuvenation, wrinkle reduction, scar improvement, hair removal, treatment of vascular lesions (e.g., spider veins, rosacea, port-wine stains), and pigmented lesions (e.g., sun spots, tattoo removal).

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

Ottawa General Hospital, located within Toronto's University of Toronto, Harbord neighbourhood, serves as a vital medical facility specializing in dermatological services. The practice is situated in a central area accessible via TTC (Subway, Streetcar, Bus), with the facility being wheelchair accessible to accommodate all patients. Public parking options include metered street parking and nearby lots. The hospital's dermatology unit is a key component of the hospital's comprehensive healthcare offerings, providing advanced diagnostic and treatment services in a modern, patient-friendly environment. Patients visiting the clinic can enjoy proximity to the Metro Toronto Convention Centre and CN Tower, making it conveniently situated for both local residents and visitors seeking expert skin care.

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

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

A Dermatologist, such as Dr. Solish, 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 Dermatologist specializing in the comprehensive medical and surgical care of skin, hair, and nail conditions. Dr. Solish offers various medical, surgical, and potentially cosmetic treatments depending on their practice focus.

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

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

If Dr. Solish 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. Solish 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.

When should someone consider seeing a Dermatologist like Dr. {provider_name_doctor_last}?

A referral to a Dermatologist like Dr. Dr. Solish 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.

Ottawa General Hospital
76 Grenville Street
Toronto, ON M5S 1B2

Phone: (416) 323-7732 | Fax: (416) 323-6306

The facility is wheelchair accessible.

Dr. Solish 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. Solish 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/Solish-Nowell-Jay/0048375-62353